ON B. JACOBUS THE VENETIAN OF THE ORDER OF FRIARS PREACHERS AT FORLI IN ROMAGNA OF ITALY PROVINCE.
YEAR MCCCXIV
PREVIOUS COMMENTARY.
On the cult often approved and increased by the Apostolic See, and the Life written by a contemporary, and its various translation and epitome.
Jacobus the Venetian, of the Order of Preachers, at Forli in Romagna (B.)
BY THE AUTHOR D. P.
[1] Blessed Jacobus, an illustrious Confessor in Italy of the Dominican Order, some by surname Venetian, others Salomonius call: Venetian from Venice, his native city; but from his paternal noble there family of the Salomonii, Salomonius. The chronotaxis of his life, that it even at the very threshold, Chronotaxis of B. Jacobus's life, which we prepare for the Acts, may at the same time fall under the Reader's eye, is of this sort. He was born at Venice in the year from the Nativity of Christ MCCXXXI, and there in the year seventeenth after, that is MCCXLVIII into the Religious S. Dominic family received, he passed eighteen years. After these, in the year namely MCCLXIX, to avoid the troublesome custom of his relatives, with seat changed, into the Forlivian Convent he migrated: where the rest of his age's years (if you except six, in which by interval he held the Prefecture among his own at Ravenna, Faenza, and San Severino, but vicariously), altogether sixty-six years in Regular discipline he consumed, and died in his eighty-third year, of Christ MCCCXIV. Buried, and before and after death by wrought miracles bright, of best marble a worked mausoleum at Forli, with this inscription the Venetians erected:
This tomb preserves Brother Jacobus in marble, Whom the heap of virtues gives to you Livia as Father. epitaph. Glory who to the Venetians, descendants is born: By virginal merits the world has merited heavenly things. Of him Dominic, Peter, Thomas of the kindly Order Rejoice, that with their companion psalms are sung in the heavens. Cancers, gouts, fevers, and headaches He drove away, and other diseases and frenzies of mind. Forlì rejoice for you now under so great a Patron, Who the Father and Son begs with the Holy Spirit.
[2] His public cult, not many years after his death, with tacit assent first approved John XXII; and with continued through two intervening centuries illustrious miracles, and these to the examination offered to Clement VII, Cult granted to the Forlivians for 31 May, there was obtained from him in the year MDXXVI a living-voice Oracle, by which he gave the power, within the Forlivian walls a yearly feast to him to be held. The Oracle of which the witness was the same who was orator with the aforesaid Pontiff, Christophorus Numaius, By the divine Mercy of the Title of S. Maria Aracaeli of the H. R. C. Presbyter Cardinal, of Forlì commonly named, faith of it with his own hand under the attestation of his Secretary Bartholomaeus Bentivolus, in this manner made. To all and individual faithful of Christ, who shall inspect, read, equally and hear these presents, salvation in the Lord eternal. Indubitable faith we make and attest, how; since it is that the divine clemency various and diverse gifts of healings and graces, by the merits of B. Jacobus of Venice, of the Order of Friars Preachers of S. Dominic, by living-voice oracle, in the sacred Convent of S. James within the City Forlì standing, to many piously invoking him ceaselessly to confer does not cease; therefore of the said city and convent both the people and the friars of the same Order of S. Dominic, of the Congregation of Lombardy, with the pious devotion of this kind toward B. Jacobus inflamed, to the Apostolic See and to the most holy in Christ Father and our Lord D. Clement Pope VII's clemency having recourse, to the same his Sanctity through us in their name humbly to supplicate took care, that, both for the glory of B. Jacobus, as for their people's and friars' great devotion to be increased, of omnipotent God's mercy and of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul's authority and his own, in individual years for perpetual future times, he would deign to grant and indulge, that of the said B. Jacobus the feast on the day of his death, namely on the last of the month of May, also the divine Office and the solemnities of Masses, for the glory of B. Jacobus published and made, under the Office of feast of double solemnly may they be able to celebrate; within the year however, both for the said friars at the time there dwelling, and for other seculars' devotion, as their devotion shall require, with proper Mass and Office, also within the year to be recited as often as need shall be, in their church or also in the monastery of the nuns of the same Order, in the said city and under the regimen of the same friars standing, Mass to say or sing, or to be said or sung to make, by friars of the said Order of Preachers only, may they be able; similarly the aforesaid Jacobus's commemoration, whenever the said friars there dwelling or others coming their devotion shall induce, there in the church and in the monastery aforesaid, both in Masses and in the divine Office to make may they be able; and besides that of the said church of S. James the consecration, which on the last of May was wont to be celebrated, to the sixth of the month of September to transfer, and on such day to celebrate may they be able. And since his Sanctity is wont gladly to assent to the pious vows of the faithful, by living-voice oracle to us made above, in the year of the Lord one thousand five hundred twenty-sixth, on the day XXV of the month of June, and of his Pontificate year III, both for the said peoples' and friars' devotion, and for B. Jacobus's glory to be increased, of Omnipotent God's mercy and of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul's authority and his own, to us, on the part and in the name of the aforesaid community and friars humbly and piously supplicating, transferred to 6 September the Dedication of the church all and each of the aforesaid liberally and benignly granted equally and indulged: so that the aforesaid friars, there at the time dwelling, this Feast, and the divine Office and the solemnities of Masses, both on the day of his death and within the year, as is premised, to celebrate, and the feast of Consecration to transfer, and all other and individual aforesaid to do and complete freely and lawfully, and without any conscience's remorse, may they be able and have power, with those acting to the contrary notwithstanding any. In witness of all and each of which, for faith and testimony, these present our letters thence to be made, and by our and our Secretary below-written hands to be subscribed, we have wished; and also with our greater oblong seal's appension to be fortified we have ordered and commanded. Given at Rome in our houses, under the year of the Lord from the nativity of the same MDXXVI, Indiction XIIII, on the day XXVI of the month of June, of the Pontificate of the most holy in Christ Father and Our Lord D. Clement, by divine providence Pope VII, in his Third year, &c.
[3] What in the aforesaid letters published is indicated, and to be used is permitted as Office, this Ferrarius says was wont to be recited, until the emendation of the Breviary, by the Forlivian Dominicans: and from his ecgraphum, which is in our possession, below indeed proper Lessons and the Hymn we give; here it pleases to add this Prayer: God, who through B. Jacobus your Confessor have made your Church with new joys to exult: grant we beseech, that he himself for us may be a pious intercessor, who of your name for us was always a devoted preacher. Through our Lord &c. That however the said feast, from the company of any day, by a feasting people to be held, more festive for the Forlivians might be, Pope Julius III in the year MDLIV, on XI April, to John Morono, then for the Sunday after the Ascension. of the Title of S. Lawrence in Lucina Presbyter Cardinal, of the Order of Preachers Protector, at the instance of Reverend Father Brother Stephen Ususmaris, of all the Order General Master, and of the said Convent of Friars, by similar living-voice Oracle, granted and decreed, that the aforesaid Feast, which on the last of May was wont to be celebrated, henceforth in perpetual future times, in the places and by the persons aforesaid, on the Sunday which after the feast of the Ascension of Our Lord J. C. immediately follows, under the Double major and proper Office, with solemn procession and pomp of oblations, just as before he was wont, be celebrated. Reports all these things Lucas Castellinus, in the treatise on the certitude of the glory of those Canonized p. 140: and so it is communicated to the Venetians, before however, namely p. 85, succinctly he had treated the same, adding, that in the same procession of the same Blessed one Relics decently adorned are carried about, and at the sepulchre are hung tablets, gifts, and votives. The Venetians also, in nothing slower than the Forlivians for the cult of their citizen, through their Orator in the sacred Congregation of Rites insisted, and with Pope Paul V agreeing they obtained, on XXIII October of the year MDCXVII, that the same be permitted them which to the Forlivians.
[4] In the year finally MDCXXII, under Gregory XV, the universal Order of S. Dominic a Decree of the sacred Congregation of Rites, on the common everywhere of B. Jacobus's feast to be instituted, and finally to the whole Order. of this kind elicited: Proposed, in the sacred Congregation of Rites, of the Most Serene Republic of Venice and at the same time of the whole Order of Friars Preachers a petition, by which the festivity of B. Jacobus Salomonius, which by happy memory of Clement VII first, and then of Julius III by concession in the city of Forlì; recently however, from the indult of Pope Paul V, and the vote of the same Congregation, at Venice also is celebrated; in all of the same Friars' churches and provinces to be celebrated might be able they supplicated: the same Congregation, the vote of the Most Illustrious Cardinals and the Secretary Referring embracing, the petitioned indult, if to our most holy Lord it shall please, judged to be granted. Becoming namely the Most Illustrious Fathers judged it, that to those who with sanctity of life by long duration of time approved, not in the only natural place, or only in those places where their bodies are preserved; but also everywhere by all, who the same with them profess institute, veneration be held. The same indeed most holy one, having heard the sacred Congregation's propensity toward the Blessed man, the present indult with Apostolic good-pleasure confirmed, on the day XXII of September, in the year MDCXXII. All which, since to the likeness of the Indult of the Forlivians made by Julius III they proceed, are to be understood for the same Sunday after the Ascension: which since it is movable, nor thus conveniently could the name be inserted into the Sanctoral Fasti, it pleased Philippus Ferrarius in both Catalogues, and Joannes Pauli Masini in Bologna surveyed, to retain the day XXXI May; for at Bologna by particular right also the same feast is held, on account of the very Saint's Relics in the church of S. Dominic preserved.
[5] For propagating the cult of B. Jacobus in its beginnings, not long after his death, of pious men a Sodality was instituted, from the letters of Berengarius Salomedius, General of the Dominican Order, is established. By them he, all the Companions of the universal Order of merits, for promoting B. Jacobus's cult, sharers makes through these words: To the devout in Christ beloved, all of either sex, in the Congregation or Society for the happy and blessed Jacobus of our Order's glory and reverence congregated or in future to be congregated, Brother Berengarius, Sodality under his patronage instituted. of the Friars of the Order of Preachers Master though unworthy, salvation, and to the congregation to be joined of the supernal Citizens. The gifts of charisms by fraternal participation in communion profit, and the more copiously among the minds of the possessors abound, the more largely into the supports of neighbors by a certain derivation slips of charity flow forth; which though to all faithful are to be communicated, to those however ought with more largely outflow to flow, whom the goodness of merits raises up, and the singular prerogative of love deservedly renders accepted. Your devotion's merits, therefore, and the love which you bear to our Order, with special and attentive consideration recalling; to you of all Masses, prayers, fasts, abstinences, vigils, labors, sermons, and all goods, which through the Friars of all our Order to be done by divine grace working shall happen, the participation I grant by tenor of the present specially. I wish besides and ordain, that after your decease your souls in the General Chapter devoutly and spiritually be commended, and be enjoined for them of Masses and spiritual prayers suffrages, just as for the Friars and Familiars of our Order deceased is wont to be done; that with manifold protection of suffrages, both here from evils to be protected, and in the future may you merit into the eternal tabernacles happily to be brought. In witness of this concession, our seal we have caused to be appended to the presents. Given at Forlì. Year of the Lord MCCCXV, on the day before the Nones of July.
[6] His original and most ancient Life we found with the Fathers of the Oratory of S. Mary in Vallicella at Rome, in Codex H. fol. 185, transcribed under this clause, There is given the Life sent to Rome to Clement VII. Explicit the Legend of B. Jacobus of Venice, of the Order of Preachers: which since it was old, and consisted of decayed and bad characters, has been faithfully renewed by Brother Vincentius of Faenza of the same Order, with the last miracle of Brother Sebastian added, MDXXIIII, on the day XXII May. That last miracle had happened in the year MCCCCLXXIII. The rest therefore all, which to the twenty-seven after B. Jacobus's death deeds are narrated, are from those three hundred thirty-eight, of which, within the term of twenty-eight months from his passage found, was diligent made inquiry by public hand with solemn attestation, as is said no. 73. But what to the deeds and virtues of his Life pertain, seem received from a Process, under the same time instituted, and that within the first three or four years; received however from some alumnus of the same Convent, having proposed, the uncertain or doubtful, which of B. Jacobus's virtues and miracles by many had been related, to omit; and only those of his life and virtues in the present Legend to write, which by diligent investigation have been proved, or by the attestation of those worthy of faith ascertained. The author his as of the present and seeing one's witness nowhere alleges, with the same humility perhaps, by which his name he kept silent. A new exemplar however that it should be written and sent to Rome, was done by public authority I would believe of the Senate and People, for the obtaining of the yearly feast from Clement VII to supplicate, as has been said.
[7] This Life Hieronymus Albertutius Bursellus, in the year MCCCCXC flourishing, verbatim inserted into his book, the same had been transcribed by Bursellus, which on the General Masters of the Order he wrote. The same one century later at Milan did Ambrosius Taegius, in the very vast three-volume work, which in the Library of the Convent of S. Mary of the Graces is kept in MS. and to us was benignly communicated: but in place of the older Prologue a new and to his institute more proper one with these words he prefixed. The Province of S. Dominic is called that, in which the body of the same holy Father, who died and was buried at Bologna, rests. This produced very many illustrious men, and is found in the MS. of Taegius. who by the grace of preaching, sanctity of life, and honesty of morals flourished in the Church of God: of whom however the memory for the greater part, by the negligence of the prior Friars, or perhaps by the too great occupation in matters, has been deleted. Of some nonetheless the acts and names, just as I could collect, here to be set down I have determined, to God's glory, and the Order's honor, and the Students' spiritual profit. In the first place it pleases to premise the Life of Brother Jacobus the Venetian (who lies at Forli, whom Brother Galvaneus, in his Chronicle, affirms had a father by blood a Milanese) not because he was prior in time; but because more wonderful, just as can be patent to one inspecting, is approved. So Taegius, prolonging the praised Work up to the year MDXIII, when he is believed to have died. But Joannes Antonius Flaminius of Imola, in the year MDXVI in new style rewove the same; and to Brother Matthaeus Bandelli, on account of love and veneration, inscribed, to be inserted in the book of Leander Albertus on illustrious men of the Order, as in the next year at Bologna it appeared. Either Life thereafter were followed, who in other languages wrote, Italian indeed Silvanus Razzius, Joannes Thiepolus Primicerius of S. Mark, Franciscus Merenda Forlivian Dominican, and most recently of all Dominicus Maria Marchesius in his sacred Diary; Spanish indeed Ferdinandus Castellius, and French Joannes de Rechac; that I may pass over those who more compendiously handed down the life in various idioms.
LIFE
From the Vallicellan MS. of the Fathers of the Oratory at Rome, collated with the MS. of Ambrosius Taegius found at Milan.
Jacobus the Venetian, of the Order of Preachers, at Forli in Romagna (B.)
BHL Number: 4110, 4111
FROM THE MSS.
PROLOGUE.
The splendor of the glory of God the Father and the author of human salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ, who to send forth of His admirable clarity rays, to illuminate the hearts of the faithful and to put to flight the darkness of sinners, through all the courses of the present life, with His customary piety did not cease; most recently in these days exhibited a new star, with the light of His grace shining brightly, namely His B. Jacobus of Venice, Faith and diligence of the author in writing the deeds of B. Jacobus. of the Order of Friars Preachers: who by the splendor of holy conversation and life, and by miracles by which in life and death he shone, evidently half-living in many hearts devotion and faith by supernal grace stirred up. That therefore the notice of his sanctity and virtues to the spiritual emulators of examples may bring forth the fruit of sacred imitation, and may push back the detriments of harmful negligence, his life, full of virtues, to God's glory and the consolation of the devout, in faithful writing we have decreed to commend: the uncertain or doubtful, which of his virtues and miracles by many had been related, omitting, with utmost diligence taking precaution, lest the God of truth we be seen to extol with false praises: for this would rather be to kindle His anger, than to provoke mercy. Since He, who is greater than all praise, does not need our lie, that for Him we should speak guile. And so only those of his life and virtues in the present Legend we write, which by diligent investigation have been proved, or by faith worthy attestation ascertained. What however we write in rude style indeed, but truthful; we ascribe to His praise and glory, who His Saints so glorifies, and through the merits of the humble does great wonders alone.
OLD DIVISION OF CHAPTERS.
This is the number and Order of Chapters in the Roman ecgraphum, which because in two places I found interrupted, I wished to keep unchanged, so that more easily it might be supplied, if anywhere shall be found a more whole exemplar: otherwise the measure of certain chapters, exceeding or falling short a little, would have easily persuaded even the very numbers of paragraphs to divide otherwise, certain Chapters in two dividing, sometimes also three in one number gathering, especially in the miracles.
CHAPTER I.
B. Jacobus's boyhood, entry into the Order of S. Dominic; his virtues; rigor of penance and abstinence.
[1] Blessed Father Jacobus, from the honorable city of Venice, with father Adam, mother indeed Marchisinia by name, Born at Venice, of the house of Salomon, took his origin. While still however he was a little boy, his father from this life departed: but his mother herself, to the heavenly Spouse desiring to adhere, when still she was young, with the boy committed to the care and trust of her mother-in-law, and with the secular life despised, to the monastery of Nuns of the Heavenly Ones a of the Cistercian Order, flew: where long devoutly serving the Lord, her days laudably she led, and happily consummated. There was however to the aforesaid boy a grandmother by name Joanna, a devout woman, faithful and provident. She in the proposal of holy widowhood to Christ long had served: who taking the care of the boy, him in all purity for God not for the world nourishing, in devotion to Christ and to His mother the glorious Virgin with all efforts she informed; the highest diligence applying, letters and Office of B. V. in boyhood he learns, lest the boy from the company of the bad could be turned from the way of purity and devotion: and made him be imbued with letters, and the Office of the Blessed Virgin to learn by heart. That however he might accustom himself to say it daily, she promised the boy a certain sum of money, if for one hundred continuous days himself the Office for her he would promise to say. When however partly from the affection of devotion, partly from the love of money which he hoped (as is the manner of childish innocence, namely all things to do for a price, or with a view to a temporal reward) for one hundred continuous days, what he had promised he had fulfilled, and his labor's reward promised demanded; his grandmother the price, which she had promised by laughing, denied. Which by the nod of God was done, that the devout boy should learn, for heavenly, and not for temporal reward, free to Christ ministry to exhibit. Recognizing therefore himself by pious deception deluded, which his whole life thereafter he daily recites. immediately within himself he firmed the proposal in all his life daily that Office to say, not for transitory reward, but for the honor of the glorious Virgin: and from then began the devout custom, which until the last day of his life by no oblivion, infirmity, or occupation did he set aside. Although however of childish age, there was however in his mind venerable old age, which in the purity of speech and work he showed, with mature morals, abdicating the vanities of boys. The fellowships of dissolute boys deserting with the better and honest he conversed, dissolute games in his childhood abhorring. in sacred games he delights, In one only game was he wont to delight, namely that the boyish Mass as he knew with boys he would chant, just as in the church he beheld happen; the future Priest of Christ in boyish game, as another b Athanasius, prefiguring. Boyhood years transcending, boyish innocence he conserved.
[2] Made therefore an adolescent, by a certain religious Monk of the Cistercian Order, who in the monastery of his mother was Chaplain, and zeal for praying. in ecclesiastical chant and divine Office he was instructed. So indeed was he nourished in the world, that with letters and divine offices informed, to Religion in his time more easily he might fly: he himself in the form of Religion and devotion handed down to him so progressed, that under secular habit the affection of religion he could not hide. For continually ecclesiastical thresholds frequenting and hearing divine Offices, reverently after the common Church devotion to the secret little altar, which in his cubicle from the institution of his grandmother he had adorned, he ran back daily, and fervently and long to prayer he was free. Often also in that very oratory he would shut himself; and the consortia of his companions and his own avoiding, with Christ hiding, to the Father, who sees in secret, of devotion the obedience he exhibited.
[3] Meanwhile grew the youth informed by such morals: and with age growing grew also grace. And when now to him the senses of knowing the truth more fully within him began to be, he began to spurn the pleasures of this world, the patrimony having been distributed, and to the glory of eternal sweetness with all desires to pant. And wishing more perfectly to dedicate himself to Christ's service, the Order of Preachers to enter he disposed: and when by the Friars, his urgent and devoted petition had been admitted, with all his substance distributed, which to him by right of inheritance pertained, so he himself in few days for love of God to dispense studied, that the temporal substance into perpetual inheritance he might exchange. He found however a certain young secular illiterate, who in the same Order to Christ desiring to serve as a Convert wished to be received; but he grieved vehemently, because by the Friars poor he could not be clothed, and he himself money for garments did not have. But blessed Jacobus, with his proposal rejoicing and compassionating his poverty, a part of the money, necessary for all those garments, which in books necessary for himself he proposed to spend, and a part of it spent on the candidate's poor garment, handed to him, lest spiritual progress he should lose for the defect of temporal money. When therefore the Religion garments for both prepared had been, and B. Jacobus himself from all the solicitudes of the world was free; when he was about seventeen years old, together with him the aforesaid Order he entered. Where for sixty-six years in such great perfection and devotion he led an admirable life: with him he embraces the institute of S. Dominic, which is not of our faculty to express, on account of the multitude and admiration of virtues: a few however of many can be narrated, which of him have been seen and faithfully approved.
[4] He indeed Christ's servant, that in the observance of the holy religion he might be instructed, pressing progress without intermission, following the footsteps of holy examples, to such great grace of humility and perfection in a brief time was advanced, that to all beholding his life he was made the norm of devotion, the mirror of youth, and the example of religion. So great was his religion's continual solicitude, that not in the space of one hour would the zeal of well-doing pass over. For idleness enemy of virtue with such great diligence he fled, that either by sacred reading's study, or by charity's or humility's obedience, or by devout prayer's or meditation's solace, or by useful collation's exercise, his time and mind he integrally occupied; never even in all his life was he seen idle. So great was in his mind the constancy of well-doing, that the rule of virtue, which once in youth he undertook, until decrepit age he did not set aside. There grew daily in him the virtue of spiritual grace, he shines forth with various virtues. and from virtue to virtue with daily studies he proceeded: for there shone in him untiringly the perfection of all sanctity. There was indeed to him in fasting continuity, in food sparing, in bed harshness, in beddings vileness and in clothing humility. He was also in prayer assiduous, in contemplation fervid, in faith strongest, in chastity most pure, in speaking useful, in conversation sweet, in compassion pious, in counsel after sacred reading's studies solid, in sermon right, in good work solicitous, in obedience prompt, in walking mature, in tribulations untiring, in convent peaceful, in action edifying, in exterior habit despised, in mind composed, in charity advanced, and with all virtues adorned.
[5] After however the man of God was for several years in the Venetian convent in sacred doctrine's exercise instructed; in true obedience, fleeing his relatives he migrates to Forli, in perfect purity, in profound humility, solidified by Christ's grace; knowing blood relatives and fatherland often to be a hindrance to those wishing to follow the way of perfection; fearing lest his mind, which already dead to the world was, from their presence and frequent inquiry could sometimes from spiritual progresses be retarded; the honorable Venetian fatherland, the solemn Convent c, and the presence of relatives and known ones deserting, to the Forlivian Convent he transferred himself: considering himself to be able more freely to be free for Christ's service, if from fatherland and relatives he were segregated by corporal presence. In which place indeed, because he could freely follow his devotions, so great rest he found for his heart, that for the space of forty-five years he remained in it, with a small except of time when he was for some Convents, He undergoes some Prefectures though unwilling, for the Subprior's office deputed. For he was Subprior in the Convents of Faenza, S. Severino, Forlivian and Ravenna. This obedience therefore in the aforesaid places completed, humbly always he was asking to the Forlivian Convent to be assigned, choosing there to terminate his days with Christ's good pleasure. In all the days, in which there he lived, of the Friars and seculars with whom he conversed, so pious affection he won for himself that loving all by all he was loved.
[6] The fasts of his Order and the common refectory's life every day of his life so sedulously he observed, that in those very fasts a dispensation never would he wish to receive; by fasts he constantly macerates himself. nor from common refection to depart did he wish, nor by others ever could he be drawn, except in the last days of his life; when him grave infirmity, decrepit old age, and his Prelate's obedience compelled. At extraordinary hours so always from drink he abstained, that around the end of his life, when once to him drink was offered, he said; that fifty years passed, outside the hour of common refection, never except five times had he drunk. When however a d pittance any however small was given to the Friars, and from drink at extra hours abstains. always part of his portion among the dishes he placed hidden; that the poor whom with pious affection he always loved, sharers of his portion he might make: but to the Lord alone desiring to please, from human eyes as much as he could in such kind of actions he hid himself.
[7] At a certain time there was in the city of Forli a great defect of wine e, on account of which the Friars greatest penury suffered from it. wine in dearness of food sent he disburses to the poor, But a certain rich matron, who had him as Confessor and Father, with the Friars' poverty and his weakness compassionating, offered, herself to the Blessed Father, the whole time of the aforesaid defect, daily two jars of wine by spontaneous devotion to send. He however, for himself unwilling that singularity to receive, but by the compassion of two poor men known to him and very needy moved, that offering on their account gratefully received: and daily through a faithful messenger conscious of his secret received the wine, and to the aforesaid needy with received license transmitted. After many days however asked by her, if that wine to him had been pleasing; he, who beyond measure was a wonderful concealer of his good works, fearing to lose their fruit, if his left should know, what his right was doing; so replied: Your wine the best is: I however to your charity give thanks, because to my necessity grateful subsidy you have brought. And so with prudent answer he was unwilling to indicate, that he had not drunk of it, or that to the poor he had distributed it.
[8] with various affliction he exercises his body. Since blessed Father Jacobus always was to the divine will subjected, deservedly was worthy his own body subject to the spirit to have: with which power and grace so solicitously he studied to use, that always in youth and old age, healthy and sick existing, corporeal delights he abhorred; fearing lest the flesh to the mind should become contumacious, if not even from licit consolations it were bridled. Whence in his bed always all softness he refused, only over straws a single and vile woolen coverlet having. with troublesome lying, The straws of his bed sometimes for eighteen years neither to be moved nor changed he permitted. In bed while he rested, with the scapular and tunic always clothed he was, with a vile and rough coverlet covered. In the little bed, in garments, hair-shirt, and all beddings, harshness and vileness he loved. In the ornaments and coverings of his books, in straps, knives, shoes, and other utensils whatever always curiosity he cast off: so humble in heart he was, with vigils, so humility in his actions he exhibited. Vigils grave and continuous of all his life time he observed: for late long to reading and prayer he was free: at Matins first of all he rose, which finished the Confessions of very many Friars and especially of young men in the church he heard, whom with pious zeal to devotion and purity with examples and admonitions he urged; after these long in prayers he watched. Before dawn however to his cell returning, he reclined his head a little; nothing more of sleep taking, except as much as weariness compelled: at dawn always early first he rose. By divine love's fire kindled however, of material fire's consolation through all the days of his life, in youth and old age, however much cold was intense, entirely he refused. Offered to him in winter fire to his hands, while he celebrated, the punishment of cold for Christ's love with strong soul sustaining, altogether he refused. Never at the fire was he seen to sit: never at the fire his feet or hands he warmed, except in the last days of his life, abstinence from fire. in which when at refection he sat, sometimes at the fire offered to him in a little vessel his hand he extended. When the place of the Forlivian Convent had a spacious garden, so most rarely he visited it, that for a certain miracle by the Friars it was held when in the garden he was seen: but when others after supper in summer time were beholding it, he himself to the church for prayer's sake transferred himself. This however, among all these and other very many indications of much austerity, was to the man of the Lord wonderfully singular; that, since to himself altogether he was austere, to others however he was pious and sweet, and at others' congruous consolations with wonderful affection he rejoiced.
ANNOTATIONS.
CHAPTER II.
Love of the poor and of spiritual colloquies: zeal of praying, ecstasies, gift of tears, cult of Saints.
[9] Not only the glorious Father good things to work studied, but also good things to speak. Matth. 12, 35. And since, as the Saviour says: A good man from the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, just as the law of God his own in his heart fixed he had, so his tongue the judgment of virtue and rectitude spoke. Always indeed with God or about God to speak he wished, and to these to speak others he exhorted. spiritual sermons he mixes and loves. For among other goods of virtues, with which by Christ's grace endowed, he was, this he had most special and notable, that bad speech from his mouth did not proceed. Because indeed his lips to sacred prayers and divine praises so sedulously he dedicated, worthy indeed it was that to his lips such grace was diffused. All testify, with whom he had conversation, that never they had heard from his mouth a word of adulation, detraction, derision, duplicity, levity, or vanity: for he had placed at his mouth a guard and a door of circumstance to his lips; all vices of the tongue avoiding: and so he kept his ways, that he might not offend in his tongue. If anyone with him speaking to useless or vain or secular things speech would have wished to draw, immediately the blessed Father a word of B. Hieronymus to the middle would bring saying: Happy is the tongue which knows nothing except about divine things to hold speech. Which word he often alleged; and introducing to the middle useful words, useless speech with pious speaking he dissolved; which if he could not obtain, immediately from the speakers he would depart. The words of detraction indeed he could not at all bear, but to those speaking them he was wont to say: if our defects we wished to consider, never would we presume to speak of others' defects. By sight and hearing he was just, therefore over such words always displeasure he showed. If at any time before him of divisions of the country or of wars mention was made, never was he seen or heard by word, nod, or affection to incline to one party, but loving all with all afflicted with wonderful affection he compassionated.
[10] As the Venerable Father, in his infirmities and burdens whatever, was by special gift of grace wonderfully patient, so to others' tribulations and infirmities he was wonderful compassionate. In his own indeed adversities he gloried, but in neighbors' calamities he was disturbed: for the consortia of the powerful and rich avoiding, except to them for the soul's help he was sought; with the poor, sick, blind and abject persons very much familiarity he loved, with the poor seeking companionship, he gives them solaces, considering himself in such to receive Christ: whence to them subsidies which he could and salutary counsels in frequent colloquy he gave: so much that scarcely to him such kind came the afflicted, who would not depart consoled. He was wont to say to the afflicted, when to him their tribulations they expounded: If you knew what fruit from their tribulations the patient receive, you would beg the Lord, that to your few tribulations with His grace He would superadd ampler. This however not only by word, but by deed in his infirmities he taught, which with cheerful face and joyful soul he tolerated. A certain poor youth from a certain disease incurred blindness: and when he had begun alms to seek, prayers and sermons and churches to frequent, all of which to neglect he was wont while he saw; asked by the blessed Father how it was with him, he replied, on account of his blindness himself to be very sad. To whom the pious Father said: Son dearest, did you at the time when you saw to the preachers and to divine offices attend? He said: Lord, intent on gain and work, to those to be free I could little and little I cared. Therefore said the Saint: the blind he efficaciously animates to tolerance, Son, console yourself in the Lord, and for His judgment be not sad: that to you the Lord has given, for grace, and not for punishment, you should receive: for the Lord from the state of blindness has led you to the light: for he is truly blind, who the works of true light neglects: but who imitates the works of sanctity, in the horrible blindness's darknesses is not held. With these and many other persuasions the Saint to such great relief of his heart's sadness raised, that the punishment of blindness henceforth as grace he reckoned. Above this also the benign Father with such great charity moved was for him, who altogether illiterate was, and besides the Lord's prayer no other knew prayer; that for the relief of his misery greater and increase of devotion, the seven penitential Psalms, many Gospels of those which are read in the church, the whole Office of the glorious Virgin and the Litanies him he taught for continued days. Which not in a brief time could be done, that an illiterate and beggar man so much should learn and in heart retain. Many other blind and lame, most poor and abject, with pleasant and pious familiarity gathering, in their tribulations with daily admonitions and very many subsidies he strove to console; in so much that by many, Brother Jacobus friend of the poor was called. Called to the poor and abject, immediately to them gladly he approached; very often however not asked by them, them through the church with spontaneous charity he sought, and with sacred words to instruct them was busy. Nor however is it to be wondered, if to men he was pious, who the zeal of mercy so had turned into the affection of nature, that even to little birds and to other animals with wonderful affection of compassion was moved: for often from boys little birds, which they held tied with thread, he bought; and them loosing he permitted to fly away, saying, that he compassionated the little birds of the Lord, which he saw tied in distress detained. Not however the man of the Lord did this for this reason, since he was learned and prudent, that the catching and death of irrational animals he thought illicit to man, to whom the Lord all animals subjected; but since he was endowed with the grace of excellent piety, to all the least animals his wonderful piety overflowed, and every act of cruelty his benign charity abhorred.
[11] On a certain morning, while for the celebration of Mass he wished to enter the church, to a sad one with prayer poured forth he restores cheerfulness, he met a certain youth, with grave sadness of heart disturbed: whom when the benign Father saw sad, him with sacred admonitions he tried to console. And when that one because of an injury, which from a certain neighbor of his he had received, with too great indignation moved, could not be mitigated nor restrained from threats; Blessed Jacobus, to the altar to celebrate Mass approaching, wholly for him gave himself to praying. The Mass however according to custom most devoutly celebrated, to him he returned, whom thus desolate he had left; and said; Son, trust in the Lord, because soon He will free you from this sadness: for I for you have celebrated this Mass. As soon as the word he finished, was that one suddenly changed, and with all receding sadness consoled.
[12] Among all the actions of his soul, by which B. Jacobus studied to please God, this seems to have been his special, most devoted to prayer, that in the fervor of divine love and honor, through all the times of his life, intellect and affection and tongue with all his strength he occupied: and although often with Martha in the actions of charity to the neighbor to Christ he sedulous showed obedience; with Mary however more frequently and more willingly besides the feet of the Lord sitting, to His contemplation and sweetness with all desires he gaped, and with body placed on earth his soul in heavenly things was fed. So great solicitude in divine praises he applied, that the Choir never at daily or nightly offices he abandoned: and because in his youth ecclesiastical chant and divine office plainly he had learned, never error in any difficulty of office or defect in his presence could be; for he himself the burden of office with unfailing strength sustained. No one him fatigued, no one alienated in divine praises and ecclesiastical office saw. In his infirmities he made force on himself wonderful, and the choir and the church as if not infirm at the hour of office with the admiration of all he frequented. With Matins finished and of some Brothers heard Confessions, all the church's altars with genuflections and prayers he visited, and long there in heavenly consolation he remained. in ecstasy he is often caught up: Before day for a small hour sleep with necessity compelling he took, and immediately early in the morning rising Mass most devoutly he celebrated. Often while he was sought, by the Brothers he was found in the church, before the altar standing, with face elevated: and called by the Brothers, he did not respond: drawn however by the hand or cape, he did not feel. Namely with cheerful countenance fixed and immobile in his rapture he remained; and so those seeking him had to wait, until he who above himself was elevated, would return to himself. Afterwards to himself returning, called by the Brothers cheerfully and humbly he replied.
[13] endowed with the gift of pious tears, The name of the Lord Saviour, just as a jubilee in his heart was, so in his mouth as honey grew sweet: on which account in every speaking of his the name of the Lord most frequently he named. When however these most worthy names, whether Jesus, or Christ, with his mouth he pronounced; from the sweetness of living devotion, tears mostly he could not contain: which also largely he poured forth, when of the venerable passion of Christ or of the passions of the Blessed Martyrs he spoke, or if before him another of this matter would speak. Certain devout and useful sermons of certain festivities of Saints in his youth he had learned by heart, which for God's and the Saints' reverence most frequently he ruminated: on account of which he always retained them by heart. When however by junior Brothers he was asked, that of some of these a copy to them he would give, he replied: I them written do not have; if you wish to write them for yourselves, I will recite them to you writing: which while he did, with such great abundance of tears he sent forth, that for the abundance of too great tears his face to the part other, lest the Brother should see the tears, him to turn it was needful. The Masses he celebrated with many tears. At extraordinary hours of day and night in some more secret place of the church he gathered himself, and with most devout tears the reins for a very long time he relaxed. Often however he was found at the altar of B. Ursula, where is her and her Blessed companions' depicted martyrdom, into those paintings to look; and so most copiously to weep, as if the blessed Virgins themselves before himself truly he saw being killed. This however fervor of devotion and tears, which in youth he had begun, all the days of his life he without intermission preserved.
[14] wonderfully addicted to the cult of Saints The devotion however, which the man of God had to the Saints, no man's tongue would suffice to recount. For from his youth his heart with the highest solicitude he applied to the Martyrology of Usuard, which the Order of Friars Preachers continuously uses: for that book has for individual days of the year individual Lessons, in which many of the holy Martyrs' passions, of very many Confessors and of many blessed Virgins and Handmaids of Christ the happy acts and deaths are recited. Of many other Saints also the passions and life in the old books of churches he had searched out: from all of which for individual days of the whole year he had ordered, for himself alone, for the Saints' honor secret solemnities. For besides the daily Office ecclesiastical, to which he was by the profession of his Order obligated, he made for individual days of the holy Martyrs, to whom by special he was affected with fervor, a feast of Double or full Double, saying through himself the whole Office integrally for the honor of those Saints, namely all the hours, daily equally and nightly, with the Office of Mass, always at Tertia of this office saying the hymn, with various exercises of piety he venerates them, Veni creator Spiritus: and besides all the above said he said daily with nine lessons the Vigils of the dead. After thanksgivings however, which after taking food are said, the devout Antiphon that, Salve Regina, always he superadded. Of many besides Patriarchs, Prophets, Confessors, and Virgins most frequently the solemnity as also of the Martyrs he made: so that, for the greater part of the whole year's time, he made daily of three special festivities the Office whole, daily, as we said, and nightly. In his cell he had a little altar in a certain chest secret, which with becoming paraments according to the diversity of festivities with much reverence he prepared: and four candles before it at Matins and Vespers he lit: and according to the ecclesiastical custom of the Office incense to the little altar offering: to the Saviour Lord and His Saints of devout heart's odoriferous sacrifice he offered. All these things however in youth beginning, all the time of his life he conserved. For doing good he did not fail, knowing that in glory he was about to receive with exultation the sheaves, which with devotion's tears and solicitude of good works he had sown. These things however all while he lived were known of him, and after his happy passage through many little notes by his hand written fully appeared. In the aforesaid solemnities such great gladness of devotion he was filled, that the spiritual joy which he had he could not so interiorly contain, but to the devout and familiar his Saints' solemnities he would lay open: which also in his sermons to the people most often he did, reciting the festivities of those Saints to the people, which within that week concurred.
[15] When the blessed Father in the Convent of Ravenna was Superior, and on the day fifteenth of the Kalends of December, namely within the octave of B. Martin (in which in the Martyrology aforesaid of the Blessed martyrs Aciscli and Victoria the passion is recited, a rose outside its time miraculously in the garden he finds. who at Cordoba had been crowned with martyrdom a, where for the commendation of their precious death on the same day roses are reported divinely to be born and gathered) alone through the garden of the Friars he walked, in honor of those Saints his customary Offices fulfilling, and was delighted in mind in the consideration of that miracle; with that pleasant miracle, which is done at Cordoba, to be gladdened he merited at Ravenna. For while before the rose-bed, of flowers and leaves for that time deprived, he made transit; he saw in that very rose-bed suddenly a most beautiful rose. Which with gladness gathering, he felt from it the fragrance of most pleasant odor: and it to the Brothers he brought, in memory and reverence of the aforesaid miracle: with all wondering, that a rose, so pleasant and beautiful, at such time was found.
ANNOTATIONS.
CHAPTER III.
The Saints' sepulchre opened to B. Jacobus voluntarily, a dove seen to sit on his shoulders: danger from childbirth, tumor, cancer, gout from him repelled.
[16] When the glorious Apostles of Christ Peter and Paul the man of God with the highest affection venerated, just as in his devotions their merits he honored, Visiting the Catacombs of the Saints at Rome, so he wished to visit their precious bodies: whence with obtained license he went to Rome; where also all sanctuaries he visited. When however three Brothers in devout pilgrimage as companions he had through the City; it happened with the same, on the vigil of the Ascension of the Lord, after the solemnities of Masses to the church of B. Sebastian to come: entering however the church no one did they find. With prayer there made devout, they wished into a chapel of that church contiguous to enter, which the Catacombs is called, where anciently of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul had been deposited the bodies; and approaching to the door they found it diligently with iron bar closed and key fastened. And when no one they could find, to a whom for opening of it they should have recourse, individually still they searched diligently, if perhaps by some skill they could open the door. In vain however laboring, and the matter as impossible dismissing, with prayer alone poured to God he opens the bolted door, thence began they to depart. But also when to the principal door of the church of B. Sebastian they came that they might depart; B. Jacobus, with confidence in the Lord strengthened, turned to his companions, said: Let us not depart, Brothers, but for the Lord's sake go back with me: for I hope in the Lord, that He himself to us shall deign to open. A little within himself praying, with the Brothers he went back to the door, which they had found with key and bar fastened; whose bar when with hand lightly he had touched of his own, immediately opened was the door, as if with key in no way it had been fastened. Then entered all into the Catacombs, and that interior visitation at pleasure made, and devotion completed, to the Lord giving thanks, to their own they returned. When however Brother Alexander of Faenza, who among the companions was the principal, said to him on the way: Father, on account of your merits God did for us a miracle; replied the lover of humility: I beg you, dearest Brothers, for the Lord's sake, that of this matter to no one anything you report.
[17] Hearing at Rome the blessed Father, that of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul the heads, with many Relics precious, in that venerable Basilica b, which is called Holy of Holies, deposited were preserved; [desiring to celebrate at the heads of SS. Peter and Paul, suddenly the wish is granted to him.] he desired at its venerable altar to celebrate: and when he had heard this to be unusual and difficult, that in that place it would be permitted to outsiders to celebrate; he prayed the Lord, that to him that grace He would deign to confer. Whence in Christ's benignity confiding, on a certain morning while thither he approached, Mass in the house of the Friars to celebrate he did not wish, hoping he would have from the Lord the grace which he asked. And when the chapel he entered, the Sacristan of that place, immediately seeing him, before the blessed Father said anything, anticipated him. To whom reverently approaching, he began to inquire, if a Priest he was, and if on that very day he had celebrated Mass. And when the man of the Lord had replied, that both a Priest he was, and on that very day he had not celebrated; said that one; I beg you, dearest Brother, that at this venerable altar you celebrate: for a chance happened, on account of which is suffering an impediment he who today should have celebrated. Who giving thanks to the Lord, with much consolation of mind, what he had desired he fulfilled.
[18] A certain devout matron of Forli, by name Florentina, a dove was seen to sit on the shoulders of him hearing confessions. reported, that on a certain day at the feet of the blessed man Jacobus in the church of the Friars of Forli for Confession she sat; she saw suddenly upon his right shoulder a dove white and most beautiful: and when seeing it she said; Father, do you see the dove, which upon your shoulder you have? He replied: I command you, daughter, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that as long as I live to no one shall you manifest that you have seen this dove. Which said the dove to a window flew of the church, which over his head was, and thence going forth from her sight was withdrawn.
[19] He himself heals desperate scrofula: A certain man of Forli, Peppus Zelonis by name, had a daughter of about fifteen years, whose throat, long and foully, by the passion of scrofula had been corroded: and when the remedies of physicians altogether had failed, to the King of France, according to the counsels given to him, he desired to lead the girl: but with money failing him for his expenses, with heart equally failing, wonderfully he was sad. Knowing however that the blessed Father Jacobus in wonderful manner compassionated was to the poor and afflicted, leading with himself the girl to him, his own poverty he expounded to him, and the girl's infirmity he showed. The venerable man, with wonderful compassion moved, and in the Lord's piety confiding, his hand upon the throat he placed: and consigning her with Christ's seal, said: Trust in the Lord, daughter, because soon He shall free you: nor was it necessary for your healing for you to undertake a journey of so much labor. With these departing wholly to praying he gave himself; Christ's grace however to his prayers consenting, before they to their own house came, the girl was integrally freed. Immediately therefore the father with the girl returning, both for the healing thanks gave, and the freed throat showed. To whom he commanded, that from the Lord alone they should recognize the grace, and that through him the Lord this had done to none of men they should intimate.
[20] A certain woman of Forli, for several days with the pains of childbirth tortured, with all human remedy failing, she expedites childbirth for one long laboring: having no power of giving birth, was thought to die in a brief time: who calling her husband said: Since all to me are lacking remedies, this only of remaining I have, that the most holy that servant of God Brother Jacobus of Venice be sought, that he may deign for me the Lord to beseech. Quickly he came to him, and his wife's danger and devotion expounded: and when the pious Father had replied, himself the Lord would beseech; said that one: I beg also, Father, that something you would send her which you have touched with your hand. Blessed Jacobus to the cell going, brought him a certain little note, which with his own hand he had written, and said: From my part this little note hand to your wife, and tell her to be of strong soul, because shortly she shall be freed. When therefore the woman, who still by the aforesaid was held in anguishes, the little note with devotion had received, and in her bosom her own had placed; immediately two sons she bore, of whom one was dead, the other alive. This also wonderful was, that when she began to give birth, a certain neighbor that to her giving birth she might assist was quickly summoned: who quickly running, found her now from every impediment of childbirth totally freed.
[21] There was at Forli a certain young woman, by name Christiana, whose right foot's anklebone a horrible cancer, while she was eighteen years old, with the sign of the Cross he heals one suffering from cancer, terribly was corroding: her mother, a widow, since she had her as her only one, full of sadness, with all efforts the remedies of physicians seeking, did not spare labors nor expenses. With human however failing help, the girl's danger always to worse proceeded. At length with the foot's and leg's strength failing, for six months in bed she lay, in no way able by her own strength to rise: for the foot whole with the leg up to the knee gravely had swollen, and the cancer the foot with continuous augmentations with sedulous corrosion devoured. And when through physicians with deliberation taken counsel was given to the mother, that she would permit her daughter's foot to be amputated; the mother made very sad, but in the Lord Jesus Christ's piety confiding, said to her daughter: My daughter, since human remedies fail us, let us run back to Christ. Our Father, Brother Jacobus of Venice, let us call: our sins both let us confess, and let us beg him, that for us the Lord he may beseech: for I hope, since he is a true servant of Christ, that God through his merits will help us. Calling therefore the Father aforesaid, all their sins to him generally they confessed. Absolution made, while the Saint wished to depart, the girl's mother prostrate at his feet, said: I beseech, Father, that a prayer for my daughter you would pour to the Lord, because I hope to her through your prayers health to be restored. To whom when he replied, I for her gladly will pray, she said: I wish, Father, that before your departure you do this: for I know that you can free her. To whom the man of God said: from humility refusing first to do this: Not is this mine, daughter, to do: not is this mine: for not do merits suffice: but with true faith run back to Christ. She however, with devout violence seizing his cape, said: And I beg you, that in Christ's name this grace to me you confer. Then the servant of Christ, magnificent in faith and with compassion moved, with knees bent and hands raised, a devout prayer he directed to the Lord; then rising, and approaching the lying girl, with the sign of the Cross her foot in Christ's name he consigned, and said: Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, because soon He will console you. Which said immediately he departed, and that putrid and horrendous wound was so immediately perfectly healed, that not even a scar at all, nor any sign of infirmity or wound on that foot could further appear, with the Lord working, who alone does great wonders. Again calling him back, and giving him thanks, the miracle made by his merits they showed. The blessed man, however, true lover of humility, unwilling by human tongue's attestation to be praised; them with sacraments wonderful adjured, that as long as he lived to no one at all should they reveal it.
[22] A certain Nun of the monastery of B. Dominic of Forli, by name Ormandia, from the nun gout he expels, toward the aforesaid Father while he lived had great devotion. At a certain time however for six weeks she was so with the pain of arthritis burdened, and of the whole body's strength deprived, that within the aforesaid number of days never could she rise from bed by herself, nor in any way walk. When however on a certain day, her own and the Sisters' on her account pain considering, in mind equally she was burdened not a little; B. Jacobus the Father, absent indeed, but still living, within herself devoutly and confidently she invoked, saying: My Father dearest, servant of God most high, Brother Jacobus, I know that you to the Saviour Lord are so accepted, that if for me to pray you shall wish, to me health forthwith you will obtain. Wonderful matter! As soon as these words she finished, from the burden aforesaid herself relieved feeling, she rose: and she who at first without the Sisters' help could not move herself, by her own strength through the whole house freely as she wished walked.
[23] A certain woman, Clara by name, on account of her son's death so was absorbed by sadness for many months, that neither to church to go was she able, and dangerous from son's death sorrow. nor anything to work; the care of household affairs altogether she had set aside; her son, who was remaining, as if to see she could not; all things to her into loathing were turned, and in nothing except in tears and groaning could she delight: words consolatory from no one to hear she could bear, on account of which she was feared by many, lest into fury from anguish she would turn. When however on a certain day, as if by violence, to the house of the Friars Preachers she had been led, and to her after Masses had been the blessed Father called; seeing her with such grave and desperate perturbation of mind detained, her with charity correcting, said: I command you, on the part of the Lord Jesus Christ, that you put aside sadness, and that as a faithful Christian you devoutly frequent the church. To her replying, that she could in no way do this, said: Go secure, because I for you will pray to the Lord. With her therefore departing, so was suddenly and totally from her heart erased the sadness, that in her no remnants of bitterness remained.
[24] an incurable tumor healed by his saliva, A certain neighbor of the Friars in Forli, by name Tomasina, had a certain tumor upon her nose, which after some days resolved, left there a blister with itching. After some days however the tumor was renewed, and after few days in like manner resolved, left a certain torn blister. Again and again according to the aforesaid manner the tumor grew, and again in like manner was loosed. This trouble, with no small pain, for nearly two years she endured: with many medicines applied, in nothing did she profit. On a certain therefore day, while for the Confession of her sins at the feet of B. Jacobus she sat in the church, the blessed Father by chance spat on the ground. She came secretly, with him not noticing: and from reverence of his sanctity, of his spittle she gathered with her finger, and the aforesaid place of infirmity with the saliva and devotion she anointed. Receiving therefore absolution and blessing from him, she found herself from the aforesaid pain totally freed, so that it she further did not suffer.
[25] A certain man in the city of Forli upon another's Wife so disorderly affected had fixed his eye, insane love restrained. that before her house daily passing, and with another simulated cause her very often house entering, with words and looks to the woman grave trouble he caused. When however fearing God she had had him asked, that from such kind of frequenting he would desist; he always did worse. She however fearing lest from this scandal and some danger should follow, if to her husband's notice it should come; to B. Jacobus with faithful mind she ran back, beseeching that he would ask the Lord, that to this trouble a remedy to apply He would deign. And when for her a prayer he had made, that vain man so was from his foolishness changed, with no man cooperating further, that thereafter that way to make, or to the aforesaid woman to bring trouble any was not seen.
ANNOTATIONS.
CHAPTER IV.
Various infirmities cured: a horse to life, and a boy injured by it restored to health: secrets known, notable chastity.
[26] When the Forlivian people, on account of B. Jacobus's extraordinary sanctity which they had seen in him, Headaches the Blessed heals for one, him with wonderful veneration venerated; and after the celebration of his Mass, to the kissing of his hands, flowed in throngs; it happened on a certain day among others a certain woman to be present, by name Berta, who for three months with grave and continuous head pain had been vexed: many remedies indeed she had tried, but in none could she be helped by physicians. Who when she saw to the kissing of the man of God's hands the people flowing, approached she also: and when his hand she had kissed, was immediately from the head pain totally freed.
[27] Another certain matron, by name Beatrice, often the pain of head was wont to suffer: and to another: coming however on a certain day to the blessed Father that she might confess with him, while he to her Absolution conferred, and his hand upon her head placed, together with Absolution he conferred health. After a few days with the pain returning, returned she also to the Father; and in manner similar, while in Absolution his hand he imposed on the head, suddenly the pain vanished. Again when after some days, was renewed the pain, she returned to the customary remedy; and so for many times, at the touch of the holy hand with the pain vanishing, received continually the benefits of health.
[28] Of a certain physician, neighbor of the Friars, an untamed horse in the house of the Friars Preachers of Forli was pasturing in the cloister; upon which a certain boy, about ten years old, by childish levity led, wished to mount; and with foot in the noose of the rope placed which the horse on his neck had, with the horse terrified and a leap from fear giving, so was the boy by the noose of the rope through the foot bound, the horse with a club killed to life that with the horse running he equally was dragged. The horse however from this more by terror terrified, now with the front now with the hind feet struck the boy and dragged him, whom also with frequent blows he struck on the head. With Friars however many to such sad spectacle running, and the boy from death wishing to free; one of them, when remedy any he saw not; with a great club seized and strong, the horse with many blows struck on the head, wishing to kill it if expedient, that through its death the boy might be freed from death: the horse indeed on the ground dead fell, the boy however fell half-alive. The Friars sad vehemently made for the death of the horse, but more for the danger of the boy whom they feared to die; raising him, who by himself to rise or move altogether could not, him they carried within, that him with the remedies they could they might help. Meanwhile another Friar, mindful of the sanctity of B. Jacobus, ran to him, who in the cell was: and with all things which had happened narrated, the boy by it injured he restores to health. he asked that for the boy and the Friars' sadness the Lord he would beseech. Hearing Christ's servant the case of sadness, with compassion moved and in the Saviour's piety confiding, said: Let no one doubt, no one be sad: for merciful God will help us. And immediately rising he entered the church, and with prayer there made brief the horse revived, having no wound at all of striking or sign of swelling: and the boy, who before lay immobile, was immediately restored to full health. Who immediately, namely the boy and the horse, on their own feet healthy and uninjured to their own houses returned.
[29] There was to the servant of the Lord a custom humble and devout, arthritic pain, gladly to receive any poor, and with them about heavenly glory benignly to confer. Among others however one poor blind man, by name Hieronymus, he had as very familiar, to whom on account of Christ greatest consolation he showed; on account of which that one, by his benign paternity attracted, to him very often came. Of this man's faithful attestation it has been ascertained, that while for much time with arthritis pains in hands and feet, and in all the joints of his body, very long he was burdened; nonetheless to him very often he came, desiring by his doctrine and sacred counsels to be recreated. This wonderful for much time he experienced, that while he spoke with him, that pain in his presence in no way he felt; when however he departed from him, the pain, which in the Saint's presence was an exile, him in the customary way tormented. Always therefore this in his presence he had, that the arthritis pain he did not feel; with the blessed Father dead, at his sepulchre from those pains totally he was healed.
[30] and of the eyes by his presence he relieves: The same also devout man asserted similar to himself to have happened: for when in one eye long grave pain he had, which him continually afflicted; always when with the blessed Father he spoke, that pain, as if the holy man's presence fearing, him to afflict did not dare: when however he departed from him, greatest pain he felt, on which account him more often he visited.
[31] Narrated a certain Forlivian matron, devout and prudent, to a deaf one he restores hearing, by name Druda, that while from a certain infirmity she had been made deaf, so that for a year nothing except by great clamor she could hear; many times within that year, just as she was wont, to B. Jacobus she had confessed. This however with certainty always she experienced, that, notwithstanding the punishment of deafness, him very softly speaking so without all impediment and difficulty she heard and clearly understood, just as she was wont to do when most perfectly she heard: when however she departed from him, immediately as before deaf she was. This always speaking with him manifestly she proved; when however the servant of God instantly she begged, that for whole and continuous her hearing's recovery the Lord he would beseech, the blessed Father, as if of futures foreknowing, replied; Patience have, because shortly you shall be freed. With the man of God dead therefore, the aforesaid matron came to the church, where his body was buried; and when many miracles to be done she saw, she prayed the blessed Father, that her from that misery he would free. With prayer devoutly completed, home she returned: and after half an hour she felt within her head a crashing something, as if many reeds were broken: which done, she was immediately from all deafness cured.
[32] secret knowledge in religious state vacillating one he confirms, A certain young Brother from Borgo San Sepolcro, by name Francis, of the Order of Servants of B. Mary, who was conventual at Forli, by the malign one's persuasion deceived, had deliberated shortly from the vow and habit of his profession to spring back. And when that deliberated evil to no one to manifest he presumed, but for himself a day and hour was watching, in which he could without impediment what he had conceived to fulfill; the glorious Father B. Jacobus, of that Brother, whom he had never seen, the name, surname, and proposal learned with the divine Spirit revealing: and with received license immediately to the place where the Brother was he approached, and asked from the Friars that young Brother to himself be called. Asked the Brother, wondering what he wished, came to him. Whom the discreet man and full of charity drawing aside, between himself and him alone with charity rebuked, and with salutary admonitions began from his proposal to recall. When however he the secret conception of his mind to confess was unwilling from shame and fear, the Saint said: Son, He who knows the thought of men, this to me has revealed; of me however nothing doubt, because correction your, not confusion I seek. Seeing he that the thought of his heart to the blessed Father had been divinely revealed, and hearing the blessed Father's salutary admonitions, both his fault forthwith confessed, and changing his proposal in the Order consoled remained: after the death of the servant of God B. Jacobus, to God's glory, these things which we have reported in order he narrated.
[33] Omnipotent God, from whom all goods proceed, His servant Jacobus with such great honesty of virtues adorned, adorned with every kind of virtues, that his morals and acts to all beholding his conversation provided edification: so brightly indeed shone in him the love of purity, that not only from evil, but also from every appearance of evil so he kept himself immune, that no one ever of him presumed anything of bad judgment or bad testimony to bring forth according to custom; because with simple and right life in all his actions walking, words and acts of simulation and duplicity he abhorred. To Brothers and Companions in all his life benevolent, obsequious, grateful, and humble he always was. In the Convent with all so sweet and peaceful he was, that a word of injury, disturbance, and bitterness to brother or secular, in all his life, he is not heard to have brought forth. To Prelates obedience, to the older reverence, to the sick compassion, to the desolate consolation, to the younger erudition, and to all edification he showed. Guests from anywhere coming with cheerful and pious affection he received. If anything by view of piety to him given or sent had been, to interior and exterior needy gladly bestowed he saw it. In prosperous things he was not lifted up, in adverse things he was not broken. The Constitutions of his Order, of Chapters and of Prelates the admonitions, with all zeal and willing soul integrally he observed. in regular observances, of all Brothers the mirror he was and form. A lover and observer of silence chief he always was. And since the friendship of God, good delight, and a rejoicing heart enlivens the face; pleasantness of face in all his successes he showed: but the world's praise and glory despising, to heavenly glory with all desires he panted. A life in all things irreprehensible he led. So always he lived as if daily about to die. Of two also of his Confessors, who his general Confession several times heard, with firm assertion has been found, that the unblemished splendor of virginal cleanness perpetually he kept, and his heart with mortal sin's contagion was never stained: the same also asserted the Brother, who on the third day before his death his general Confession heard.
CHAPTER V.
The disease of cancer patiently by B. Jacobus tolerated and honored with miracles: foreknown and piously undergone death.
[34] When omnipotent God His servant Jacobus, a faithful workman, to the eternal reward to bring had decreed; The cancer disease patiently he conceals a grave first cancer ulcer his breast struck; that so much more glorious he might be in heavens, the more for love of Him grave punishments with patience he had tolerated on earth. Which disease for nearly four years' space the sacred breast with continuous devouring corroded. But who to the exterior breast inflicted punishment, to the interior heart conferred the grace of patience; that the body's punishment always would augment the mind's virtue. For nearly for a year that punishment so from all he hid, that no one perceive could that by any passion he was burdened: when however in the washing of his tunic, after a year nearly elapsed, had been by the sign of blood of his infirmity ascertained; he was compelled to show the wound of the breast, which for Christ's love patiently and humbly he hid; and when applied to him were some helps of medicine, no liberation he was able corporally to have, nay rather he did not wish: who however to others in infirmity similar and to many others the grace of health while he lived imparted: with divine providing this clemency, since to those loving God all things cooperate unto good, and virtue in infirmity is perfected. The wound therefore so was enlarged, that a hen's egg freely could it receive: and when horrible it was and putrid, and when for medicine it was opened stench it sent forth, and worms often gushed from it; never did he complain, never a groan from pain he sent forth, and sustains, never sad did he appear; but to God always giving thanks cheerfully, and most patiently sustaining, the customary devotional Masses and his Saints' offices, and also the rest of holy Religion's exercises, devout and solicitous he discharged. The medicinal remedies however with weariness he seemed to receive, who to himself for Christ's love in his infirmities was pleased. At a certain time, when for several days that wound by his servant to be seen and to be changed he had not permitted; fearing the Brother lest too much the wound should rot, with such art he forced him. A small lamb before him he led while he lay, and with sword seized at it he pretended he wished in his presence to slaughter: but the blessed Father the Brother with tears begged, lest that animal of God he should harm. To whom when the Brother said, Unless you permit your wound to be changed as I shall wish, this lamb I will kill; immediately for the lamb's freeing, he himself the Lord Christ's lamb, to his hands gave himself, for his pleasure to be handled.
[35] It was however to this man of the Lord wonderful, that while the wound of his breast when it was opened often stench sent forth, a wonderful however fragrance of odor most frequently proceeded from him. For testifies a very great multitude of devout faithful, to have felt from him to come forth an unaccustomed fragrance of most pleasant odor, and nonetheless a sweet odor of itself thereafter breathes. to no aromatic thing similar. Some indeed at the touch of his garments, which however were humble and despised; and others in the kissing of his hands, especially when Mass he had celebrated; others indeed from his mouth, while he spoke, the sweetest odor to come forth felt; that by exterior sign of so great odor it might shine, that his mind by virtues refreshed, was wholly fragrant before the Lord.
[36] When on account of decrepit age and grave sickness his body almost dead he had, only devotion to Christ lived in him: About to pray in decrepit age and disease singularly he is strengthened that he could deservedly with the Apostle say: I live now not I, but lives in me Christ. Gal. 2, 20 His devotion's fervor, which in youth he had begun, so strongly and delightfully in old age he kept, that not for an hour from him could it desist; nay to devotion ampler with continuous augments he proceeded. When however, from too great old age and body's debility, further by stairs or steps to ascend he was not able, nay scarcely his feet from the ground to raise he could; to the steps however of altars to pray or celebrate, as often as he wished, freely without difficulty any he ascended. Asked by the Friars, how to those steps so he ascended freely, when to other steps altogether incapable he seemed; he said: If I should much gold be about to gain, or to the Papacy even to be promoted, for this cause to ascend upright the steps of these altars I could not; but if I must there pray or celebrate, this from the Lord grace I have, that without difficulty thither I ascend swiftly: which daily experience most evidently approved.
[37] At the time when the blessed Father with the cancer ulcer aforesaid was burdened, a certain matron, food for the sick one preparing oil divinely is augmented, who great reverence had toward him, through a messenger asked, that crispels from herbs and flour mixed, which commonly they call a fritters, for his dinner with oil she would prepare: who then in urgent household business occupied, her certain poor neighbor called; and a little vessel to her with oil giving, asked, that for the blessed Father she would complete, what she occupied very much could not do. She with the vessel received departed, and with willing soul to prepare food disposed: but when all the oil which in the vessel was into the pan she had poured, of such quantity it was not, that for the preparation of that food it would suffice. When the woman was sad, because of oil sufficiency she had not, and was ashamed to the matron to return for oil; suddenly that oil, of which little there was, so grew and filled the pan, that on account of super-abundance too great it was needful more oil from the pan to be removed than at first had been added. The frying completed, the oil, which in such cooking is wont to be consumed and lessened, so super-abounded, as if in it no cooking had been made, and to fire placed it had not been: on account of which the poor woman more still of it she put back, than in the vessel at the beginning she had found. When however to B. Jacobus, what miracle had happened, she had reported; he replied: My daughter, that oil with thanksgiving preserve, which to you sent the Lord Jesus Christ. Similar also happened to two other matrons, and several times, for him preparing food; for oil not only could not be consumed, but was besides by his merits augmented.
[38] Here one chapter to the transcriber escaped or in the numbers of Chapters to be marked the scribe erred: which below again we shall note. With the holy man's body's strength failing, grew daily the devotion of his mind: for although with too great difficulty he walked through the house, with much however devotion Mass daily he celebrated. When however on the day on which Mass last he celebrated, to B. Andrew's altar he approached; was present immediately before the Mass's beginning a certain religious and honest woman, a tumor from a sick one he expels, neighbor of the Friars, by name Helena, having a great tumor in the right part of the throat, which nearly for a year she had endured, nor could from it by physicians' art be cured. But because the preceding night by greatest pains she had been tortured, so that from the vehemence of pains rest she could not find; she hoped herself able from the aforesaid torment to be freed, if the hand of the blessed Father Jacobus to touch perhaps she might merit. To whom this devoutly asking the Saint replied: Wait, daughter, until I shall complete the Mass, and then what you ask I shall fulfill. The Mass devoutly completed, with the holy hand the place of tumor and pain he touched, and with Christ's seal he consigned: which done from the altar both departed; and she immediately toward home without delay her journey taking, before from the Friars' church she went out, with the tumor vanishing and the pain put to flight, was continually integrally freed.
[40] With omnipotent God's grace disposing to all His servant's labors an end to impose, a little before death no stench from the cancer he gives. and the reward of eternal glory to render his merits; the holy man's little body, by long sickness wasted, so was of strength deprived, that for the four last days of his life, by his own strength from bed to rise he was unable. For up to those days, although beyond measure heavy in body he was and weak, with devotion greatest Mass daily he celebrated, so much in Christ's love more fervent, the more swiftly his life's term to approach he felt. Within those days however the Sacraments of the Church with the greatest devotion he received. His wound's stench, which often was wont to be felt, within the mentioned four days totally was extinguished.
[41] On a certain evening, while in that very infirmity he lay, on account of thirst's anxiety, which from fevers he suffered, sometimes his servant a glass ampoule full of water at the head of his little bed upon a board placed, a glass vessel by his contact fallen to the ground sheds nothing of water. that a remedy in the night ready he might have, if thirst he should suffer the burning. And when in the night that little glass vessel with his own hand he wished to take, his hand so he struck against it, that from on high it fell below: and the mouth of the vessel, with no covering closed, was turned below, and so inverted through a great hour of the night until morning it remained. In the morning however the servant the vessel gathering, was greatly amazed, that the glass vessel fragile, from that fall could in no way be broken; and that at summer time, from the inversion of the vessel, was unable from the water to be lessened anything or to be poured out.
[42] The desired day arriving therefore, on which the glorious Father with the burden of flesh laid down was about to ascend to Christ; foreknowing his death, that day integrally in divine praises he occupied, his Hours and his Saints' Offices through himself saying in the little bed. With many however frequenting his cell, and how it was with him asking, well it was with him to all he replied humbly: but that his spirit in that blessed expectation freely could be directed to the Lord, them immediately he licensed benignly. From his words however could be known manifestly, that the hour of his transit to him had been by the Lord a revealed. For while at the [b] sixth hour about to die by the Friars he was believed, and on this account with the signal made the Friars with haste to his transit for the commendation of the soul gathered; to the Friars he said: Too soon you have been called, since not yet has come my hour. With the Convent departing, after the ninth hour he began from the servants about the vespertine hour diligently to inquire: and the answer received, that that hour not yet was present; he asked that they all depart, and that alone with the Lord to be free they would permit. And when the Friars frequently returned, from all those coming about the vespertine hour desirable he asked. piously he undergoes that, With the signal made for Vespers and Vespers in the church terminated, thinking one of the servants that for this reason so he had been about the vespertine hour solicitous, that at the due hour Vespers he might say, said to him: Father, here is the hour, about which today so solicitously you asked: if you wish, I shall call to you Brothers, who shall say Vespers for you, since you in soul weak are. To whom he said: It is not expedient, son, for all my hours integrally I have said, and now from Vespers freed I am: from then however no one to be licensed he wished. Forthwith however he began of the body's strength to be deprived: and while for the Brothers' calling the signal was made, a Brother a certain cross to him offering said: Trust, Father, in the help of the Crucified, and no danger you shall fear. He indeed, with eyes raised upward, said: I do not fear, son: I do not fear, son. With the Brothers indeed the Office of commendation of the soul pursuing, he with them equally said the Office. And while with them he said the Litany, with eyes raised to heaven, and made cheerful in face, to the Redeemer Christ the spirit he rendered. As soon as he migrated to the Lord, the wound of his breast, which of such great magnitude was as has been said, the cancer wound suddenly closing. so was consolidated, that scarcely from it a thin scar's vestige appeared. He migrated however to Christ glorious His servant B. Jacobus, in the year of grace one thousand three hundred fourteenth, on the day last of May, on Friday c sixth, on the feast of holy glorious Virgin Petronilla, in the year however of his age eighty-third, completed indeed in Christ's service in the Order of Friars Preachers in his sixty-sixth year.
ANNOTATIONS.
CHAPTER VI.
The flowing together of the city to B. Jacobus's funeral, various miracles then wrought.
[43] Although all the Friars, who had known the blessed man's life full of virtues, With the city flowing together to the funeral, him did not doubt to have flown to heavenly glory; nothing however of unaccustomed novelty presuming to do, and because much still of the day was remaining, and the heat at that time was intense; they wished him, with no people called together, with humble honor in the Friars' cemetery to bury. With God however better disposing, who glorifies those who honor Him; although by the Friars his death had not been announced to outsiders, suddenly through the whole city of Forli and its suburbs resounded the voice of his transit. Forthwith however the universal multitude of people, of either age and sex, with works, offices, exercises, and any occupations set aside, to the place of the Friars with such sudden celerity ran, that blessed each thought himself, who at the touch of the holy body could another anticipate. Meanwhile the Friars, immediately after his transit, wrapping the body and on a bier to the church wishing to bring, met innumerable crowds rushing within the cloister. the body of garment for relics stripped breathes an odor, The crowds however with violence devoutly rushing on them, the body with the bier setting down, and with greatest devotion touching, the garments, with which the body had been wrapped, into small pieces for Relics they tore: so that in a brief time it was needful him three times completely to clothe. The odor however wonderful of unheard and unknown fragrance, from the sacred body coming forth, those touching it with wonderful devotion gladdened. Brought however to the church the body, was upon the altar by the people placed, then on account of the supervening multitude to diverse places it was brought: from the multitude however too great flowing in, within three days it could not be buried. As soon however as into the church was brought the body, many miracles on account of his merits divinely shown were.
[44] A certain woman from Valdopso of the Forlivian diocese, by name Agnes, dwelling at Forli, with sudden slip, while the blessed Father lived, fell: and when upon her left hand in that very fall to support herself she wished, to whom the broken arm is restored, the bone of her arm next to the fist into very many parts was broken and divided. With many however applied physicians' remedies, for several months neither could be solidified nor cured, nor of hand or arm could she help herself. To Blessed Jacobus therefore, while his blessed death in the neighborhood was, approaching, several times she asked him, that for her God he would beseech: to whom always Christ's servant said: Endure daughter patiently, because the Lord soon you from this infirmity will cure. With the man of the Lord dead therefore, when at the hour of his transit to touch him the whole city ran together, the woman herself with the first ran; and to the bier approaching said: Where is, Father, your promise, by which to me in a brief time the future health you promised? I beseech, that now for me you pray to the Lord. And with body his touched, with arm and hand where the fracture was; immediately the bone of the arm perfectly and integrally was consolidated, and (as Christ's servant had promised) she received whole health.
[45] Missing.
[46] A certain woman, by name Brunetta, of the city of Forli, having an arm for long times swollen, and a sick one is tightly squeezed by his hand: his hand on the bier resting opening, her arm in his she placed in the hand: so for it was for three days tender and tractable his flesh, that in him no hardness, no rigidity was; for his arms and legs could be bent and extended; his hand and fingers could be closed and opened, bent, drawn back, and extended, as when he lived. When however the aforesaid woman her hand within his hand placed, he her hand so strongly squeezed and held, that with the multitude of people seeing long from him she could not be separated; the vestige even of the imposition of the holy man's thumb on her arm further could not be deleted. But what that touch wished, since the woman from the swelling of hand and arm cured was not, has hitherto remained altogether unknown to us. This however appears not a little wonderful, that the hand of a dead man so strongly squeezed the hand of a living one: of this matter however the judgment to Him alone we leave, to whom nothing is unknown, who knows all things before they be done.
[47] an arthritic, A certain man, by name Nicolas, of nation Forlivian, with arthritis passion direly burdened, the body of the holy man embracing on the bier, immediately was freed.
[48] A certain hunched man, by name Picinus, who a great hump had had for about twenty-six years, and a hunched are healed, and with his left ear could not hear, approaching to his bier, with brief prayer made from both passions was cured. In whose curing, that the servant of the Lord's virtue might be known to all, was made in the campanile of the Friars a ringing of bells by themselves, with no men at all giving work.
[49] On the third day from the blessed Father's transit, within the church before the altar of the glorious Virgin in a humble monument, with strong cement and bricks enclosed, the precious treasure with wonderful devotion of the people was deposited: upon which was placed a wooden grating, until a stone for the covering of the tomb might be prepared. and many sick to the buried body, even then sweet-smelling. For three other days with no other covering covered remained his body, so that freely by all it was seen: by the citizens however with solicitude and sedulous devotion was guarded, and by an innumerable people's frequency was visited. Within which days when there was heat very great and continuous pressure of people, day and night him to behold and to touch striving; nothing of corruption or stench from the sacred body did exhale, but a most sweet odor felt from him a very great multitude of people. Within the triduum however aforesaid, more than twenty other sick, from diverse languors were miraculously healed.
[50] When the Blessed man's sepulchre had been with stone covered, before with cement everywhere it was closed, a certain woman by name Blanca, Cured a certain afflicted with quinsy, having in the throat quinsy, from which she could not be freed by the help of physicians; the danger of nearby death fearing, to the Blessed man's tomb she approached, accompanied by many relatives and friends. Beholding however from the lower part of the sepulchre a certain small opening under the stone, her little daughter's strap through that opening she introduced into the tomb, that it might touch the place of her infirmity with the strap, which the holy man's body or relics had touched. Deposited however within the sepulchre the strap, saw and felt all who were present, that to be drawn down it seemed: and when several together upward it to draw they tried, manifestly they felt that with violence some down it was drawn. And when to the suffering woman it was urged by several, that to blessed Jacobus she would dismiss the strap which she was drawing; she said: This strap to nothing is worth to him, but to me very necessary it is, since it has touched body his. Repeating therefore the violence she draws it back, which immediately to herself to the neck applying, with pain immediately ceasing, before she came to her home, with the broken swelling she was perfectly cured.
[51] At the time when the blessed Father's body remained buried, so great was around him the people's multitude, with the body after 9 months sweetly even smelling, that to be wrapped and arranged it could not as became. After nine months however from his transit, suddenly what was omitted had been they completed. Of faithful citizens therefore testimony with themselves applied they opened the chest; and the body, as they had decreed, with silken cloths they wrapped. They felt however from the sacred body to come forth an odor wonderful: the dust also which in the sepulchre near the body his was found, wonderfully smelt; which devoutly gathered, at the touch of that very dust, sick several received the benefits of health.
[52] A certain youth, by name Miciolus, hearing from many the holy man's miracles to be recited, to one detracting B. Jacobus's miracles his arm is contracted and healed, not only incredulous was; but also of those very miracles to detract he began. By God's nod immediately of motion and use of left arm he was deprived, who of the holy man's virtues to speak sinister words had presumed. With vexation therefore providing understanding to hearing, to his heart he returned; and B. Jacobus weeping miserably he invoked. A vow made, that if He would free him, his tongue henceforth against his miracles he would not loose, immediately he received the benefits of health.
[53] A certain mature and devout man of Bologna, having the habit of Penitence, by name Brother Guido, for receiving the poor in the valley of S. Victor of the Cesena diocese, by his merits an infant from pustules is freed, with his wife in a hospital himself little poor he deputed. On a certain however morning to leave the house wishing, a little girl, by a vile mother thrown out, before the hospital's door he found: who calling his wife, commanded that the abject girl for Christ's love she should receive, and to her the mother's obsequy for His reverence she should show. Who undoing the girl's little cloths, with which she had been wrapped, found her with swelling blisters and pustules over the whole body covered. Hearing however the fame of B. Jacobus's miracles, him they prayed faithfully, that the health of the little poor girl by his merits he would obtain: in the night following the girl was by the Blessed man's merits integrally freed. When however the wife of the aforesaid devout man for sons since a long time to bear had ceased, and now for the space of thirteen years had altogether lacked milk, to nurse by herself the girl she could not, who altogether milk lacked. Seeking therefore in the aforesaid country if a woman any they could find, who for Christ's love would nurse the girl; since they themselves, because they were poor, for the payment of a nurse the price did not have; and none under this condition they found; altogether to B. Jacobus that faithful man with faith and devotion great betook himself, and to the nurse miraculously milk is supplied. praying that to his wife milk from the Lord he would obtain, lest to the girl nourishment fail. A vow made therefore to him, in the night following his wife in her breasts itching she felt: which while she scratched and pressed, suddenly by God's virtue milk burst forth: which with daily augments multiplied, the little infant to nourish sufficiently she could for all the time in which to be nursed she was; though however the aforesaid woman was neither pregnant, nor for a long time had been.
[54] A certain woman, by name Francesca, for seven years was a leper, A leper is cleansed, of which years for four in a lepers' hospital she had been separated. Approaching to the sepulchre of B. Jacobus, with vow uttered fully freed she was. Who seeing herself so perfectly cured, with offering made immediately departed, nor to the Friars and people, to the Lord's glory, as she ought, did she publish. After a few days suddenly with grave passion seized she fell, and altogether speech she lost. Who again within herself with vow made to B. Jacobus, that if He would free her from the aforesaid passions, she would visit again the sepulchre his, and the miracle which she had hidden she would publish, to fulness was freed; and approaching to the tomb of the man of God all things in order she narrated. Of the first however infirmity of hers there was witness a very great people's multitude, who afterwards her saw perfectly cured.
[55] A certain Andriolus by name, having a little son, a contracted is healed, in hand and foot, arm and leg, in the right side contracted, so that on that side in no way could he help himself; him to B. Jacobus's sepulchre he led: where through immediately so fully cured he was, that of the preceding infirmity no vestige remained.
[56] and a half-alive infant. A certain woman of Fighino of the Ravenna diocese, by name Julia, bore a son half-alive, of motion and sense lacking, except that only his lips were moving: who when he was believed forthwith about to die, immediately was baptized. When however for four days so immobile he had remained, and neither milk indeed took nor cried; his mother to blessed Jacobus betook herself. With vow uttered however to him, without delay or stay, was the boy to life and health forthwith restored.
CHAPTER VII.
The deceased, by B. Jacobus's merits to life recalled: very many infirmities cured.
[57] When a certain Forlivian citizen, William by name, Resuscitated a boy in a vat of water, had in his own house a wall constructed, on account of which cause in the middle of his house a vat with water he had placed; it happened a little son of his, by name Sanctus, upon that vat incautiously to play. And when to lean himself he wished to the water, into it he fell and was suffocated. When had come however to the water the workmen, and had found the boy wholly in the water submerged; exclaiming, him dead they extracted: the mother indeed of the boy, with several neighbors running, and seeing him altogether dead, B. Jacobus devoutly and faithfully invoked. A wonderful matter, but by Him done who of life and death has dominion. With the mother's prayer finished, and vow uttered to B. Jacobus, the boy, who was dead, immediately from the dead rose.
[58] Another certain boy of nearly two years, by name Jacobus, near a certain river's [a] bank left by his mother near Forli, and another in a river suffocated: who in the neighboring garden was gathering herbs; with hands creeping and with feet to the river he approached, and into it fell. And when with head submerged downward, and with feet raised upward, for a long space he had been drawn by the water; by certain on the river's bank making the journey raised from the water he was. With them shouting ran together a multitude of people, who to a certain feast going thence were making transit. And while by the feet he had been raised that he might vomit out the water, that vomited out dead he was found, having no sign at all of life. For face he had most black: and with his little body warmed at the fire, neither motion nor sense in him appeared, but in him were all the signs of death. And when his father and mother and all standing by had seen, him to be truly dead, him to B. Jacobus with many tears and great confidence they devoted. Before Matins however, through B. Jacobus's merits, omnipotent God him to life and health restored: with pristine recovered color, no vestige of any burden or weakness remained in him.
[59] the lame are given gait, A certain Forlivian woman, by name Avenante, who for thirty-two years on either side was lame, approaching to the Blessed Father's tomb, with prayer made, attained the benefit of full health, so that rightly as the rest she walked.
[60] Another woman of Forlimpopoli, by name Imoldina, for fifteen years was so deprived of strength of limbs, that from the place where she sat or lay, without the support of a stick or another person's help, to rise she was unable: brought however in a vehicle to his sepulchre, in the presence of many was immediately perfectly cured.
[61] A certain Cremonese, by name Zaninus, who for six years of the eyes' light totally deprived had been, while he was at Ravenna, the blind in sight and had heard the fame of B. Jacobus's miracles; with faith and devotion immediately toward Forli the journey took, eyes of wax and candles promising himself at his tomb to offer, if sight to receive he might merit. And when at Forli he had arrived, before to the blessed Father's tomb he approached, all his sins he confessed to a Priest. With Confession made immediately a little to see he began; approaching indeed to the chest and offering his vows, immediately he was illuminated integrally and perfectly.
[62] two deaf in hearing: William of Ponte-Ronchi, of the Forlivian diocese, who for four years had been deaf, with vow made to B. Jacobus, free by his merits he received hearing.
[63] A certain Bonaguirus of Mantua, who for years six had lost hearing, with the blessed Father's sepulchre visited continuously recovered hearing.
[64] A certain Priest at Ravenna, John by name, made paralytic and in the whole body languid, two from paralysis are freed. in sight and voice so weakened was, that neither to read nor to sing he was able; besides also with arthritis pains he was burdened. And when at the sepulchre of B. Jacobus for one night with devotion and reverence he had stayed overnight, freed he was fully from all the burdens aforesaid.
[65] A certain one of [b] Valle-Amonis of the Faenza diocese, by name Servatus, for ten years was paralytic, within which by days and nights his head vehemently and continuously he agitated. He approaching to B. Jacobus's venerable sepulture, perfectly was cured.
[66] another from epilepsy At Castrocaro a certain woman, Aemilia by name, suffered epilepsy so horrible for years seventeen, that within the prefixed years' number regularly on every day three times she fell at least, and by that passion was terribly shaken: who coming to the blessed Father's sepulchre, with prayer made, by his merits was perfectly healed.
[67] a certain one from deafness. A certain Florentine, by name Sentinus, dwelling at Faenza, on a certain day while alone he was, felt himself suddenly by some hand to be touched; and while himself every way he turned, and no one to be present he beheld, so was he stupefied with horror, that immediately the use of speech he lost. And when nothing helped him the helps of physicians, to B. Jacobus he devoted himself. After fifty days from the horror aforesaid, to his sepulchre he approached: and with brief there made prayer, was loosed integrally the bond of his tongue.
[68] A certain ship in the Adriatic sea, while from c the Port of Volana about twenty-five miles distant, by B. Jacobus's merits the tempest is calmed. was so by tempest shaken, that on account of greatest storms and strongest wind, those who in it were not able by their own effort to help themselves, of things and of life equally despaired. There was however among them a certain Forlivian, by name Nicolatius, who induced his companions, that all devoutly B. Jacobus of Venice they should invoke: of which the rest acquiescing in the counsel, Blessed they began to call Jacobus, vowing themselves his sepulchre to visit, if them from the danger he would free. With the prayer completed and the vow uttered, immediately that tempest by B. Jacobus's merits was calmed.
[69] Two young men of Forli, who were brothers and commonly dwelt, had a horse very dear to them, which on a certain morning in the stable dead they found: to a horse life is restored, over which most vehemently saddened, diligently they searched if of life a sign they could find in it. And when all coming without doubt it truly dead judged, since of motion altogether deprived it was and of sense, and was horribly swollen; a messenger for it was directed, who the iron from the feet might remove, and for skinning it would have it carried away. Meanwhile one of the aforesaid brothers, by name Conus, said to his brother: I believe, brother, if devoutly we invoke B. Jacobus of Venice, through whom the Lord so many and such great wonders works, that God by his merits to us alive and healthy would restore this horse. With him faithfully agreeing, a vow both equally uttered, that his venerable sepulchre with bare feet they would visit, and a wax horse would offer, if the horse to them He would restore alive. Then the other brother, by name Manfred, the dead horse seizing by the ears, with faithful voice cried out saying: Rise in the name of B. Jacobus. Immediately however, with the servant of Christ's name invoked, with all vanishing swelling, who had been dead was restored to life, having no infirmity or weakness's sign at all.
[70] Near Solarolo of the Faenza diocese, a certain woman, to a mute speech is restored, by name Alberta, with supervening upon her sudden passion, the use of tongue so totally lost, that not the smallest word to express she could. When indeed thus for several days she had endured, and could not be helped in any way by medicine's help; to the blessed Father Jacobus's suffrage she betook herself, and with nods signaling as she could, asked to be led to his venerable sepulchre. And when to the Friars' church she had come at Forli, before to the holy sepulture she approached, with the sign she could a Confessor she sought. Whom called, at his feet humbly prostrating herself, she showed herself to have great desire of confessing: and when by the Brother a blessing to her had been given, to the sepulchre of B. Jacobus she was led: and there with brief prayer rising, and lit candles to his image offering, immediately with a rupture and a certain sound within her throat made, the name of B. Jacobus, with the people hearing, to invoke she began, with speech's use and office to her plenarily restored.
[71] to a fallen one a broken neck is healed. When a certain Ferrarese, by name Bartholomew, from a certain fall had a broken neck, on account of which his head upon the unloosed neck could not stand, but upon his breast fell; placed in bed, he heard from several of the great and many miracles, which divine virtue through the merits of B. Jacobus of Venice in Forli was doing. He himself, who his nearby death thought to be, with received confidence in his virtue, to the same Father humbly devoted himself, promising himself his sepulchre with bare feet to visit, if him to pristine he should restore health. Immediately however with the vow made he slept a little; and immediately roused from sleep, he saw a certain man of venerable aspect, in white clothed, who from him to depart seemed, and found himself plenarily freed.
[72] a certain one suffering from incurable disease, In the year besides one thousand four hundred seventy-third, on the twelfth day of the month of August, when great earthquakes had begun, and through several days increasing had endured; the Cesenatese (for greater among the Cities of Romagna from such kind of earthquakes Cesena fear had invaded) with houses left day and night places under the open sky they inhabited: the Friars also of the Convent of Cesena, by the same terror frightened, the garden for themselves had chosen as dormitory. By which it happened, that a certain Brother, Sebastian by name, of Faenza, Vicar of the Convent, when he himself for many days with others in the garden had slept, a certain infirmity from the air and ground's humidity contracted: and so this infirmity prevailed, that his side and thigh and other leg to him totally invalid and dead were rendered. Wherefore when much time for healing the sickness with which he was held he had spent, and the physicians' remedies had failed, and by no art could he be helped; to D. Jacobus he turned, his help about to implore. He had felt indeed his virtue before for many years, in another infirmity which he had suffered: from which when by his merits he had merited to be freed, in token of devout and grateful mind on individual days the seven Psalms penitential with the Litanies he said. He made therefore in the month of December by his relatives himself on horse to Forli to be carried. led to B. Jacobus's sepulchre he is healed, When however there at the altar of B. Jacobus in Mass having confessed sacred Communion he had received; under the same B. Jacobus's marble sepulchre, which is supported by five columns, he caused himself to be placed by the Brothers. He could not alone walk, except by certain wooden supports, which they call [d] ferlas, supported. And when from earliest morning until nearly the vespertine hour there he had remained, by a certain pleasant sleep detained, he saw a certain Brother of his Order (it was B. Jacobus) gently with his hand the places of infirmity stroking, and saying to him: Trust, son, because you shall be healed. Without delay, awakened from sleep, he found himself healthy and uninjured, as he had heard. Then forthwith of himself from the place in which he had lain leaping out, in token of attained health perfect so he was walking, as if never he had suffered the infirmity: and he attested with great voices, himself by B. Jacobus's gift gifted with health. At this voice and at the magnitude of the miracle, stirred was the universal city to praise of the blessed Father: for very many had known him to have been detained by such infirmity. The Forlivians began more readily his suffrages not in vain to implore: among whom also the daughter of Lord Julian Custodian of the citadel of the Most Illustrious Count [e] Hieronymus, who with grave languor and almost incurable detained, when with vow she had vowed herself to B. Jacobus, was healed. In testimony however of these things stands the City of Forli, and the letters of the Lord Vicar of the Most Reverend Bishop f of Cesena.
[73] But other miracles, at the very most blessed Father Jacobus's sepulchre or at his invocation divinely done, the number and proof of miracles, wrought by his merits. which faithfully are proved, for avoiding too great prolixity, lest the reader's mind be burdened, in this little book we have judged not to write. For besides all the miracles above said, within twenty and eight months' term, from his transit, were found miracles in number three hundred thirty-eight: of which is diligent made inquiry, and which by public hand with attestation solemn in writings serially and expressly reduced are. Many indeed others, which to writing committed are not, in diverse parts of the world were cooperated, which by faithful persons are reported: in which is found, that omnipotent God by the very Father's merits several other dead resuscitated, many blind illuminated, to the deaf hearing restored, the broken consolidated, the contracted erected, paralytics, epileptics, fever-sufferers, and dropsical cured; to many speech restored, the wounded healed, the chained in prisons and in enemies' hands placed by wonderful favor rescued, to afflicted and desolate many true consolation showed. In testimony indeed of his extraordinary sanctity, Christ's piety and power to continue and multiply miracles does not cease, to His name's glory and honor, who with the Father and Holy Spirit lives and reigns God forever and ever. Amen [g].
ANNOTATIONS.
COMPENDIUM OF THE LIFE
distributed into Lessons, by Apostolic authority published.
Jacobus the Venetian, of the Order of Preachers, at Forli in Romagna (B.)
Lect. I. Jacobus Salomonius the Venetian, of a most noble family born, in the very flower of his entering age orphaned of parents, under the discipline of his grandmother made wonderful progress in letters and piety; with the Evangelical counsel received, that naked the naked Christ he might follow, with his patrimony to the poor distributed, the Order of Preachers he chose, in which for sixty-six years he most holily lived, with sole contempt of pleasure and contention of virtue, to the holy Father Dominic's exemplar wholly in himself to express aspiring.
II. Humility he so kept, that all virtues and miracles, which from divine liberality daily he wrought, most diligently he hid. With charity to God and to neighbors, especially the poor, so he burned, that Father of the poor by common elogium was called. In assiduous meditation of divine things, with such great soul's pleasure was he suffused, that often into ecstasy rapt, altogether immobile he remained. In his mouth not except God and divine things were turned: hence very often that of Hieronymus he employed, Happy is the tongue, which not except of divine things knows to weave speech.
III. In bringing forth the name of Jesus most copiously he wept, which also when of Christ's passion, and of the holy Martyrs, and especially of S. Ursula and her Companions was the discourse, he showed. The secrets of hearts to him divinely revealed: with prophetic also spirit was he gifted. In administering the sacrament of Penance, often upon his shoulders sitting a dove, with beak into his ears placed, sensibly appeared: and in his own miseries, in weeping for the faults of other men, from his eyes fountains of tears gushed. The business of souls' salvation never to God's busy minister was idle.
IV. Virginity perpetually unhurt he kept, and his whole life from every stain of mortal sin immune he led. In tolerance of evils most invincible: for a most grave ulcer, his breast assiduously corroding, so for four years he hid, that not even with the smallest groan or sigh the most acerbic pain did he betray: nor on this account anything of customary his body's maceration did he remit: and now in him, on account of decrepit age and assiduous sickness half-dead, only Christ lived.
V. The day of his death by divine revelation he predicted; with which arriving, immediately from the prior ulcer so he convalesced, that not even a small vestige of it in him further appeared. With Ecclesiastical Sacraments thereafter fortified, while together with the rest of the Brothers in alternating turns to God he psalmed, with eyes fixed on heaven, from corporeal bonds his most glad soul to the Above flew, in the year of salvation one thousand three hundred fourteenth, of his age the eighty-third. For three days his body, on account of the coming people's concourse, unburied, breathed a wonderful odor, with pious hands of the faithful particles of garments plucking.
VI. Illustrious for the glory of miracles, and who alive helped many, dead to the needy to profit did not cease. Lepers he cleansed, to the deaf hearing, to the mute speech, to the lame gait he restored; to those giving birth he removed pains, ulcers of the nostrils he healed, the half-alive to vigorous health he led back, the dead to life he recalled, to all all things made of profuse beneficence provided examples. At Rome of S. Sebastian's temple with closed doors he penetrated. Wherefore into the number of the Blessed transferred, his feast and office by Clement VII first, and then by Julius III's command among the Forlivians, afterwards by Paul V also at Venice was instituted. Gregory the fifteenth in the universal Order of Preachers wished it celebrated.
HYMN.
Jacobus the Venetian, of the Order of Preachers, at Forli in Romagna (B.)
Most happy Church, rejoice with new joy, Through which the heavenly Court with new ray shines. Jordan's river crosses Jacob with a double troop; He bears Augustine's ray, and Dominic's lily. Shines for the Preachers a star, through the world's pivot, Refulgent in virtues, whose Order he adorns. To Jacobus's little body the dove of the Holy Spirit, And of graces a little vessel the Saviour sent from heaven. A new joy is felt, new miracles come forth: The bones give to the sick reward, all rejoice forever. Be praise to the Father with the Son, with the Holy Paraclete together, Whom Jacobus's confession may join us sparing the debt. Amen.