*° The Bollandists suppose, that he was
^- In his time, this was the course invaria- bly taken by Irish travellers to and from Rome.
^- In his time, this was the course invaria- bly taken by Irish travellers to and from Rome.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v5
Lingard has called him
anAnglo-Saxon. 35 Forsuchanassertion,hequotesanoldLatinPoem,on
the Bishops of York. 3^ To this claim, Dr. Lanigan responds, that in the said
poem 37—which by-the-bye was not written by Alcuin—there is not a word
about Wiro, at that verse quoted, nor, as far as he could find, in any other
38
part of it.
The early training of Wiro in learning and virtue, by the guardians of his
youth, had not been neglected, as his after life and labours proved. From day
p. 80. Thomas Dempster, as usual, claims for his own country of Scotland the birth of this holy man, or at least, at the 12th of this month, he is noted as Archbishop of Dun- blane, although he afterwards adds, " ut tunc moris erat nulli certK sedi alligati," &c. See "MenologiumScoticum," in Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p. 198.
** Father John Boland, although admit- ting that John Capgrave makes our saint a native of Hibernia or Ireland, seems to tliink, the original Continental writer of his Acts, must have imagined, that he was born in North Britain ; thus connecting Saints Patrick, Columba or Cuthbert with this quarter, although Venerable Bede states, " Hiberniam proprire patriam Scotorum esse. "—"Historia Ecclesiastica Genlis Anglorum," lib. i. , cap. i.
veteri Scotia ; quae nunc dicitur Hibernia : ibi egit. ibi in Episcopum est electus, inde Roman ivit consecrandus, inde reversus in Gallias transivit. "—" De Primis Vetei is Frisise Apostolis," Dissertatio Ixxxiii, The Office of Ruremond Church, keeping the local tradition, accords with the foregoing authors.
'7 See the Bollandists' " Acta Sancto- rum," tomus ii. , Mali viii. De S. Wirone Episcopo Ruremondoe in Gelria. Commen- tarius Prxvius Joanuis Bollandi, sect, ii. , num. II, 12, p. 311.
'•* See John D'AIton's " Memoirs of the Archbishops of Dublin," p. iS.
^ See his Life, at the Slh of March.
5° Etlited by Dis. Todd and Reeves, p. 121.
3' See ibid. , pp. 478, 479.
3' See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- '5 Ferrarius, in his General Catalogue of nix," viii. Maitii. Appendix ad Vitam S.
the Saints, follows the statement of Demp- ster.
'' Thus, 7"k" Capgrave, Gerbrandus a Leidis, John Wilson, in his " Martyrologium Anglicanum," Canisius, in his German Martyrology, Constantius Ghinius in " Na- talibus Sanctorum Canonicorum," Mirxus, Molanus, and Petriis Galesinius, in his Martyrology, all make St. Wiro an Irish- man. Ag. iin, Willilirordus Boschartius, of the Order of Premunst rants, in the Abbey of Tungcrloo, writes : " Wiro oriundus crat ex
Scnani, cap. iii. , p. 538 {rccle), or p. 542. 33 This was an ancient district of Tho-
mond, now erected into a barony.
3^ See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des Saints," tome v. , viii=. Jour de Mai.
p. 404.
35 In his "History of the Anglo-Saxon
Church," chap, xiii. , n. 12.
3" Alcuin, de Pontificibus Ebor. v. 1045. 37 Sec note 12 to chap. iii.
38 Sec "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
vol. iii. , chap, xviii. , sect, viii. , note 105.
May 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
to day, his merits and good dispositions became more pronounced ; so that he grew up, flourishing as a pahn tree before the Almighty, and as a cedar in the house of God. His zeal to advance in all virtue was noticed, nor were bounds given to his holy desires ; he was steady of purpose, when obstacles interposed; whileinprosperity,hisserenityofsoulwasnoticeable. According to some writers, St. VViro was a monk pg but, this statement is not to be in- ferred, from his earliest known biography. His vigils were constant ; he prayed and he fasted. As examples for his imitation, and holy rivalry, he proposed those of the illustrious Fathers of the Irish Church : such as St. Patrick,'I" St. Columkille,'*' St. Cuthbert,-'^ the pillars of his country, and the luminaries of the world. Thus, he was filled with Apostolic desires, to spread the Gospel in distant places ; while daily and nightly were his prayers and fasts directed to implore their intercession, so that no obstacle might be in- interposed to his self-sacrificing zeal, and to prevent the natural tendency of the flesh to prevail against the purity of his intentions. His youth is said to havebeendistinguished,bytheperformanceofmiracles. 43 Suchwashisre- putation, that at an early period of life, he was called upon to assume the responsibilities of the episcopal office, when one of the Irish bishops died, and left his See vacant. The people of the place, conscious of St. Wiro's merits, were unanimous in wishing him to succeed in that office. But, the humble man declined such an honour, and declared, that he prefered the situation and con- ditionofadiscipletothatofamaster. InfillingthevacantSeeofabishop, however, the voice of the people was by no means sufficient ; he upon whom their choice had fallen must gain also the vote of the clerg}^ and receive ordination from the bishops of the neighbouring churches, before he could be considered a member of the episcopal body of the Catholic Church. 44 While Dempster states, that Wiro was appointed Bishop of Dunblane,4S his country- man Camerarius^^ will have it, that he ruled over the See of Glasgow ;47 but, these statements are given, without quoting any authority. Again, it has been said, that he was a Bishop in England. 4^ Although Wiro's objections were strongly urged at first, in opposition to the especial wishes of the clergy and people, his assent was at length reluctantly obtained. 49 Then, he made preparation for his departure, to visit the Eternal City and to have an interview witli its Sovereign Pontiff.
39 This is stated, by Trithemius, in his work, " De Viris Illustribus Ordinis S. Benedicti,"cap. cclxiii.
46 jn his worl<, "De Scotorum Pietate," lib. iii.
^^ St. Kentigern is the reputed founder of 4° See his Life, aheady given at the 17th of this See, and there he is buried. See John
March. '
4' His Life occurs, at the 9th of June.
4* See his Life, at tlie 20th of March.
43 So states Dempster, in these words,
"qui etiam ab infantia miraculis emicuit," &c.
44 " Ordinarily the election was conducted under the superintendence of bishops of the province ; and not unfrequently, the bishops alone elected, their choice being afterwards approved by the people. "—Dollingei's " History of the Church," Dr. Cox's Trans- lation, vol. i. , period i. , chap, iii. , sect, ii. , p. 243.
Lesley, " De Gestis Scotorum," lib. ii. , cap. vii,
•'^According to Trithemius, "De Viris IHustribus Ordinis S. Benedict! ," cap. cclxiii. He is called " S. Wiro Episcopus Deiro- rum," in an old Life of St. Swibert—vene- rated at the 1st of March—and which has been attributed to St. Marcellinus.
49 " Erat ejus insula consuetudo, ut primo eligerint incolce Episcopum, deinde electum Romam mitterent, Summi Pontificis mani- bus consecrandum, atqueitaque demumred- diturum ad sedem suam. Itaque licet mul- tum refragraretur Sanctus Vviro, non tamen
45According to Hector Boetius, it was only a sua sententia discessit plebs fidelis, sed
in the time of King David L of Scotland, who begin to reign al)Out A. D. 1121, that four new Sees, viz. , Ross, Dunkeld, Brechin and -Dunblane were established. See " His- toria Scotia;," lib. xii. , fol. 264.
etiam ilium invitnm eligens, compulit tan- dem assenliii. "—Acta S. Vvironis Episcopi. See Surius, " De Probatis Sanctorum Vitis," ad diem viii. Mali,
5° Xhe ancient name was Ath Cliath.
,
122
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 8.
He was elected Bishop of Dublin s°—as is generally thought s'—but incor- rectly ; for, Dublin was not then erected into a See. This city, however, boasts a considerable antiquity, for Ptolemy, about a. d. 140, sets a town there, and calls it " Civitas Eblan'a. " By the old Irish, it seems to have been named Ath-cliath-dubhlinne, " the Ford of Hurdles of the Black Pool," more com- monly given, Ath-cliath, " Hurdleford,"5^ or Baile-ath-cliath, " Hurdleford- town/'^^Dubhlinn, or " Black Pool," was originally the name of the estuary or part of the estuary on the Liffey. 53 For several centuries, it was not remark- able for its growth or population ; but, the Northmen took Ath-cliath, a. d.
836, according to the Donegal annalists. In their hands, it began to take rank as a capit°al 3S4 and, its importance was deemed to be so great, that it was
'**=f->^^^--w^:=
Dublin from the LifTey, at Wood Quay, and Christ Church Cathedral, in the distance.
surrounded by strong walls. Near the old Celtic dim or fortification, which connnanded a pass over the Lififey, and at a part of the river, called Dubhlitiu,^^ or "the black pool," was built the Church of the Holy Trinity, since called Christ Church Cathedral. s^ This is said to have been erected, about the year
5< The county of Dublin has its name from Archbishops of Dublin," p. 19. the city. See William'Allingham's article, 5^ There were several minor places in Erin on Irish Names of Places, in Frazer's
5' See John D'Alton's "Memoirs of the
" Mag. izine for Town and Country. "
55 From this, the Irish capital derives its picked out the Dubh linn—Latinized now generally accepted name. See W. F. Wakcman's " Tourists' Guide to Ireland,"
called Ath-cliath, " Ilunlleford. "
53 They were foreigners, probably, who
Eblana—and fixed that for the nnme of this
place, on the dark-watered LifTey, at the
lowest ford over tlie river, just before it ex-
panded into its estuary. Naturally it was as lately restored i>y Mr. Roe, " the eminent an early place of settlement, owing to its Dublin distiller. " will be found in the work
fine situation, and ready access botJi by sea just quoted. See ibid,
and land.
5' The accompanying illustration was
p. 62.
5* An interesting engraving of this church,
123
1038, by the Northmen citizens ; although, there can hardly be any question, but that a more ancient church occupied its site. It was built on an elevated situation, and in the oldest part of the city. s7
In accordance with the prevailing custom, it is related, that St. Wiro pro- ceeded to Rome, for the purpose of receiving consecration, at the hands of the Pope ; and, he sailed over to England, taking with him the Priest, St. Plechelmus. 58 The latter was distinguished, likewise, for his holy life and high reputation, and he was about the same age as Wiro. In England, these were joined by a virtuous Deacon, named Othgerus,s9 who was desirous of leading a most perfect life. Charmed with the purpose and conversation of the Irish visitors, he resolved on accompanying them, leaving to Divine Providence the disposition of his future career. The author of St. Wiro's Life tells us,,that after a prosperous voyage, he arrived at Rome, with his com- panions ; that they devoutly visited the shrine of St. Peter and St. Paul, where they offered up their prayers and vows before the altar, and bedewed the
pavement with their tears. When the Roman Pontiff^" heard of their arrival, they were summoned before him. This order they immediately obeyed. When the Pope beheld Wiro, struck with the angelic expression of his coun- tenance, he accurately conjectured the dispositions and fervour of soul, which such an exterior indicated ; and, unable to control an excess of affection towards the saint, the Pontiff rushed impulsively into his arms, and kissed himwithtearsofaffection. ThePopemadeinquiriesabouthisname,country, andbusiness. Thisinformationoursaintrevealed,yetwithmuchreluctance. Falling on his knees at the feet of the Pontiff, Wiro declared his repugnance to assume the office of bishop, and besought him, but in vain, to withhold assent fromthepopularappoiniment. Tothisrequest,thePopewouldnotaccede. SoonWiroreceivedepiscopalconsecrationathishands. Hewasafterwards dismissed, with many presents, and recommended to return for Ireland
; although, it seems to have been his most earnest desire, even to have engaged
himself on a foreign mission. At the same time, Plechelm was elevated to the dignity of the episcopate ; while, the Sovereign Pontiff bestowed on both the relics of saints, and other gifts, to mark his esteem and affection for the holy strangers. ^'
On the way to his own country, St. Wiro crossed over the Alps,^^ in obedience to a mandate of the Sovereign Pontiff; and, afterwards, he sailed onthatStrait,whichinterposedbetweenhimandthelandofhisbirth. Itissaid, moreover, that Wiro returned to his appointed See, and was received with much joy on his arrival, by the clergy and people of his cathedral.
While filling this exalted position of bishop, every day manifested more his fitness
for the office. His morals and example were lights to his faithful people while, his doctrine and teaching were directed to lead, them in the paths of life eternal. After presiding over that portion of the Irish Church, for some
drawn on the spot, by William F. Wakeman,
in 1884, to exhibit the existing view from
the north side of the River Liffey, the upper
part of the cathedral appearing in the back-
ground. It was afterwards transferred by consecrated Bishop, by Pope Honorius I, him to the wood, which was engraved by
This Father John Bolland will not admit. ^' See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto- rum," tomus ii. Vita Auctore Anonymo, and, in the diocese of Rurimond, he has Ex Schedis Willielmi Lindani Episcop'i
Mrs. Millard.
ns His Acts are given, at the 15th of July ;
another festival, at the 26th of the same Ruremondensis, sect. 5, p. 316.
month.
59 His feast occurs, on the lOth of Sep-
tember.
*° The Bollandists suppose, that he was
^- In his time, this was the course invaria- bly taken by Irish travellers to and from Rome.
^^ See the Eollandists' "Acta Sanctorum,"
St. Sergius, who ruled from a. d. 687 to 701. He also consecrated St. Willebrord as Bis- hop. However, Gabriel Bucelin and John Spotiswod think, that St. Wiro had been
;
May 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
—
124 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 8.
time, being moved by missionary zeal for the conversion of unbelievers, he resigned his episcopal charge, because his soul thirsted to gain in foreign lands a more abundant harvest of souls. Seeking a favourable time and opportunity for leaving his native countr)', Wiro took with him the holy Bis- hop Plechalm and the virtuous Deacon Otger, as the companions of his journey. Neither the considerations of fomily or of temporal ease could obstruct that early feeling, which still burned within his soul ; and, as we may infer from the words of the old writer of his Life, Wiro and his companions went through England, on their way to a more distant field of labour. ^5 With his com- panions, St. Wiro passed over into Gaul, after the year 680, as appears most probable ; and, while the power of the Mayors of the palace was established in that realm, under the nominal rulers, who w'ere called rotsfaineantsf*^ it is thought, he arrived there, to coinmence his missionary career.
CHAPTER II.
HIS LANDING IN GAUL—HONOURABLY RECEIVED BY PFPIN OF HERISTALL—HE SETTLES AT ROERMONDE OR RUREMOND—HIS ASCETIC AND APOSTOLIC LIFE WHILE LIVING THERE—HE BECOMES CONFESSOR AND COUNSELLOR OF DUKE TEPIN—ST. WIRO'S HAPPY DEPARTURE ON THE 8tH OF MAY—HE IS BURIED IN THE ORATORY OF MONS PETRI—SUBSEQUENT TRANSLATION OF HIS RELICS—HIS ECCLESIASTICAL COMMEMORATIONS—CONCLUSION.
The course by sea was a favourable one ; but, landing on the shore of Gaul,' St. Wiro gave thanks to the Almighty for his safe deliverance from the perils of the sea, and still more, that he had been saved from that shipwreck, which the world makes of souls. As yet, he had not defined the scene for his future settlement, which he left to the Almighty's wise decree. However, he wished rather to be an exile and a pauper in a strange country, than to be rich and renowned in the land of his birth,^ At that time, Pepin of Her5tall,3 the father of Charles Martel, appears to have enjoyed great power and an exten- sive rule in France. ^ He soon heard about the arrival of tliose pious pilgrims, who were now within the bounds of his dominions ; and, filled with joy, he invited them to his presence. In return, St. Wiro, with his companions.
tomus ii. , Maii viii. De S. Wiione Epis- in possession of Bishop Wilhelm Lindan, copo. Vila Authore Anonymo, sect. 3,4, 5, sect. 7. See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii. , 6, pp. 315. 316. Maii viii. De S. Wirone Epi^copo, Rure-
"* See L. -P. Anquetil's " Ilistoire de mundce in Gelria, Commcntarius Pri^vius,
sect, ii. , num. 18, 20, pp. 312, 313, 316, and n. (i). p. 317.
•* He was called, likewise, Pepin-le-Gros. and his father's name was Ancisses, or An- sii^ise. According to the metrical "Chroni- qiie Rimee de Philippe Mouskes,' v. 1504,
1505 :—
" Et Pepins fu fius Angezil D'une dame biele etgentil. "
^ The " Memorial of Ancient British
Piety "—attributed to Bishop Chalioner
states, that our saint preached " in the Low i. , p. 63. See " Collection de Chroniques Countries, about the beginning of the eighth Beiges Inedites, publice par Ordre du Gou- centui-y," p. 74. vernement ct par le Soins de la Commis-ion
3 In the opinion of Bollandus, this was Royal d'Histoire," 410, Bruxelles, 1836, the "Pippiiuis Dux l'"rancorum,"' men- et suiv.
tioned in the Anonymous Life of St. Wiro, 5 This is a fortified town, at the confluence
France," Premiere Race dite des Ivlerovin- giens, sect, v. , pp. 52 10 54.
Chapter ii. — 'The Rev. Dr. Lanigan is of opinion, tliat liis advent in Gaul must have been later than 6S0, as Pepin of Ileris- tall was not invested with great power, until after that period. See " Ecclesiastical His- tory of Ireland," vol. iii, chap, xviii. , sect, vii. , n. 100, p. no, and sect, viii. , n. 108, p. 113.
—Public par le Baron de ReifTenberg, tome
May 8. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
125
responded to his courteous invitation, and on appraching the royal residence, great honour was manifested by the noble host. He was most favourably received, by Duke Pipen de Herstal, who soon learned VViro's motives for leaving Ireland. Then, desirous of gratifying the wishes of so holy a visitor, Pepin selected a spot, remote from worldly resort, and suited for religious re- tirement. At present, it is known as Roermonde s or Ruremond,^ in the pro- vince of Limburg, and kingdom of Holland. He desired greatly to favour those foreign missionaries, who came from a distance, to spread the light of Christianity among the people of the Low Countries. ? This prince assigned a place of retreat for his future spiritual adviser and confessor, at Mons Petri,^ now St. Odilia,9 near the River Roer,'° about three miles from Ruremond, and formerly it was in the diocese of Leige. " Here a small church was built, in honour of the Blessed Virgin, and around it were formed little cells. " In the following year was built a monastery named St. Peter's, The workmanship of this house, built with stone, was greatly admired. '3 This was just the position, which the man of God deemed most desirable, in completing his long formed plans for quiet meditation ; and soon, he drew great numbers to share in his privations, and to draw instruction from his example. The calm find demeanour of an anchorite made him appear venerable to all the people. On his lips, as in his heart, were the name and presence of Christ, whom he solely loved, and whom he offered daily, in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Meditation, prayer, fixsting, cherished poverty, and contemi)t for this world's goods, filled up the measure of his rule and life. Against vice, he constantly waged a war, although he readily pardoned the penitents ; and, while he denied himself every luxury, he was munificent in his gifts to others. In him, humi- lityandcharityabounded. Histeachingandexamplealikeedifiedthepeo- ple. He sought for heavenly favours, but shunned the rewards of men. Taking to himself the helmet of salvation, he dreaded not the powers of fortune, nor the snares of the old enemy. To his subjects and companions, he showed the paths of Heaven; to the great sinner, he proved the true physician of souls ; while, he felt more afflicted for the injuries others suffered, than for those which fell to his own share. The three fellow travellers to Rome were associated, also, in spreading the faith among pagans living at Guedres, in the Low Countries. '-* His religious patron, Pepin, had such a veneration for
St. Wiro, that he was chosen to be the guide 's and guardian of his public and private life. It is said, that Pepin was accustomed to approach the saint barefooted, as a token of his respect, whenever he was about to reveal his sins in
of the River Roer with the River Maese, now possessing some manufactures and com- merce,withapopulationofover4,000in- habitants. See James BelTs "System of Geography, Popular and Scientific," &c. , vol. ii. , part i. , Holland, chap, xv. , pp. 50,
^ In a Diploma of King Lothaire, issued a. D. 858, it is denominated Bergh.
9JohnCapgravei|;allsit "MonsOdulse. " It is now called Mons S. Odilias, or Odilie- bergh.
'° This village of St. Odilia is on the left 51. Its situation is marked on R. Mont- bank, and higher on its course than Rure-
gomery Martin's " Illustrated Atlas," under the heading of Holland.
^ Its etymon is derived from the name of the River Roer, and from the Flemish word vioiid^ which signifies " the mouth," and most of the places having the compound niund, in Germany are river mouths. About the year 1 23 1, it was surrounded with walls, by Otho HI. , Count of Gueldres.
7 See Jules Zeller's "Histoire d'Allema- gne," tomei. , Oiigines dAllemagne et de I'Empire Germanique, liv. ii. , chap, vii. , sect, ii. , p. 380.
mond.
" At present Ruremond is a separate See. "See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies
des Saints," tome v. , 8 Mai, p. 405.
'^ The old writer of St. Wiro's Acts has the passing observation, that it remained to
be seen in his own time,
'See Bishop Challoner's "Britannia
Sancta," part i. , p. 283.
'5 Thus is he characterized by Thomas
Dempster: " Pipini regis confessarius, vv. B. K. ," in " Menologium Scoticum. " See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scottish
Saints," p. 198.
'* See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical
History of Ireland," vol. iii. , chap, xviii sect, viii. , p. in.
landistes, Vies des Saints," tome v. , 8 Mai, p. 405.
'-° See the Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii. , Maii viii. Vita Auctore Anonymo
,
126 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 8.
the tribunal of penance. ^^ Wiro was also consulted on all great occasions, when the chiefs of the kingdom were convened, to give their opinions on affairs of state. The saint's disinterestedness and candour, as also his wis- dom and eloquence, had deserved weight in those councils, where he spoke the truth freely, and without respect of persons. His candour sometimes gave offence to individuals ; but, he shrunk from being a mere courtier and flatterer, as he wished only to please God. Thus he lived, respected for his virtues, until he had attained a great age. Nor was his rigour of life'relaxed, in consequence ; but, rather as his years sped, his merits and his virtues increased. He betrayed no regret for having left his native land, for he only sought final repose in the true land of promise. In old age, his mind was clear and composed ; because he looked nearer to the goal of his labours and pains,andtothosehappyi ewardswhichcrownthejust.
If we are to believe Dempster, St. Wiro wrote, Ordinationes Ecclesise Suae,
Epistolasad Pipinum Regem, lib. i. j as also, Ad Fratres Odiliae, lib. '\^^ It is almost unnecessary to state, that no person has either read or seen such works; and,thestatementm. iyberegardedasanunmitigatedfalsehood,coined bythatunscrupulouswriter. ThetimeforSt. Wiro'shappydeparturenowap- proached, and he was prepared for the call, owingto his constant practice ofpiety and penitential exercises. At length, he was seized with fever, which caused his death, on the 8tli day of May, towards the close of the seventh, ^^ or beginning oftheeighth,century. '9 Thisdayisnowkeptashisfestival. Agreatconcourse of the faithful assembled, with several religious men, to assist at his funeral obsequies. Hymns and canticles were sung on earth, while the Angels are said to have re-echoed these requiems in Heaven. An odour of miraculous fragrance was observed by all, who assisted at the ceremonies, while his re- mains were buried in Mons Petri oratory, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, and of which he was founder. Afterwards, a great number of miracles was wrought at his tomb. ^°
A Chapter of Canons was afterw-ards endowed, in connexion with the church, at Mons Odilia. This place was situated, within the Dukedom and Lordship of Montfort. During the middle ages, their house and possessions were subjected to the pillage and rapine of lawless men, who were disturbers of the public peace. The country about Mons Odilia was solitary, surrounded by woods, and unprotected from their incursions. Nor does the local mag- nate, Edward of Gueldres,^' and the temporal lord of Montfort, seem to have been able to protect the Canons ; wherefore, they resolved on applying to his brother, Reinald III. , who was Duke of Gueldres, and Count of Zutphen,"
lib, i. :
''See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis S. Wironis, num. 7, 8, 9, pp. 316, 317.
Scotorum," tomus ii. , lib. xix. , num. 1167, p. 651.
" His consent was obtained i, ior the pur- pose desired by the Canons, in a Diploma, dated April 3rd, 1361. The succeeding May 25th, he was vanquished, in a contest with his brother, Reinald III. , who detained him as a captive. Both of these nobles died, in ihe year 1371 ; and, with them ceased the Nassau family, known as Dukes of Guel-
'^ In Harris' Ware, it is stated, on the authority of Surius, that St. Wiro died a.
anAnglo-Saxon. 35 Forsuchanassertion,hequotesanoldLatinPoem,on
the Bishops of York. 3^ To this claim, Dr. Lanigan responds, that in the said
poem 37—which by-the-bye was not written by Alcuin—there is not a word
about Wiro, at that verse quoted, nor, as far as he could find, in any other
38
part of it.
The early training of Wiro in learning and virtue, by the guardians of his
youth, had not been neglected, as his after life and labours proved. From day
p. 80. Thomas Dempster, as usual, claims for his own country of Scotland the birth of this holy man, or at least, at the 12th of this month, he is noted as Archbishop of Dun- blane, although he afterwards adds, " ut tunc moris erat nulli certK sedi alligati," &c. See "MenologiumScoticum," in Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p. 198.
** Father John Boland, although admit- ting that John Capgrave makes our saint a native of Hibernia or Ireland, seems to tliink, the original Continental writer of his Acts, must have imagined, that he was born in North Britain ; thus connecting Saints Patrick, Columba or Cuthbert with this quarter, although Venerable Bede states, " Hiberniam proprire patriam Scotorum esse. "—"Historia Ecclesiastica Genlis Anglorum," lib. i. , cap. i.
veteri Scotia ; quae nunc dicitur Hibernia : ibi egit. ibi in Episcopum est electus, inde Roman ivit consecrandus, inde reversus in Gallias transivit. "—" De Primis Vetei is Frisise Apostolis," Dissertatio Ixxxiii, The Office of Ruremond Church, keeping the local tradition, accords with the foregoing authors.
'7 See the Bollandists' " Acta Sancto- rum," tomus ii. , Mali viii. De S. Wirone Episcopo Ruremondoe in Gelria. Commen- tarius Prxvius Joanuis Bollandi, sect, ii. , num. II, 12, p. 311.
'•* See John D'AIton's " Memoirs of the Archbishops of Dublin," p. iS.
^ See his Life, at the Slh of March.
5° Etlited by Dis. Todd and Reeves, p. 121.
3' See ibid. , pp. 478, 479.
3' See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- '5 Ferrarius, in his General Catalogue of nix," viii. Maitii. Appendix ad Vitam S.
the Saints, follows the statement of Demp- ster.
'' Thus, 7"k" Capgrave, Gerbrandus a Leidis, John Wilson, in his " Martyrologium Anglicanum," Canisius, in his German Martyrology, Constantius Ghinius in " Na- talibus Sanctorum Canonicorum," Mirxus, Molanus, and Petriis Galesinius, in his Martyrology, all make St. Wiro an Irish- man. Ag. iin, Willilirordus Boschartius, of the Order of Premunst rants, in the Abbey of Tungcrloo, writes : " Wiro oriundus crat ex
Scnani, cap. iii. , p. 538 {rccle), or p. 542. 33 This was an ancient district of Tho-
mond, now erected into a barony.
3^ See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des Saints," tome v. , viii=. Jour de Mai.
p. 404.
35 In his "History of the Anglo-Saxon
Church," chap, xiii. , n. 12.
3" Alcuin, de Pontificibus Ebor. v. 1045. 37 Sec note 12 to chap. iii.
38 Sec "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
vol. iii. , chap, xviii. , sect, viii. , note 105.
May 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
to day, his merits and good dispositions became more pronounced ; so that he grew up, flourishing as a pahn tree before the Almighty, and as a cedar in the house of God. His zeal to advance in all virtue was noticed, nor were bounds given to his holy desires ; he was steady of purpose, when obstacles interposed; whileinprosperity,hisserenityofsoulwasnoticeable. According to some writers, St. VViro was a monk pg but, this statement is not to be in- ferred, from his earliest known biography. His vigils were constant ; he prayed and he fasted. As examples for his imitation, and holy rivalry, he proposed those of the illustrious Fathers of the Irish Church : such as St. Patrick,'I" St. Columkille,'*' St. Cuthbert,-'^ the pillars of his country, and the luminaries of the world. Thus, he was filled with Apostolic desires, to spread the Gospel in distant places ; while daily and nightly were his prayers and fasts directed to implore their intercession, so that no obstacle might be in- interposed to his self-sacrificing zeal, and to prevent the natural tendency of the flesh to prevail against the purity of his intentions. His youth is said to havebeendistinguished,bytheperformanceofmiracles. 43 Suchwashisre- putation, that at an early period of life, he was called upon to assume the responsibilities of the episcopal office, when one of the Irish bishops died, and left his See vacant. The people of the place, conscious of St. Wiro's merits, were unanimous in wishing him to succeed in that office. But, the humble man declined such an honour, and declared, that he prefered the situation and con- ditionofadiscipletothatofamaster. InfillingthevacantSeeofabishop, however, the voice of the people was by no means sufficient ; he upon whom their choice had fallen must gain also the vote of the clerg}^ and receive ordination from the bishops of the neighbouring churches, before he could be considered a member of the episcopal body of the Catholic Church. 44 While Dempster states, that Wiro was appointed Bishop of Dunblane,4S his country- man Camerarius^^ will have it, that he ruled over the See of Glasgow ;47 but, these statements are given, without quoting any authority. Again, it has been said, that he was a Bishop in England. 4^ Although Wiro's objections were strongly urged at first, in opposition to the especial wishes of the clergy and people, his assent was at length reluctantly obtained. 49 Then, he made preparation for his departure, to visit the Eternal City and to have an interview witli its Sovereign Pontiff.
39 This is stated, by Trithemius, in his work, " De Viris Illustribus Ordinis S. Benedicti,"cap. cclxiii.
46 jn his worl<, "De Scotorum Pietate," lib. iii.
^^ St. Kentigern is the reputed founder of 4° See his Life, aheady given at the 17th of this See, and there he is buried. See John
March. '
4' His Life occurs, at the 9th of June.
4* See his Life, at tlie 20th of March.
43 So states Dempster, in these words,
"qui etiam ab infantia miraculis emicuit," &c.
44 " Ordinarily the election was conducted under the superintendence of bishops of the province ; and not unfrequently, the bishops alone elected, their choice being afterwards approved by the people. "—Dollingei's " History of the Church," Dr. Cox's Trans- lation, vol. i. , period i. , chap, iii. , sect, ii. , p. 243.
Lesley, " De Gestis Scotorum," lib. ii. , cap. vii,
•'^According to Trithemius, "De Viris IHustribus Ordinis S. Benedict! ," cap. cclxiii. He is called " S. Wiro Episcopus Deiro- rum," in an old Life of St. Swibert—vene- rated at the 1st of March—and which has been attributed to St. Marcellinus.
49 " Erat ejus insula consuetudo, ut primo eligerint incolce Episcopum, deinde electum Romam mitterent, Summi Pontificis mani- bus consecrandum, atqueitaque demumred- diturum ad sedem suam. Itaque licet mul- tum refragraretur Sanctus Vviro, non tamen
45According to Hector Boetius, it was only a sua sententia discessit plebs fidelis, sed
in the time of King David L of Scotland, who begin to reign al)Out A. D. 1121, that four new Sees, viz. , Ross, Dunkeld, Brechin and -Dunblane were established. See " His- toria Scotia;," lib. xii. , fol. 264.
etiam ilium invitnm eligens, compulit tan- dem assenliii. "—Acta S. Vvironis Episcopi. See Surius, " De Probatis Sanctorum Vitis," ad diem viii. Mali,
5° Xhe ancient name was Ath Cliath.
,
122
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 8.
He was elected Bishop of Dublin s°—as is generally thought s'—but incor- rectly ; for, Dublin was not then erected into a See. This city, however, boasts a considerable antiquity, for Ptolemy, about a. d. 140, sets a town there, and calls it " Civitas Eblan'a. " By the old Irish, it seems to have been named Ath-cliath-dubhlinne, " the Ford of Hurdles of the Black Pool," more com- monly given, Ath-cliath, " Hurdleford,"5^ or Baile-ath-cliath, " Hurdleford- town/'^^Dubhlinn, or " Black Pool," was originally the name of the estuary or part of the estuary on the Liffey. 53 For several centuries, it was not remark- able for its growth or population ; but, the Northmen took Ath-cliath, a. d.
836, according to the Donegal annalists. In their hands, it began to take rank as a capit°al 3S4 and, its importance was deemed to be so great, that it was
'**=f->^^^--w^:=
Dublin from the LifTey, at Wood Quay, and Christ Church Cathedral, in the distance.
surrounded by strong walls. Near the old Celtic dim or fortification, which connnanded a pass over the Lififey, and at a part of the river, called Dubhlitiu,^^ or "the black pool," was built the Church of the Holy Trinity, since called Christ Church Cathedral. s^ This is said to have been erected, about the year
5< The county of Dublin has its name from Archbishops of Dublin," p. 19. the city. See William'Allingham's article, 5^ There were several minor places in Erin on Irish Names of Places, in Frazer's
5' See John D'Alton's "Memoirs of the
" Mag. izine for Town and Country. "
55 From this, the Irish capital derives its picked out the Dubh linn—Latinized now generally accepted name. See W. F. Wakcman's " Tourists' Guide to Ireland,"
called Ath-cliath, " Ilunlleford. "
53 They were foreigners, probably, who
Eblana—and fixed that for the nnme of this
place, on the dark-watered LifTey, at the
lowest ford over tlie river, just before it ex-
panded into its estuary. Naturally it was as lately restored i>y Mr. Roe, " the eminent an early place of settlement, owing to its Dublin distiller. " will be found in the work
fine situation, and ready access botJi by sea just quoted. See ibid,
and land.
5' The accompanying illustration was
p. 62.
5* An interesting engraving of this church,
123
1038, by the Northmen citizens ; although, there can hardly be any question, but that a more ancient church occupied its site. It was built on an elevated situation, and in the oldest part of the city. s7
In accordance with the prevailing custom, it is related, that St. Wiro pro- ceeded to Rome, for the purpose of receiving consecration, at the hands of the Pope ; and, he sailed over to England, taking with him the Priest, St. Plechelmus. 58 The latter was distinguished, likewise, for his holy life and high reputation, and he was about the same age as Wiro. In England, these were joined by a virtuous Deacon, named Othgerus,s9 who was desirous of leading a most perfect life. Charmed with the purpose and conversation of the Irish visitors, he resolved on accompanying them, leaving to Divine Providence the disposition of his future career. The author of St. Wiro's Life tells us,,that after a prosperous voyage, he arrived at Rome, with his com- panions ; that they devoutly visited the shrine of St. Peter and St. Paul, where they offered up their prayers and vows before the altar, and bedewed the
pavement with their tears. When the Roman Pontiff^" heard of their arrival, they were summoned before him. This order they immediately obeyed. When the Pope beheld Wiro, struck with the angelic expression of his coun- tenance, he accurately conjectured the dispositions and fervour of soul, which such an exterior indicated ; and, unable to control an excess of affection towards the saint, the Pontiff rushed impulsively into his arms, and kissed himwithtearsofaffection. ThePopemadeinquiriesabouthisname,country, andbusiness. Thisinformationoursaintrevealed,yetwithmuchreluctance. Falling on his knees at the feet of the Pontiff, Wiro declared his repugnance to assume the office of bishop, and besought him, but in vain, to withhold assent fromthepopularappoiniment. Tothisrequest,thePopewouldnotaccede. SoonWiroreceivedepiscopalconsecrationathishands. Hewasafterwards dismissed, with many presents, and recommended to return for Ireland
; although, it seems to have been his most earnest desire, even to have engaged
himself on a foreign mission. At the same time, Plechelm was elevated to the dignity of the episcopate ; while, the Sovereign Pontiff bestowed on both the relics of saints, and other gifts, to mark his esteem and affection for the holy strangers. ^'
On the way to his own country, St. Wiro crossed over the Alps,^^ in obedience to a mandate of the Sovereign Pontiff; and, afterwards, he sailed onthatStrait,whichinterposedbetweenhimandthelandofhisbirth. Itissaid, moreover, that Wiro returned to his appointed See, and was received with much joy on his arrival, by the clergy and people of his cathedral.
While filling this exalted position of bishop, every day manifested more his fitness
for the office. His morals and example were lights to his faithful people while, his doctrine and teaching were directed to lead, them in the paths of life eternal. After presiding over that portion of the Irish Church, for some
drawn on the spot, by William F. Wakeman,
in 1884, to exhibit the existing view from
the north side of the River Liffey, the upper
part of the cathedral appearing in the back-
ground. It was afterwards transferred by consecrated Bishop, by Pope Honorius I, him to the wood, which was engraved by
This Father John Bolland will not admit. ^' See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto- rum," tomus ii. Vita Auctore Anonymo, and, in the diocese of Rurimond, he has Ex Schedis Willielmi Lindani Episcop'i
Mrs. Millard.
ns His Acts are given, at the 15th of July ;
another festival, at the 26th of the same Ruremondensis, sect. 5, p. 316.
month.
59 His feast occurs, on the lOth of Sep-
tember.
*° The Bollandists suppose, that he was
^- In his time, this was the course invaria- bly taken by Irish travellers to and from Rome.
^^ See the Eollandists' "Acta Sanctorum,"
St. Sergius, who ruled from a. d. 687 to 701. He also consecrated St. Willebrord as Bis- hop. However, Gabriel Bucelin and John Spotiswod think, that St. Wiro had been
;
May 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
—
124 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 8.
time, being moved by missionary zeal for the conversion of unbelievers, he resigned his episcopal charge, because his soul thirsted to gain in foreign lands a more abundant harvest of souls. Seeking a favourable time and opportunity for leaving his native countr)', Wiro took with him the holy Bis- hop Plechalm and the virtuous Deacon Otger, as the companions of his journey. Neither the considerations of fomily or of temporal ease could obstruct that early feeling, which still burned within his soul ; and, as we may infer from the words of the old writer of his Life, Wiro and his companions went through England, on their way to a more distant field of labour. ^5 With his com- panions, St. Wiro passed over into Gaul, after the year 680, as appears most probable ; and, while the power of the Mayors of the palace was established in that realm, under the nominal rulers, who w'ere called rotsfaineantsf*^ it is thought, he arrived there, to coinmence his missionary career.
CHAPTER II.
HIS LANDING IN GAUL—HONOURABLY RECEIVED BY PFPIN OF HERISTALL—HE SETTLES AT ROERMONDE OR RUREMOND—HIS ASCETIC AND APOSTOLIC LIFE WHILE LIVING THERE—HE BECOMES CONFESSOR AND COUNSELLOR OF DUKE TEPIN—ST. WIRO'S HAPPY DEPARTURE ON THE 8tH OF MAY—HE IS BURIED IN THE ORATORY OF MONS PETRI—SUBSEQUENT TRANSLATION OF HIS RELICS—HIS ECCLESIASTICAL COMMEMORATIONS—CONCLUSION.
The course by sea was a favourable one ; but, landing on the shore of Gaul,' St. Wiro gave thanks to the Almighty for his safe deliverance from the perils of the sea, and still more, that he had been saved from that shipwreck, which the world makes of souls. As yet, he had not defined the scene for his future settlement, which he left to the Almighty's wise decree. However, he wished rather to be an exile and a pauper in a strange country, than to be rich and renowned in the land of his birth,^ At that time, Pepin of Her5tall,3 the father of Charles Martel, appears to have enjoyed great power and an exten- sive rule in France. ^ He soon heard about the arrival of tliose pious pilgrims, who were now within the bounds of his dominions ; and, filled with joy, he invited them to his presence. In return, St. Wiro, with his companions.
tomus ii. , Maii viii. De S. Wiione Epis- in possession of Bishop Wilhelm Lindan, copo. Vila Authore Anonymo, sect. 3,4, 5, sect. 7. See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii. , 6, pp. 315. 316. Maii viii. De S. Wirone Epi^copo, Rure-
"* See L. -P. Anquetil's " Ilistoire de mundce in Gelria, Commcntarius Pri^vius,
sect, ii. , num. 18, 20, pp. 312, 313, 316, and n. (i). p. 317.
•* He was called, likewise, Pepin-le-Gros. and his father's name was Ancisses, or An- sii^ise. According to the metrical "Chroni- qiie Rimee de Philippe Mouskes,' v. 1504,
1505 :—
" Et Pepins fu fius Angezil D'une dame biele etgentil. "
^ The " Memorial of Ancient British
Piety "—attributed to Bishop Chalioner
states, that our saint preached " in the Low i. , p. 63. See " Collection de Chroniques Countries, about the beginning of the eighth Beiges Inedites, publice par Ordre du Gou- centui-y," p. 74. vernement ct par le Soins de la Commis-ion
3 In the opinion of Bollandus, this was Royal d'Histoire," 410, Bruxelles, 1836, the "Pippiiuis Dux l'"rancorum,"' men- et suiv.
tioned in the Anonymous Life of St. Wiro, 5 This is a fortified town, at the confluence
France," Premiere Race dite des Ivlerovin- giens, sect, v. , pp. 52 10 54.
Chapter ii. — 'The Rev. Dr. Lanigan is of opinion, tliat liis advent in Gaul must have been later than 6S0, as Pepin of Ileris- tall was not invested with great power, until after that period. See " Ecclesiastical His- tory of Ireland," vol. iii, chap, xviii. , sect, vii. , n. 100, p. no, and sect, viii. , n. 108, p. 113.
—Public par le Baron de ReifTenberg, tome
May 8. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
125
responded to his courteous invitation, and on appraching the royal residence, great honour was manifested by the noble host. He was most favourably received, by Duke Pipen de Herstal, who soon learned VViro's motives for leaving Ireland. Then, desirous of gratifying the wishes of so holy a visitor, Pepin selected a spot, remote from worldly resort, and suited for religious re- tirement. At present, it is known as Roermonde s or Ruremond,^ in the pro- vince of Limburg, and kingdom of Holland. He desired greatly to favour those foreign missionaries, who came from a distance, to spread the light of Christianity among the people of the Low Countries. ? This prince assigned a place of retreat for his future spiritual adviser and confessor, at Mons Petri,^ now St. Odilia,9 near the River Roer,'° about three miles from Ruremond, and formerly it was in the diocese of Leige. " Here a small church was built, in honour of the Blessed Virgin, and around it were formed little cells. " In the following year was built a monastery named St. Peter's, The workmanship of this house, built with stone, was greatly admired. '3 This was just the position, which the man of God deemed most desirable, in completing his long formed plans for quiet meditation ; and soon, he drew great numbers to share in his privations, and to draw instruction from his example. The calm find demeanour of an anchorite made him appear venerable to all the people. On his lips, as in his heart, were the name and presence of Christ, whom he solely loved, and whom he offered daily, in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Meditation, prayer, fixsting, cherished poverty, and contemi)t for this world's goods, filled up the measure of his rule and life. Against vice, he constantly waged a war, although he readily pardoned the penitents ; and, while he denied himself every luxury, he was munificent in his gifts to others. In him, humi- lityandcharityabounded. Histeachingandexamplealikeedifiedthepeo- ple. He sought for heavenly favours, but shunned the rewards of men. Taking to himself the helmet of salvation, he dreaded not the powers of fortune, nor the snares of the old enemy. To his subjects and companions, he showed the paths of Heaven; to the great sinner, he proved the true physician of souls ; while, he felt more afflicted for the injuries others suffered, than for those which fell to his own share. The three fellow travellers to Rome were associated, also, in spreading the faith among pagans living at Guedres, in the Low Countries. '-* His religious patron, Pepin, had such a veneration for
St. Wiro, that he was chosen to be the guide 's and guardian of his public and private life. It is said, that Pepin was accustomed to approach the saint barefooted, as a token of his respect, whenever he was about to reveal his sins in
of the River Roer with the River Maese, now possessing some manufactures and com- merce,withapopulationofover4,000in- habitants. See James BelTs "System of Geography, Popular and Scientific," &c. , vol. ii. , part i. , Holland, chap, xv. , pp. 50,
^ In a Diploma of King Lothaire, issued a. D. 858, it is denominated Bergh.
9JohnCapgravei|;allsit "MonsOdulse. " It is now called Mons S. Odilias, or Odilie- bergh.
'° This village of St. Odilia is on the left 51. Its situation is marked on R. Mont- bank, and higher on its course than Rure-
gomery Martin's " Illustrated Atlas," under the heading of Holland.
^ Its etymon is derived from the name of the River Roer, and from the Flemish word vioiid^ which signifies " the mouth," and most of the places having the compound niund, in Germany are river mouths. About the year 1 23 1, it was surrounded with walls, by Otho HI. , Count of Gueldres.
7 See Jules Zeller's "Histoire d'Allema- gne," tomei. , Oiigines dAllemagne et de I'Empire Germanique, liv. ii. , chap, vii. , sect, ii. , p. 380.
mond.
" At present Ruremond is a separate See. "See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies
des Saints," tome v. , 8 Mai, p. 405.
'^ The old writer of St. Wiro's Acts has the passing observation, that it remained to
be seen in his own time,
'See Bishop Challoner's "Britannia
Sancta," part i. , p. 283.
'5 Thus is he characterized by Thomas
Dempster: " Pipini regis confessarius, vv. B. K. ," in " Menologium Scoticum. " See Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scottish
Saints," p. 198.
'* See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical
History of Ireland," vol. iii. , chap, xviii sect, viii. , p. in.
landistes, Vies des Saints," tome v. , 8 Mai, p. 405.
'-° See the Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum," tomus ii. , Maii viii. Vita Auctore Anonymo
,
126 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 8.
the tribunal of penance. ^^ Wiro was also consulted on all great occasions, when the chiefs of the kingdom were convened, to give their opinions on affairs of state. The saint's disinterestedness and candour, as also his wis- dom and eloquence, had deserved weight in those councils, where he spoke the truth freely, and without respect of persons. His candour sometimes gave offence to individuals ; but, he shrunk from being a mere courtier and flatterer, as he wished only to please God. Thus he lived, respected for his virtues, until he had attained a great age. Nor was his rigour of life'relaxed, in consequence ; but, rather as his years sped, his merits and his virtues increased. He betrayed no regret for having left his native land, for he only sought final repose in the true land of promise. In old age, his mind was clear and composed ; because he looked nearer to the goal of his labours and pains,andtothosehappyi ewardswhichcrownthejust.
If we are to believe Dempster, St. Wiro wrote, Ordinationes Ecclesise Suae,
Epistolasad Pipinum Regem, lib. i. j as also, Ad Fratres Odiliae, lib. '\^^ It is almost unnecessary to state, that no person has either read or seen such works; and,thestatementm. iyberegardedasanunmitigatedfalsehood,coined bythatunscrupulouswriter. ThetimeforSt. Wiro'shappydeparturenowap- proached, and he was prepared for the call, owingto his constant practice ofpiety and penitential exercises. At length, he was seized with fever, which caused his death, on the 8tli day of May, towards the close of the seventh, ^^ or beginning oftheeighth,century. '9 Thisdayisnowkeptashisfestival. Agreatconcourse of the faithful assembled, with several religious men, to assist at his funeral obsequies. Hymns and canticles were sung on earth, while the Angels are said to have re-echoed these requiems in Heaven. An odour of miraculous fragrance was observed by all, who assisted at the ceremonies, while his re- mains were buried in Mons Petri oratory, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, and of which he was founder. Afterwards, a great number of miracles was wrought at his tomb. ^°
A Chapter of Canons was afterw-ards endowed, in connexion with the church, at Mons Odilia. This place was situated, within the Dukedom and Lordship of Montfort. During the middle ages, their house and possessions were subjected to the pillage and rapine of lawless men, who were disturbers of the public peace. The country about Mons Odilia was solitary, surrounded by woods, and unprotected from their incursions. Nor does the local mag- nate, Edward of Gueldres,^' and the temporal lord of Montfort, seem to have been able to protect the Canons ; wherefore, they resolved on applying to his brother, Reinald III. , who was Duke of Gueldres, and Count of Zutphen,"
lib, i. :
''See " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis S. Wironis, num. 7, 8, 9, pp. 316, 317.
Scotorum," tomus ii. , lib. xix. , num. 1167, p. 651.
" His consent was obtained i, ior the pur- pose desired by the Canons, in a Diploma, dated April 3rd, 1361. The succeeding May 25th, he was vanquished, in a contest with his brother, Reinald III. , who detained him as a captive. Both of these nobles died, in ihe year 1371 ; and, with them ceased the Nassau family, known as Dukes of Guel-
'^ In Harris' Ware, it is stated, on the authority of Surius, that St. Wiro died a.
