Historic Breviarium," Pars Prima, Octavum
22
During the eighth year of the Emperor Ecclesise Seculum, cap.
22
During the eighth year of the Emperor Ecclesise Seculum, cap.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v6
We Erfurth.
a
106 It is written Gesmere,
are told by Serarius, that Geismaria is a SeeAndreadu Chesne's "Historic Fran-
village in Lower Hesse.
107 See Bishop Challenor's Britannia Origine," etc. , tomus i. Gregorii Episcopi
Sancta," part i. , p. 341. Turonensis Historian Francorum, lib. iii. , 108 In 1870, the Museum of Cologne, pur- cap. iv. , pp. 294, 295, and cap. \ ii. , pp.
"
corum Scriptores Corctanei ab ipsius Gentis
grew,
in course of
time,
to be a
large
Holy Spirit.
This
is now a
Saxony, having Misnia on the east, Bruns- wick on the Hesse on the and
Ia
*
June 5. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 159
began to decline there,3 especially when subordinate chiefs created broils, dissensions, and disorders, which induced the Saxons to invade' the country, and to establish a domination over its people. There, Theobald and Heden had exercised tyrannical rule, and had brought that state to the verge of ruin. Upon the death of some of their Princes, Christianity, that had been so lately established, by St. Kilian,* met with a great shock, from inroads of their new masters, the Saxons. Religion had almost perished there, and it required new efforts to raise it from ruin. ' Certain abandoned men, named Torchtwine, Berchthere, Fanbercht and Hunred,6 who are called fornicators and adulterers, had introduced heretical errors under the guise of religion, and these depravities had seduced many people. But, the saint, by his labours and preaching, brought many back again to the way of truth. From the communion of the Church, he expelled those false Christians, whose seduction and wickness for a time had much obstructed his pious endeavours. Then, piety began to revive, and the harvest became ripe for the reapers. Soon
their number began to increase, while preachers from France and Ireland, as also from England,7 were found. Monasteries were established, also, to receive
congregations of monks.
In the meantime, the fame of his labours spread all over Europe,
and especially in Britain, while the character of Boniface had been well
established, so that many desired to aid him. Thence he received divers
excellent men, eminent for their abilities and learning, as for their zeal and
holiness. The similarity of language eminently qualified the Anglo-Saxon
missionaries to labour among the Teutonic races. 8 Those preachers intended
to subject themselves to his rule, so that they might eradicate errors *of
paganismfromamongtheGermans. Therewerelectorsandscribesinthiscom-
munity of missioners. y Among them are specially mentioned Denevaldus, Bur-
chard, Wigbert, Gregory, Sturim, Lul, Memgoz, Willibald, and his brother
10
Winibald.
advanced the kingdom of Christ, especially among the hamlets and villages
there were to serve many holy virgins
of Hesse and 11 Thuringia.
Jointly with him, and under his direction, these^gloriously
Besides,
the cause of charity and education, among those of their own sex. 12 Among
them are distinguished Chunihilda, and her daughter Berathgit, Chunidrut, Tecla, Lioba, and Waltpurgis, who was sister to Willibald and Winibald. Especially Chunihilde and her daughter Berathgide, well instructed in the liberal sciences, were appointed as religious superioresses in Thuringia; Chunitrude was sent to Bavaria, as her sphere of action ; Tecla was stationed in Franconia; while Lioba, a relation of St. Boniface, presided over a communityofnunsatBischofesheim. Allofthesedidnotjointhegreat Apostle ot Germany, at one and the same time, or place ; but, as the occasion required, they were ready to second his various enterprises. ^
ibid. , "HistoiiseFrancorum/'lib. iv. , cap. x. , xi. , p. 310.
* His feast is held, on the 8th of July.
5 See Jules Zeller's " Histoire d'Alle-
magne,"tome i. , liv. iii. , chap, vii. , sect, iii. ,
Christianity," vol. ii. , book iv. , chap, v. , p. 58.
9 See Mabillon's "Annates Ordinis S.
Benedicti," tomus ii. , lib. xx. , sect, lxiii. ,
p. 72.
I0
See the Third Life of St. Boniface, sect. 4.
" See " Histoire Literaire de la France,"
tome iv. , pp. 93. 94.
"See Jules Zeller's "Histoire d'Alle-
magne," tome i. , liv. iii. , chap, vii. , sect, iii. ,
p. 398.
'3 See Mabillon's "Annates Ordinis S.
Benedicti," tomus ii. , lib. xx. , sect, lxiii. , p. 72.
P- 394- 6
.
Their names have been differentlyspelled, by various writers.
"
7 The Third Life of St. Boniface states,
Alios etenim ex gente sua, alios ex parte Francise, nonnullos etiam de finibus Hiber- niae, quatenus ade>sent sibi cooperatores in
Domini," &c—"Vita III. S. Bone- facii,' sect. 4, p. 482.
yineam
See Dean Milman's "
History
of Latin
160 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[June 5.
On a certain occasion, a. d. 7 24,*+ the holy man journeyed eastward, from the city of Mayence, preaching and baptizing as he went towards Thuringia. Find- ing an agreeable spot for encampment, on a plain and beside a river, he re- mained there for a night, during which the Archangel Michael appeared to him, inavision. Celestiallightalsosurroundedthetent. Whenmorningcame,and when the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass had been over, he ordered a table to be
brought and food to be placed upon it. 's
none was to be found. Boniface
tude for forty years in the desert with manna from Heaven, vouchsafe to me the least of his servants food for one day. " Wherefore, the table was set, and he recited the usual Psalm before meals. Immediately afterwards, a large bird flew over the spot, and dropped a trout, sufficient for that day's refec- tion, near the table. This was taken up and broiled for his repast, Boniface re- turning thanks to the Almighty for such a favour. He there erected the church and monastery of Ordorp or Ordorfe. 16
But, his attendant declared that
Over these establishments St.
monastery,
gregation of religious brethren, who, after the manner of the Apostles, gained
their livelihood, by their labours. A certain man, named Albotus, with others, added to the endowment, by granting lands for its maintenance.
That very same year, Boniface wrote to Daniel, Bishop of Winchester, com- plaining about the conduct of many among the clergy, and asking advice as to the course he ought adopt, in reference to them. He also asks for a Codex, containing six books of the Prophets, which his master, the Abbot Winbert, had written with his own hand, in clear, separate, and large letters, not small and abbreviated, such as were to be found in Germany; because, as his eyes began to grow dim, he could not see minute and conjoined characters. He sends, also, through the priest Forthere, some gifts, such as a chasuble, partly of silk and partly of goat's hair, with a rug made of course long hair, for the bishop's feet. The answer of Daniel to this communication is preserved. In it, he consoles Boniface, by recommending patience and the examples of the saints, while he exhorts to be conciliatory among a rude people, as also to act with firmness and vigour against the immoral clergy. This letter is addressed to him as archbishop, but not as then ruling over any fixed See. 20
Some short time afterwards, a pious cleric, named Adelhere, who had been theconfidantandservantofBoniface,tookill. Withtheadviceofhisbishop,
Adelhere bequeathed his patrimony to the church of St. Martin, at Mayence. After his death, however, two brothers, named Asperth and Truthmundt, seized on his property; and, when cited by the Bishop to show a reason for so doing, these declared themselves ready to prove on oath, that the property belonged to them. They went for that evil purpose to the altar. The Bishop threatened them with the consequences of their perjury. He declared, that a bear should kill the elder brother, and that the younger should have neither
son nor daughter to inherit his possessions. The younger brother Truthmundt, when he found that his elder brother came to a violent end, feared some
"
the
Hugo Senior,
to whom it
x ? 10 In that
Wig- a con-
bert l8 was
belonged. appointed superior.
Boniface
placed
14 This is the date usually assigned for the 1? See Mabillon's
Annales Ordinis S.
replied :
" Will not who fed the multi- he,
foundation of Ordorf church and monastery. Benedicti," tomus ii. , lib. xx. , sect, lxii. , "
See l'Abbe Fleury's Histoire Ecclesiasti- p. 71.
que," tome ix. , liv. xli. , sect, xlvi. , p.
199.
*f Such is the account as given in Othlo's
Vita S. Bonifacii, lib. ii. , cap. 23.
16 It is a village, at the River Or, from
which increased by other streams, the J era flows by the city of Erfurt.
lS
His feast occurs, on the 13th of
The place was granted to him by
August.
*» This is indicated, by Lupus Servatus, in
Vita S. Wigberti.
a0 See Mabillon's " Annales Ordinis S.
Benedicti," tomus ii. , lib. xx. , sect, lxiv. , p. 72.
June 5. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 161
judgmentonhimself. Then,hevoluntarilysurrenderedthatpatrimonytothe church of St. Martin. 21 On the 4th of December, in the year 724,2= after Pope Gregory had received assurance of the success, which attended the labours of St. Boniface, he wrote a congratulatory Epistle, recommending courageandperseveranceinhisgoodwork. ABishophadcomplained,that Boniface encroached on his jurisdiction, in Thuringia ; but, as that man had not preached the Gospel to the people there living, Gregory states, that he had written to the excellent Prince Charles, to restrain his pretensions, and that he had no doubt, but such recommendation must be effective. About the
year 725, Boniface consulted Pethelmus, Bishop of Candida Casa, regarding the case of a widow contracting marriage with a godson, the Frankish and
Roman Priests it to be holding
ing some questions of discipline. This letter was sent through the Priest Denval. Inreply,theSovereignPontiffdecreescertainmatterstobeobserved, and these are reduced, under twelve different heads. 2"* Among the Epistles of Boniface is one 2 5 toCoengislus, written a. d. 728, in which thanks are given for his prayerful commemorations, and in which he alludes with praise to the missionary career of Wiethbert, among the Hessians an—d Saxons. —
illegal.
come down to us. Boniface desired to consult Pope Gregory, in 726, regard-
6
Pope Gregory II. having died, a. d. 731, Gregory III. styled the junior* was chosen in his place. During thirteen years, St. Boniface had laboured strenuously,intheconversionoftheHessiansandThuringians. Henowdesired to tender his obedience anew to the visible Head of the Church, and besides he had some difficulties, which required an authoritative solution. Being fully informed, through messengers from Boniface, regarding the Gospel progress in Germany, and that the Apostle desired for himself and for his fellow-labourers patronage from the newly-chosen Sovereign Pontiff, with his blessing on their works ; Boniface also professed his entire devotedness and subjection to the Apostolic See, with his intention of being bound to it, in the firmest
links of amity and unity.
Soon he received a response, which assured him
and reward for his efforts. —to the labours Owing
Pontiff made him
of the Pontifical
approval
but without a See 2 ? over that country in 732, and conferred on him the Pallium. Gregory also sent different relics of the saints, when the messengers returned to the country whence they came. Our saint received powers, likewise, to erect Sees throughout Germany,28 and to place over them bishops, in those places, which he deemed to be most suitable. 29 Alluding to the numberless conver- sions effected through the instrumentality of our saint, the Pope encouraged him to establish bishops in those places, where the faithful were numerous, always following the canonical prescriptions, and having two or three bishops present at their consecration. He warned the holy man, likewise, never to lower the episcopal order, by too large an exercise of these powers. Further-
ofSt. —
Boniface, Sovereign
Leon's and in the reign,
2? See " A of Christian Dictionary
the
Archbishop
21 See Supplement to the Life of St. 731 to 741. See Berti's " Ecclesiasticse
Boniface, by Willibald, chap, ii. , num. 7.
Historic Breviarium," Pars Prima, Octavum
22
During the eighth year of the Emperor Ecclesise Seculum, cap. i. , p. 188.
eighth Indiction, which correspond with this year.
Biogra- phy," by Dr. William Smith and Henry
23 This is Epist. xi. in the collection.
" Histoire Eccle- siastique," tome ix. , liv. xli. , sect, xlvii. , pp.
199 to 201.
! 3
In the Serarius collection it is Epist. 52. 26 He was thus called by the Romans, in comparison with his predecessor St. Gregory II. He ruled over the Church, from A. D.
Wace, vol. i. , p. 325,
28 See Dean Henry Hart Milman's " His-
tory of Latin Christianity," vol. ii. , bookiv. , chap,v. , p. 58.
2y SeeMichaud, "Biographie Universelle, Ancienne et Moderne," &c, tome v. , Art.
Boniface (saint), p. 5. 30 Situated in Hesse.
t
24 See l'Abbe
Fleury's
2 3 The of Pethelmus has not reply
162
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[June 5 .
more, the Pope resolves for him certain questions, touching morals and dis- cipline, while incidentally setting forth certain manners and customs peculiar
to society, as it then existed among the Germans. The messengers returning congratulated their superior on the distinctions he had obtained from Rome,
and Boniface was consoled, that his proceedings had been there approved. Filled with gratitude for the Divine mercy, he founded a church and a monas-
1
These were dedicated to St. Peter and to St. Paul. 32 Over this erection, St. Wigbert 33 presided. He erected an establishment, also, at Hamanaburg or Hamenburg,34 in honour of St. Michael
the Archangel. To this, likewise, a monastery was attached. The next labours of St. Boniface were in Bavaria, where Hucpert or Hubert 35 then ruled. There, by his preaching, he greatly advanced the Christian Faith, and went his circuit of its various churches. ^6 About this time, a schismatic, named Ermwlf, rendered himself obnoxious, by drawing the people into some errors,whichseemtohavesavouredofidolatry. HewascondemnedbyBoni- face, according to the canonical observances, and cast out, the people re- nouncing his teaching. Then Boniface, having a desire to order well the state of his mission, visited those brethren, who were in charge of the various stations. Meantime, the saint kept up a correspondence with some of the most learned and holy persons in England. Among these, Northelme," Archbishop of Canterbury, is distinguished ; and, to him, application is made for prayers to sustain the courageous confessors of the Faith, against those assaultshehadtosufferinGermany. Heasksespeciallyforthecopyofa letter, containing the question of the Bishop Augustine, with the answers of Pope St. Gregory, in which it is stated, that permission was given for the faithful to marry in the third generation. He also refers to a case, in which
a man, having been the godfather of a child, afterwards had married the mother,whenshebecameawidow. Hedesirestoknow,moreover,inwhat year of the Incarnation, the first missionaries sent by Pope St. Gregory had arrived in England. He wrote a letter, also, to the Abbess Edburge,38 thank- ing her for the books and habits she had sent him. He asks her, while regarding St. Peter and respecting him as the patron of his mission, to write the Epistles of that Apostle, in letters of gold, so that grosser spirits might the more reverence him. These letters were sent through the priest Eoba, who afterwards had been appointed bishop of Utrecht. Another letter he despatched to the same Abbess, in which he complains of the opposition met with, from open foes and from false brethren. The intrigues of these latter were subjects of more pain to him, than the malice of the pagans. St. Boniface wrote many letters to the same Abbess. To this period may be referred, like- wise, the letter 39 of Bishop Torthelme 40 to Archbishop Boniface, who is congra- tulatedontheconversionoftheSaxons. Whilecommemoratingoursaint,inthe Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and in his daily prayers, a like favour is asked as
31 See Mabillon's "Annales Ordinis S. ing to Andrew Brunner, "Boicorum,"
tery, at Fridislar,3° on the River Eder. 3
Benedicti," toraus ii. , lib. xxi. , sect, xv. ,
p. 93.
32 Venerated on the 29th of June.
33 He departed this life, A. D. 747, and he
is venerated as a saint, on the 13th of
August.
lib. v.
36 See l'Abbe " Histoire Eccle- Fleury's
siastique," tome ix. , liv. xlii. , sect, xx. , p. 256.
» According to Matthew of Westminster,
he was consecrated a. d. 735, and he received
34 In Hesse, also called Amcenaburg. the Pallium in the following year. See
See Jules Zeller's
"
Histoire d'Allemagne,"
"FloresHistoriarum," p. 270.
38 She is supposed to have been one so
named, who ruled over the nunnery of Win- burn, in Wessex.
39 It is numbered 44, in the Serarius col-
tome i. , liv. iii. , chap, vii. , sect, hi. , p.
394.
35 He was the son of Theodon, and his
reign was from a. d. 730 to 739, accord-
June 5. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 163 a return from Boniface. There is also extant a letter 4t of Sigebald, King of
42 that he offers Wessex, stating,
at Mass for our who seems saint,
upprayers
to have engaged his various correspondents to render him such a service. 4^
Another letter from Aelbualde, King of the East Angles, manifests the same communion of prayer. It states, that the king writes in his own name, and in that of all the monasteries in the kingdom. Ethelbert, King of Kent,4* mentions the Abbess Bugga, who sends him a silver vessel and some other presents ; while, he asks in return for two falcons, since none so good as those in Germany could be found in his own kingdom. 4s In the year 736, Saints Willibrord and Boniface consecrated as Abbesses two holy virgins, Harlindis and Reinula, for Belgic Gaul, where they founded a convent of the Benedic- tine Order, at a place called Eika, between Meastrich and Ruremonde. 46
The City of Rome.
As he advanced in years, so did the labours of Boniface increase. He had already built several churches in Hesse and Thuringia, while he provided them with zealous pastors. He now earnestly wished to hold a conference with the reigning Sovereign Pontiff, and accordingly, he made a third journey to Rome,4? accompanied by a band of disciples, in the year 738. He was most
lection of Epistoloe Bonifacianae. 733. See Mabillon's " Annales Ordinis S. 40 The See of this Anglo-Saxon bishop Benedicti," tomus ii. , lib. xxi. , sect, xix. ,
does not seem to be known.
41 This in numbered 49, in the collection
of Epistolse Bonifacianas.
p. 95.
44 He reigned over this kingdom from A. D.
749 to 759, the year of his death. See John
" of Great Britaine," book Speed's History
vii. , chap. 5, pp. 298, 299.
42 This state
became one of the
gradually
most powerful of the old provinces, incor-
rectly called the Saxon Heptarchy. See
4 " Histoire Eccle- SSee l'Abbe Fleury's
Edward A. Freeman's "
man Conquest of England," vol. i. , chap, ii. ,
sect, i. , pp. 22, 23, and sect, ii. , pp. 33 to 35-
43 Both of these Epistles were written in
tome ix. , liv. , xlii. , sect, xx. , pp.
History
of the Nor-
siastique,"
258, 259.
46 See Mabillon's "Annales Ordinis S.
Benedicti," tomus ii. , lib. xxi. , sect, xxxv. , p. 102.
1 64 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [Jun e 5 .
benignantly received by Pope Gregory III. , while the Romans and strangers in the Eternal City held him in great veneration. Not alone the Franks, the Bavarians, and the Saxons from Britain, flocked to hear his preaching, but
also the inhabitants of other provinces.
While here, too, he engaged some
priests
spent
greater part
year,
to serve his German mission. *8 He
the
of a
in Rome ; and he visited various churches, containing relics of the saints. At this time, Boniface was about sixty years of age. He wrote an account of his journey and of his interview with the Pope, intimating that he should be delayed in Rome, until an approaching council had been held. 40 However, he resolved on taking leave of the Pope, in 739, for the scenes of his former and future labours. 50 He received in and sacred relics.
gifts parting, especially
Then, travelling through Italy, Boniface entered the walls otTurin city, where dwelt Liodbrand, King of the Lombards. Now, worn with advancing age and great labours, he there took a little rest. He was the bearer of three different letters ; one of these recommended him to all bishops and abbots, who were exhorted to furnish him with labourers for his mission. The second of these letters was addressed to the newly-converted people of Germany, who were implored to be docile to the instructions of Boniface, and to receive favourably
those bishops and priests he should ordain, through faculties granted him by
the Pope. In this letter are mentioned the Thuringians, the Hessians, and other
barbarous people, who lived eastwards from the Rhine. Those who had been
baptized are warned against the damnation they should incur, by transgress-
ing the Canons of the Church ; or by resorting to pagan superstitions, such as sacrifices to the dead, or to woods, or to fountains. He forbids divinations
or sorceries, enchantments or auguries, as also various other malpractices of those rude nations. The third letter was addressed to the Bishops of Bavaria
and of Germany, viz. , Virgnon of Ausburg, Luidon of Spire, Rudolt or Rudolf of Constance, Vivilon of Lorch or of Passau, and Adda or Heddon ol
Strasburg. The Pope exhorts these bishops, to receive Boniface courteously, and to profit by his instructions ; to reject all heretics and false bishops, no matter from what quarter they might come—especially Bretons—and to deliver their people from the remains of pagan superstitions. They were recommended to hold a council at Augsburg, near the Danube, or in what- everplacebestsuitedtheinclinationsofBoniface. 51 DepartingfromTurin,he went among the people of Bohemia,52 where Duke Odilo or Utilo had suc- ceeded Hubert, about the year 739. Here, Boniface preached the word of God with great fruit, for several days. He had many perverse and irregular ecclesiastics and disorders to overcome; while one of his most painful duties was to chase several seducers of the people, who falsely represented themselves
as bishops and priests. Through divers pretexts, these had perverted a great number among the faithful, and had scandalized them, owing to the laxity of their morals. With consent of Duke Odilon, he divided that nation subject to him, into four dioceses. Boniface now settled the churches of Bavaria upon a solid basis. He corrected various abuses and errors. He also established three new Bishoprics, in that kingdom : one at Saltzbourg," over which he placedBishopJohn,5'* oneatFrisingen,overwhichwasBishopErembrecht,55
4? The accompanying illustration of Rome was drawn on the wood from an approved
5° See " Histoire Literaire de la France,"
tome iv. , p. 94.
Sl See 1 Abbe " Histoire Eccle- Fleury's
siastique," tome ix. , liv. xlii. , sect, xxi. , pp. 159, 160.
William F. and it was Wakeman,
view, by
engiaved by Mrs. Millard.
106 It is written Gesmere,
are told by Serarius, that Geismaria is a SeeAndreadu Chesne's "Historic Fran-
village in Lower Hesse.
107 See Bishop Challenor's Britannia Origine," etc. , tomus i. Gregorii Episcopi
Sancta," part i. , p. 341. Turonensis Historian Francorum, lib. iii. , 108 In 1870, the Museum of Cologne, pur- cap. iv. , pp. 294, 295, and cap. \ ii. , pp.
"
corum Scriptores Corctanei ab ipsius Gentis
grew,
in course of
time,
to be a
large
Holy Spirit.
This
is now a
Saxony, having Misnia on the east, Bruns- wick on the Hesse on the and
Ia
*
June 5. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 159
began to decline there,3 especially when subordinate chiefs created broils, dissensions, and disorders, which induced the Saxons to invade' the country, and to establish a domination over its people. There, Theobald and Heden had exercised tyrannical rule, and had brought that state to the verge of ruin. Upon the death of some of their Princes, Christianity, that had been so lately established, by St. Kilian,* met with a great shock, from inroads of their new masters, the Saxons. Religion had almost perished there, and it required new efforts to raise it from ruin. ' Certain abandoned men, named Torchtwine, Berchthere, Fanbercht and Hunred,6 who are called fornicators and adulterers, had introduced heretical errors under the guise of religion, and these depravities had seduced many people. But, the saint, by his labours and preaching, brought many back again to the way of truth. From the communion of the Church, he expelled those false Christians, whose seduction and wickness for a time had much obstructed his pious endeavours. Then, piety began to revive, and the harvest became ripe for the reapers. Soon
their number began to increase, while preachers from France and Ireland, as also from England,7 were found. Monasteries were established, also, to receive
congregations of monks.
In the meantime, the fame of his labours spread all over Europe,
and especially in Britain, while the character of Boniface had been well
established, so that many desired to aid him. Thence he received divers
excellent men, eminent for their abilities and learning, as for their zeal and
holiness. The similarity of language eminently qualified the Anglo-Saxon
missionaries to labour among the Teutonic races. 8 Those preachers intended
to subject themselves to his rule, so that they might eradicate errors *of
paganismfromamongtheGermans. Therewerelectorsandscribesinthiscom-
munity of missioners. y Among them are specially mentioned Denevaldus, Bur-
chard, Wigbert, Gregory, Sturim, Lul, Memgoz, Willibald, and his brother
10
Winibald.
advanced the kingdom of Christ, especially among the hamlets and villages
there were to serve many holy virgins
of Hesse and 11 Thuringia.
Jointly with him, and under his direction, these^gloriously
Besides,
the cause of charity and education, among those of their own sex. 12 Among
them are distinguished Chunihilda, and her daughter Berathgit, Chunidrut, Tecla, Lioba, and Waltpurgis, who was sister to Willibald and Winibald. Especially Chunihilde and her daughter Berathgide, well instructed in the liberal sciences, were appointed as religious superioresses in Thuringia; Chunitrude was sent to Bavaria, as her sphere of action ; Tecla was stationed in Franconia; while Lioba, a relation of St. Boniface, presided over a communityofnunsatBischofesheim. Allofthesedidnotjointhegreat Apostle ot Germany, at one and the same time, or place ; but, as the occasion required, they were ready to second his various enterprises. ^
ibid. , "HistoiiseFrancorum/'lib. iv. , cap. x. , xi. , p. 310.
* His feast is held, on the 8th of July.
5 See Jules Zeller's " Histoire d'Alle-
magne,"tome i. , liv. iii. , chap, vii. , sect, iii. ,
Christianity," vol. ii. , book iv. , chap, v. , p. 58.
9 See Mabillon's "Annates Ordinis S.
Benedicti," tomus ii. , lib. xx. , sect, lxiii. ,
p. 72.
I0
See the Third Life of St. Boniface, sect. 4.
" See " Histoire Literaire de la France,"
tome iv. , pp. 93. 94.
"See Jules Zeller's "Histoire d'Alle-
magne," tome i. , liv. iii. , chap, vii. , sect, iii. ,
p. 398.
'3 See Mabillon's "Annates Ordinis S.
Benedicti," tomus ii. , lib. xx. , sect, lxiii. , p. 72.
P- 394- 6
.
Their names have been differentlyspelled, by various writers.
"
7 The Third Life of St. Boniface states,
Alios etenim ex gente sua, alios ex parte Francise, nonnullos etiam de finibus Hiber- niae, quatenus ade>sent sibi cooperatores in
Domini," &c—"Vita III. S. Bone- facii,' sect. 4, p. 482.
yineam
See Dean Milman's "
History
of Latin
160 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[June 5.
On a certain occasion, a. d. 7 24,*+ the holy man journeyed eastward, from the city of Mayence, preaching and baptizing as he went towards Thuringia. Find- ing an agreeable spot for encampment, on a plain and beside a river, he re- mained there for a night, during which the Archangel Michael appeared to him, inavision. Celestiallightalsosurroundedthetent. Whenmorningcame,and when the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass had been over, he ordered a table to be
brought and food to be placed upon it. 's
none was to be found. Boniface
tude for forty years in the desert with manna from Heaven, vouchsafe to me the least of his servants food for one day. " Wherefore, the table was set, and he recited the usual Psalm before meals. Immediately afterwards, a large bird flew over the spot, and dropped a trout, sufficient for that day's refec- tion, near the table. This was taken up and broiled for his repast, Boniface re- turning thanks to the Almighty for such a favour. He there erected the church and monastery of Ordorp or Ordorfe. 16
But, his attendant declared that
Over these establishments St.
monastery,
gregation of religious brethren, who, after the manner of the Apostles, gained
their livelihood, by their labours. A certain man, named Albotus, with others, added to the endowment, by granting lands for its maintenance.
That very same year, Boniface wrote to Daniel, Bishop of Winchester, com- plaining about the conduct of many among the clergy, and asking advice as to the course he ought adopt, in reference to them. He also asks for a Codex, containing six books of the Prophets, which his master, the Abbot Winbert, had written with his own hand, in clear, separate, and large letters, not small and abbreviated, such as were to be found in Germany; because, as his eyes began to grow dim, he could not see minute and conjoined characters. He sends, also, through the priest Forthere, some gifts, such as a chasuble, partly of silk and partly of goat's hair, with a rug made of course long hair, for the bishop's feet. The answer of Daniel to this communication is preserved. In it, he consoles Boniface, by recommending patience and the examples of the saints, while he exhorts to be conciliatory among a rude people, as also to act with firmness and vigour against the immoral clergy. This letter is addressed to him as archbishop, but not as then ruling over any fixed See. 20
Some short time afterwards, a pious cleric, named Adelhere, who had been theconfidantandservantofBoniface,tookill. Withtheadviceofhisbishop,
Adelhere bequeathed his patrimony to the church of St. Martin, at Mayence. After his death, however, two brothers, named Asperth and Truthmundt, seized on his property; and, when cited by the Bishop to show a reason for so doing, these declared themselves ready to prove on oath, that the property belonged to them. They went for that evil purpose to the altar. The Bishop threatened them with the consequences of their perjury. He declared, that a bear should kill the elder brother, and that the younger should have neither
son nor daughter to inherit his possessions. The younger brother Truthmundt, when he found that his elder brother came to a violent end, feared some
"
the
Hugo Senior,
to whom it
x ? 10 In that
Wig- a con-
bert l8 was
belonged. appointed superior.
Boniface
placed
14 This is the date usually assigned for the 1? See Mabillon's
Annales Ordinis S.
replied :
" Will not who fed the multi- he,
foundation of Ordorf church and monastery. Benedicti," tomus ii. , lib. xx. , sect, lxii. , "
See l'Abbe Fleury's Histoire Ecclesiasti- p. 71.
que," tome ix. , liv. xli. , sect, xlvi. , p.
199.
*f Such is the account as given in Othlo's
Vita S. Bonifacii, lib. ii. , cap. 23.
16 It is a village, at the River Or, from
which increased by other streams, the J era flows by the city of Erfurt.
lS
His feast occurs, on the 13th of
The place was granted to him by
August.
*» This is indicated, by Lupus Servatus, in
Vita S. Wigberti.
a0 See Mabillon's " Annales Ordinis S.
Benedicti," tomus ii. , lib. xx. , sect, lxiv. , p. 72.
June 5. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 161
judgmentonhimself. Then,hevoluntarilysurrenderedthatpatrimonytothe church of St. Martin. 21 On the 4th of December, in the year 724,2= after Pope Gregory had received assurance of the success, which attended the labours of St. Boniface, he wrote a congratulatory Epistle, recommending courageandperseveranceinhisgoodwork. ABishophadcomplained,that Boniface encroached on his jurisdiction, in Thuringia ; but, as that man had not preached the Gospel to the people there living, Gregory states, that he had written to the excellent Prince Charles, to restrain his pretensions, and that he had no doubt, but such recommendation must be effective. About the
year 725, Boniface consulted Pethelmus, Bishop of Candida Casa, regarding the case of a widow contracting marriage with a godson, the Frankish and
Roman Priests it to be holding
ing some questions of discipline. This letter was sent through the Priest Denval. Inreply,theSovereignPontiffdecreescertainmatterstobeobserved, and these are reduced, under twelve different heads. 2"* Among the Epistles of Boniface is one 2 5 toCoengislus, written a. d. 728, in which thanks are given for his prayerful commemorations, and in which he alludes with praise to the missionary career of Wiethbert, among the Hessians an—d Saxons. —
illegal.
come down to us. Boniface desired to consult Pope Gregory, in 726, regard-
6
Pope Gregory II. having died, a. d. 731, Gregory III. styled the junior* was chosen in his place. During thirteen years, St. Boniface had laboured strenuously,intheconversionoftheHessiansandThuringians. Henowdesired to tender his obedience anew to the visible Head of the Church, and besides he had some difficulties, which required an authoritative solution. Being fully informed, through messengers from Boniface, regarding the Gospel progress in Germany, and that the Apostle desired for himself and for his fellow-labourers patronage from the newly-chosen Sovereign Pontiff, with his blessing on their works ; Boniface also professed his entire devotedness and subjection to the Apostolic See, with his intention of being bound to it, in the firmest
links of amity and unity.
Soon he received a response, which assured him
and reward for his efforts. —to the labours Owing
Pontiff made him
of the Pontifical
approval
but without a See 2 ? over that country in 732, and conferred on him the Pallium. Gregory also sent different relics of the saints, when the messengers returned to the country whence they came. Our saint received powers, likewise, to erect Sees throughout Germany,28 and to place over them bishops, in those places, which he deemed to be most suitable. 29 Alluding to the numberless conver- sions effected through the instrumentality of our saint, the Pope encouraged him to establish bishops in those places, where the faithful were numerous, always following the canonical prescriptions, and having two or three bishops present at their consecration. He warned the holy man, likewise, never to lower the episcopal order, by too large an exercise of these powers. Further-
ofSt. —
Boniface, Sovereign
Leon's and in the reign,
2? See " A of Christian Dictionary
the
Archbishop
21 See Supplement to the Life of St. 731 to 741. See Berti's " Ecclesiasticse
Boniface, by Willibald, chap, ii. , num. 7.
Historic Breviarium," Pars Prima, Octavum
22
During the eighth year of the Emperor Ecclesise Seculum, cap. i. , p. 188.
eighth Indiction, which correspond with this year.
Biogra- phy," by Dr. William Smith and Henry
23 This is Epist. xi. in the collection.
" Histoire Eccle- siastique," tome ix. , liv. xli. , sect, xlvii. , pp.
199 to 201.
! 3
In the Serarius collection it is Epist. 52. 26 He was thus called by the Romans, in comparison with his predecessor St. Gregory II. He ruled over the Church, from A. D.
Wace, vol. i. , p. 325,
28 See Dean Henry Hart Milman's " His-
tory of Latin Christianity," vol. ii. , bookiv. , chap,v. , p. 58.
2y SeeMichaud, "Biographie Universelle, Ancienne et Moderne," &c, tome v. , Art.
Boniface (saint), p. 5. 30 Situated in Hesse.
t
24 See l'Abbe
Fleury's
2 3 The of Pethelmus has not reply
162
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[June 5 .
more, the Pope resolves for him certain questions, touching morals and dis- cipline, while incidentally setting forth certain manners and customs peculiar
to society, as it then existed among the Germans. The messengers returning congratulated their superior on the distinctions he had obtained from Rome,
and Boniface was consoled, that his proceedings had been there approved. Filled with gratitude for the Divine mercy, he founded a church and a monas-
1
These were dedicated to St. Peter and to St. Paul. 32 Over this erection, St. Wigbert 33 presided. He erected an establishment, also, at Hamanaburg or Hamenburg,34 in honour of St. Michael
the Archangel. To this, likewise, a monastery was attached. The next labours of St. Boniface were in Bavaria, where Hucpert or Hubert 35 then ruled. There, by his preaching, he greatly advanced the Christian Faith, and went his circuit of its various churches. ^6 About this time, a schismatic, named Ermwlf, rendered himself obnoxious, by drawing the people into some errors,whichseemtohavesavouredofidolatry. HewascondemnedbyBoni- face, according to the canonical observances, and cast out, the people re- nouncing his teaching. Then Boniface, having a desire to order well the state of his mission, visited those brethren, who were in charge of the various stations. Meantime, the saint kept up a correspondence with some of the most learned and holy persons in England. Among these, Northelme," Archbishop of Canterbury, is distinguished ; and, to him, application is made for prayers to sustain the courageous confessors of the Faith, against those assaultshehadtosufferinGermany. Heasksespeciallyforthecopyofa letter, containing the question of the Bishop Augustine, with the answers of Pope St. Gregory, in which it is stated, that permission was given for the faithful to marry in the third generation. He also refers to a case, in which
a man, having been the godfather of a child, afterwards had married the mother,whenshebecameawidow. Hedesirestoknow,moreover,inwhat year of the Incarnation, the first missionaries sent by Pope St. Gregory had arrived in England. He wrote a letter, also, to the Abbess Edburge,38 thank- ing her for the books and habits she had sent him. He asks her, while regarding St. Peter and respecting him as the patron of his mission, to write the Epistles of that Apostle, in letters of gold, so that grosser spirits might the more reverence him. These letters were sent through the priest Eoba, who afterwards had been appointed bishop of Utrecht. Another letter he despatched to the same Abbess, in which he complains of the opposition met with, from open foes and from false brethren. The intrigues of these latter were subjects of more pain to him, than the malice of the pagans. St. Boniface wrote many letters to the same Abbess. To this period may be referred, like- wise, the letter 39 of Bishop Torthelme 40 to Archbishop Boniface, who is congra- tulatedontheconversionoftheSaxons. Whilecommemoratingoursaint,inthe Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and in his daily prayers, a like favour is asked as
31 See Mabillon's "Annales Ordinis S. ing to Andrew Brunner, "Boicorum,"
tery, at Fridislar,3° on the River Eder. 3
Benedicti," toraus ii. , lib. xxi. , sect, xv. ,
p. 93.
32 Venerated on the 29th of June.
33 He departed this life, A. D. 747, and he
is venerated as a saint, on the 13th of
August.
lib. v.
36 See l'Abbe " Histoire Eccle- Fleury's
siastique," tome ix. , liv. xlii. , sect, xx. , p. 256.
» According to Matthew of Westminster,
he was consecrated a. d. 735, and he received
34 In Hesse, also called Amcenaburg. the Pallium in the following year. See
See Jules Zeller's
"
Histoire d'Allemagne,"
"FloresHistoriarum," p. 270.
38 She is supposed to have been one so
named, who ruled over the nunnery of Win- burn, in Wessex.
39 It is numbered 44, in the Serarius col-
tome i. , liv. iii. , chap, vii. , sect, hi. , p.
394.
35 He was the son of Theodon, and his
reign was from a. d. 730 to 739, accord-
June 5. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 163 a return from Boniface. There is also extant a letter 4t of Sigebald, King of
42 that he offers Wessex, stating,
at Mass for our who seems saint,
upprayers
to have engaged his various correspondents to render him such a service. 4^
Another letter from Aelbualde, King of the East Angles, manifests the same communion of prayer. It states, that the king writes in his own name, and in that of all the monasteries in the kingdom. Ethelbert, King of Kent,4* mentions the Abbess Bugga, who sends him a silver vessel and some other presents ; while, he asks in return for two falcons, since none so good as those in Germany could be found in his own kingdom. 4s In the year 736, Saints Willibrord and Boniface consecrated as Abbesses two holy virgins, Harlindis and Reinula, for Belgic Gaul, where they founded a convent of the Benedic- tine Order, at a place called Eika, between Meastrich and Ruremonde. 46
The City of Rome.
As he advanced in years, so did the labours of Boniface increase. He had already built several churches in Hesse and Thuringia, while he provided them with zealous pastors. He now earnestly wished to hold a conference with the reigning Sovereign Pontiff, and accordingly, he made a third journey to Rome,4? accompanied by a band of disciples, in the year 738. He was most
lection of Epistoloe Bonifacianae. 733. See Mabillon's " Annales Ordinis S. 40 The See of this Anglo-Saxon bishop Benedicti," tomus ii. , lib. xxi. , sect, xix. ,
does not seem to be known.
41 This in numbered 49, in the collection
of Epistolse Bonifacianas.
p. 95.
44 He reigned over this kingdom from A. D.
749 to 759, the year of his death. See John
" of Great Britaine," book Speed's History
vii. , chap. 5, pp. 298, 299.
42 This state
became one of the
gradually
most powerful of the old provinces, incor-
rectly called the Saxon Heptarchy. See
4 " Histoire Eccle- SSee l'Abbe Fleury's
Edward A. Freeman's "
man Conquest of England," vol. i. , chap, ii. ,
sect, i. , pp. 22, 23, and sect, ii. , pp. 33 to 35-
43 Both of these Epistles were written in
tome ix. , liv. , xlii. , sect, xx. , pp.
History
of the Nor-
siastique,"
258, 259.
46 See Mabillon's "Annales Ordinis S.
Benedicti," tomus ii. , lib. xxi. , sect, xxxv. , p. 102.
1 64 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [Jun e 5 .
benignantly received by Pope Gregory III. , while the Romans and strangers in the Eternal City held him in great veneration. Not alone the Franks, the Bavarians, and the Saxons from Britain, flocked to hear his preaching, but
also the inhabitants of other provinces.
While here, too, he engaged some
priests
spent
greater part
year,
to serve his German mission. *8 He
the
of a
in Rome ; and he visited various churches, containing relics of the saints. At this time, Boniface was about sixty years of age. He wrote an account of his journey and of his interview with the Pope, intimating that he should be delayed in Rome, until an approaching council had been held. 40 However, he resolved on taking leave of the Pope, in 739, for the scenes of his former and future labours. 50 He received in and sacred relics.
gifts parting, especially
Then, travelling through Italy, Boniface entered the walls otTurin city, where dwelt Liodbrand, King of the Lombards. Now, worn with advancing age and great labours, he there took a little rest. He was the bearer of three different letters ; one of these recommended him to all bishops and abbots, who were exhorted to furnish him with labourers for his mission. The second of these letters was addressed to the newly-converted people of Germany, who were implored to be docile to the instructions of Boniface, and to receive favourably
those bishops and priests he should ordain, through faculties granted him by
the Pope. In this letter are mentioned the Thuringians, the Hessians, and other
barbarous people, who lived eastwards from the Rhine. Those who had been
baptized are warned against the damnation they should incur, by transgress-
ing the Canons of the Church ; or by resorting to pagan superstitions, such as sacrifices to the dead, or to woods, or to fountains. He forbids divinations
or sorceries, enchantments or auguries, as also various other malpractices of those rude nations. The third letter was addressed to the Bishops of Bavaria
and of Germany, viz. , Virgnon of Ausburg, Luidon of Spire, Rudolt or Rudolf of Constance, Vivilon of Lorch or of Passau, and Adda or Heddon ol
Strasburg. The Pope exhorts these bishops, to receive Boniface courteously, and to profit by his instructions ; to reject all heretics and false bishops, no matter from what quarter they might come—especially Bretons—and to deliver their people from the remains of pagan superstitions. They were recommended to hold a council at Augsburg, near the Danube, or in what- everplacebestsuitedtheinclinationsofBoniface. 51 DepartingfromTurin,he went among the people of Bohemia,52 where Duke Odilo or Utilo had suc- ceeded Hubert, about the year 739. Here, Boniface preached the word of God with great fruit, for several days. He had many perverse and irregular ecclesiastics and disorders to overcome; while one of his most painful duties was to chase several seducers of the people, who falsely represented themselves
as bishops and priests. Through divers pretexts, these had perverted a great number among the faithful, and had scandalized them, owing to the laxity of their morals. With consent of Duke Odilon, he divided that nation subject to him, into four dioceses. Boniface now settled the churches of Bavaria upon a solid basis. He corrected various abuses and errors. He also established three new Bishoprics, in that kingdom : one at Saltzbourg," over which he placedBishopJohn,5'* oneatFrisingen,overwhichwasBishopErembrecht,55
4? The accompanying illustration of Rome was drawn on the wood from an approved
5° See " Histoire Literaire de la France,"
tome iv. , p. 94.
Sl See 1 Abbe " Histoire Eccle- Fleury's
siastique," tome ix. , liv. xlii. , sect, xxi. , pp. 159, 160.
William F. and it was Wakeman,
view, by
engiaved by Mrs. Millard.
