In the year of our Lord 553, it was
besieged
and taken by Narses.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v5
2.
^ St. Frigidian, whose festivals occur on the 13th of March, and at the i8th of November, was an Irishman and a Bishop here, as well as the present saint. See Ughelli's "Italia Sacra," tomus i. , Lucenses Episcopi, col. 794.
3 At Lucca, of which city St. Frigidian or Fridian is said to have been the first Bishop as he is its patron. See " Cronica " di Gio- vanni Villain a miglior lezione ridotta cull' ainto de Testi a Penna. tomo i. , lilsro primo, cap. xlix. , p. 70, Firenze, 1823, 8vo.
* When quoting his work, the Bollandists have Latinized his name into Florentinius. He was a learned medical doctor of Lucca. See Ughelli's "Italia Sacra," tomus i. , Lucenses Episcopi, col. 791.
5 It bears the following title: "Vita, Mi- racoli, e Memorie di S. Silao Ve. scovo Irian- dese, 11 cui Corpo si conserua in Lucca ap- presso le Antiche e Nobili Monache di S. Givstina. " Raccolte, e con probabili coniet- ture spiegate da Francesco Maria Fioren-
tini Nob : Lucchese. The copy of this book now in my possession was presented, by the late Denis Florence MacCarthy.
* This published Life appears to have been extracted, froin one written towards the close of the twelfth century according to the Bol- landists.
^ This is addressed, Alle Nobili e Reli- giose Monache di S. Givstina I'Avtore, and it is followed by a protestation of the writer to observe the Decree of Pope Urban VIII. , in reference to the publication of Saints' Acts.
^ See ibid. , pp. 108 to III.
' See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. . Mail xxi. De S. Silao Episc. Hiberno Luc£e in Hetruria, pp. 62 to 68.
"Rewrote " Vita Fr. Lucce Waddingi," which was prefixed to the second edition of " Annales Minorum, in quibus Res omnes trium Ordinum Franciscanorum tranctan- tur. " Romse, A. D. 1731. Sixteen volumes, folio.
'^ This latter obtained his copy, by having had a transcript made, at Lucca, and the
IL
530
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 21.
passages, where asterisks occur; and these have been introduced, most pro- bably, to mark the worthlessness of what was to be found in the original. A previous commentary," written by the Bollandists, takes exception to some statements, contained in this Life, which appears to be of very legendary character. According to St. Silaus' ancient Acts, as published by the Bol- landists, this saint was of high royal origin, in his native countr}^, Ireland of the Scots. But, it is uncertain or unknown, in what particular part of it he was born, '3 as also in what year or century ; for, the account contained in his old Acts is evidently erroneous, where it is stated, that our saint was a dis- ciple of St. Patrick,'* who brought him to Rome, in the time of Pope St. Gregory I. , nor does the alternative conjecture 's suthce to throw light on his period, that probably Pope Gelasius I. should be understood for that Sovereign
Pontiff. However, it does not appear to be probable, that St. Silaus could have lived so early as the fifth century. His infancy is said to have been illus- trated with miracles. One of these states, that the house in which he lived was surrounded with a celestial light, which indicated his future sanctity. Nor is this the only miracle related, regarding that period of his life. '^ He is said to have had a brother named Medogh,'? and a sister named Mingarda. '^ The first master under whom he studied is named Signabus or Sibnabus. 's From earliest youth, Silaus had been instructed, in the liberal arts and sciences ; while, in his more matured age, having diligently read the Sacred Scriptures, he became a cleric. During the time of his pupilage, it is stated, that one dark night, he wrote the Gospel of St. Matthew with his right hand, while holding up the fingers of his left hand, from which five different jets of lightproceeded. ThevirtuesofSt. Silausarehighlycommended. Hewas distinguished by a peculiar suavity and humility of disposition, and for his constant exercise of prayer. If we are to believe the old traditions regarding Silaus, he lived contemporaneously with the great Apostle of Ireland, St. Patrick, and became his disciple,^° until under such tuition, he finally was raised to the grade of Deacon. Then it was said, that going to Rome with St. Patrick,'' Silaus was ordained priest by St. Gregory the Pope. All this is exceedingly apocryphal and contradictory ; as also the statement, that St. Patrick summoned a synod of Bishops and of clerics in a province called Tesmoria,'' in the middle of Ireland,^3 and in which there was a city, known as Cluen. ^'* There, too, was a great monastery, the Abbot over which is named Cheranus,^5 the grandson of St. Silaus. '^ It is absurdly stated, that this synod was convoked, so that St. Silaus should there sing his first Mass. '^
Bollandist editor states, that Florentinus had received this copy, at Milan.
" It contains nine paragraplis of a critical nature, written by Father Daniel Pape- broke.
'3 See Francesco Maria Fiorentini's " Vita, Miracoli, e Memorie di S. Silao Ves- covo Irlandese," cap. 2, p. 7.
'* See his Life, at March 17th, in the Third Vokmie of this work.
'5 OfFrancescoMariaFiorentini.
"See Francesco Maiia Fiorentini's Life, chap. 3, pp. 1710 19.
'7 Maedoc is the nearest Irish approach to this form of speUing.
'* Elsewlicre, we do not find such a form of name in Ireland.
'9 Neitlier one of these denominations re- embles a Celtic name.
'°Wc ni. iy dismiss as idle legends, those
stories of miracles here related, in the Italian Life of our saint.
"' It need scarcely be observed, that such an account is not to be found, in any of his old Acts.
°' No doubt Temoria—the ancient name for Tara—is here meant,
'^ Allusion seems to be meant to the old Meathian province, in which Tara was situated.
^•i Clonmacnoise is undoubtedly meant.
"^ Or St. Kieran, Abbot of Clonmacnoise, whose feast was held on the 9th of Sep- tcmber.
=* This is contradictor)-, both of the cir- cumstance, that the former is said to have been tiie son ot a carpenter, and the latter son of a king, as also of the lives of ccliliacy, which both saints are supposed to have led.
May 21. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
531
Among the Irish Saints, contemporaneous with St, Silaus, are mentioned St. Ita,'^ and St. Brendan. ^9 The former is said to have predicted, that his place of repose after death should be in a convent, where religious women dwelt. Wishing to dedicate himself wholly to the service of his Creator, Silaus bestowed his patrimony entirely on the poor. He embraced a religious life. He is stated to have entered a monastery over which St. Brendan presided, and, it would appear, that he lived under that Rule, which had been estab- lished. 3° Onthedeathofthatsaint,themonasticbrothersunanimouslyselected Silaus to succeed him, as Abbot. 3^ Being elevated to such a dignity, he showed the excess of his humility, by treating all his subjects as equals, if not as superiors. He consulted their wishes, concerning all matters, con- sistent with their spiritual interests. The fame of his virtues induced the clergy and people of a large city 3^ in Ireland, to petition for his election as theirBishop,whentheSeebecamevacant. Althoughwishingtodeclinethis proffered dignity, Silaus was called from his monastery. Afterwards, at their request, he went to receive consecration from the hands of Pope Gregory, in Rome. By some, this Pontiff is said to have been Pope Gregory the Great. 33 The Bollandists, however, suppose the Pope Gregory mentioned in his Life must have been the seventh, bearing such a name;34 owing to the chronological probabilities or circumstances, alluded to in their prefixed commentary. 3S This supposition—if admitted—should bring our saint's period down to the eleventh century. Various miracles have been attributed to St. Sylaus, after he became Bishop ;3^ but, it is needless to relate these, as they are of a legendary and an incredible character. According to a custom then prevalent in Ire- land, the sister of our saint, who was named Mingarda, had undertaken a pil- grimage to Rome. She intended to visit the tombs of the Apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul, there to offer her prayers ; but, on the way thither, she came to Lucca. 37 This celebrated city belonged originally to the Etrurians,3^ and it was taken from them by the Ligurians. The era for its foundation and the name of its founder are alike unknown. About one hundred and
^'Then follows a legend, thus related in his office : " Sed cum Beatus Sylaus illam caneret Missam, corpus Christi in Sacra- mento, sicut est Ecclesice consuetude in tri- bus partibus fregit. Sed una ex illis ab An- gelo invisibiliter rapta est, et ab eodem An- gelo ad quamdam Abbatissara Deo devotam Ictam nomine causa salutis deportata est. Erat enim pluribus diebus satis infirma. Quam cum de manu Angeh accepisset sta- tim liberata est. "—Officium S. Sylai, Lect. V. See also Lect. vi. , vii.
^® In her Life, First Volume of this work, at January 15th, Art. i. , no notice of St. Sylaus occurs.
'^ It is difficult to know, whether St. Brendan, Patron of Clonfert and of Ardfert, or St. Brendan, Patron of Birr, is lobe understood.
3° This is laid down, in the Vita S. Sylai Episcopi, taken from the old Manuscript be- longing to the convent of St. Justina, at Lucca.
tended by the description was probably Armagh ; but, the name of Silaus is not found in its lists of Bishops,
33 He died on the I2th of iVIarch, A. D. 604, having presided over the Church tliir- teen years, six months, and ten days. See L'Abbe FleuTy's " Histoire Ecclesiastique," tome viii. , liv. xxxvi. , sect, li. , p. 201.
^4 \Iq ^Wq^ on the 25th of May, A. D. 1085, having been Pope for nearly twelve years, See ibid. , tome xiii. , liv. Ixiii. , sect, xxv. , pp. 430, 431.
^5 yee Lommentarius Prasvius, sec. i, 9, et Vita ex MS. Notariali Ecclesise S. Jus- tinae Lucce edita ab Illustriss. Francisco Maria Florentinio, &c. —" ActaSanctorum," tomus v. , Maii xxi. , pp. 64, 65.
3'' See"ViiaiMiiacoli,etMemorie di S. Silao Vescovo Irlandese," &c. , cap. vi. , vii. , viii.
37 According to Ughelli, the faith was here established in the first century of the Christian era, and Paulinas of Antioch was set over it as first bishop by St. Peter, Prince
3' This too is stated, in the old Manuscript of the Apostles, A. D. 46. St. Paulinus suf-
Life.
3=' The exact place is mentioned, as having
fered martyrdom on the 12th of July, a. d. 69, at the Mountain of St. Julian, between Lucca and Pisa. See " Italia Sacra," tomus
been Hydrominius, which is not known as a
denomination in Ireland. The place in- i. , Lucenses Episcopi, cols. 791, 792.
532
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 21.
seventyyearsbeforethebirthofourLord,it wascolonizedbytheRomans, and from that period it became a place of importance.
In the year of our Lord 553, it was besieged and taken by Narses. 39 After the fall of the Roman Empire, or rather from the destruction of the Gothic kingdom, Lucca seemstohavebeengovernedbyitsownprinces. ^" In774,aftersubjugating the Lombards,41 Charlemagne annexed it to'his own dominions, and Otho I. —surnamedtheGreat^^—addedittotheGermanEmpire. Inthereignof Charles IV. , Lucca became an independent state ^—after it had been sub- jected to various vicissitudes of fortune—in the year 1369. ^4 It continued as a republic under a. go? ifalotiiere and a council, until the French obliged it to adopt anew constitution, in i799. ''5 It was then united with Piombino. Nor was it released from many subsequent changes, even in the present century. ^^ At present, it is annexed to the kingdom of Italy. The environs of this city are remarkably beautiful, and the Apennines begin to rise very near it while, the Serchio—a river not navigable—runs through it and falls into the Tuscan Sea. The streets are generally crooked and narrow,*? as is the case, in most of the older Italian cities. The noble lady Mingarda was remarkable for her extraordinary beauty; yet, still more so, for her exalted virtue. A citizen of Lucca, named Soffredus, according to the Manuscript Life, or Goffredus, according to Franciottus, had been deprived of his wife by death. He was rich and also of noble birth. His kinsmen and friends frequently urged him to marry a second time, that he might not be induced to adopt a son. But, proud of his nobility and great wealth, he thought no woman of his acquaintance worthy of alliance with him, by marriage. When, however, Mingrada came to Lucca, the fame of her beauty and noble birth was diffused among the citizens. Without any exception of class or sex, all endeavoured to afford her the greatest attention and hospitality. With anotherdistinguished potentate, in his company, Soffredus hastened to see her. Despite his pre- viously formed intention, he was so much captivated with the beauty of this Irishlady,thatheresolvedsheshouldbecomehiswife. However,notwishing to prevent the accomplishment of the object she had in view, when leaving her native country, he did not then make any proposals of marriage. But, he awaited the day of her return from Rome, resolving thus to propose, and in a manner he thought less reprehensible. t^ When the time for her return was
expected, and while the lady was yet a considerable distance from Lucca, taking with him some soldiers, who were his accomplices in crime, Soffredus seized on and forced her violently to a fortified castle. There she was com-
3^ See ibid. , col. 789.
39 See Edward Gibbon's *' History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," vol. v. , chap, xliii. , p. 237. Edition by William Smith, LL. D.
*° See Rev. John Chetwode Eustace's "Classical Tour through Italy, An. mdccci," vol. iii. , chap. xii„ pp. 430, 431.
4' See Capefigue s "Charlemagne," tome i. , chap, ix. , pp. 143 to 157.
*' See an account of tiiis Emperor in Jules Zeller's " Ilistuire d'Allemagne. " Fonda- tion de I'Empire Germanique, tome ii. , chap, xiii. , pp. 250 to 383.
*^ See Rees' "Cyclopedia : era New Uni- versal Dictionary of Arts and Sciences," vol. xxi. , Art. Lucca.
*^ See " llistoire des Republiques Italicn-
nes du MoyenAge," par J. C. L. Simonde "Vita, Miracoli, c Mcmorie di S. Silao
de Sismondi, tome vii. , chap, xlviii. , pp. 43 to 50.
s " In 1805 Napoleon gave Lucca as a duchy to his sister Eli>a and her husband Pascal de Bacciochi. " Bell's "System of Geography, Popular and Scientific," &c. , vol. ii. , pait ii. , Italy, chap, . x. , p. 445.
<* See Isaac Butt's " History of Italy, from the Abdication of Napoleon I. , with intro- ductoiy References to that of earlier Times," vol. ii. , chap, xii. , pp. 474. 475.
••^ See "The Popular Encyclopedia; or Conversations Lexicon," vol. iv. , p. 577.
-"^ See Vita ex MS. Not. ariali Ecclesiii? S. Juslin. f Luccxedita . ab Illustriss. Francisco Maria Florentinio, sect. 2. —" Acta Sancto- rum. " tomus v. , ^iaii xxi. , p. 65.
*' See the account of this trans. iction in
;
May 21. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
533
pletelywithinhispovver. ''9 Therumourofthatviolencehavingspreadthrough Lucca, its citizens, magistrates, and people, went forth to the castle and houses of Soffredus, which they destroyed. Understanding that the purpose of her persecutor was yet unaltered, the injured lady endeavoured by gentle and prudent expostulation to urge, that Soffredus would incur the anger of God and of his holy Apostles, if he did not desist from his evil intentions. Find- ing her words of little avail, and that she should not be likely to escape out of his hands, she yielded to tlie necessity of her situation, and accepted honourable proposals of marriage. Towards such a state of life, however, she did nor appear willingly to incline. s° The object of Soffredus being so farattained,populardispleasurewassucceededbyacclamations. Thepeople of Lucca soon greeted the entrance of the bridegroom with his bride, in the midst of great pomp and rejoicing. Tiic ninth year after their marriage, the wife of Soffredus was seized with some infirmity, which threatened her with speedy dissolution. In order to prepare herself devoutly to meet the latter end, that religious woman earnestly besought her husband for his consent, that she might be permitted to profess a religious life, in St. Justina's nun- nery. 5' With a certain degree of regret at parting from his wife, whom he so tenderly loved, the husband felt moved by her earnest and pious motives. At length, he gave willing assent to her wishes. Li presence of honourable per- sons and of religious belonging to that Benedictine nunnery,5^ he relinquished all further claim upon his spouse. Of his own accord, he even bestowed gifts and offerings on that church, to which she was about to attach herself. Having entered the nunnery, her malady approached a crisis, and in course of a few days, she was deposited in the tomb, with every demonstration of respect, which her virtues and social position deserved. 53 We next find an account of some infringements on the episcopal rights of St. Silaus, and on those of certain churches, pertaining to his diocese. His injuries had been inflicted by a king, who ruled tyrannically in that ecclesiastical district over which the bishop presided. To obtain redress for these wrongs, St. Sylaus resolved on undertakingajourneytoRome. OntheAvay,hepassedthroughLucca,still so celebrated for its noble cathedral, 5+ with other religious institutions. Our saint had received some imperfect intelligence, also, regarding his sister's death, before his arrival at Lucca. When he arrived there, he heard a true account concerning what had occurred, from his kinsman, Soffredus, who re- ceivedhiminamosthonourableandhospitablemanner. Beingconducted to the spot, where his sister was buried, Silaus offered up the Holy Sacrifice of Mass ; while, at the same time, he poured forth fervent prayers and thanks
Vescovo Irlandese," cap. viii. , pp. 56 this life on the 21st of March, a. d. 543, has
to 61.
5° See Vita ex MS. Notariali Ecclesiae S.
been admirably set forth and analyzed, by the Comte de Montalembert, in "Les Moines d'Occident depuis Saint Benoit
Justinae Lucae, edita ab lUustriss. Francisco
Maria Florentinio, sect. 3. —"ActaSancto- jusq'a Saint Bernard," tome ii. , liv. iv. ,
rum," tomus v. , Mali xxi. , p. 65.
5' This was dedicated to the holy Virgin
and Martyr, St. Justina. This convent is
known to have existed from 964. In it, Ar-
mingardus, the daughter of King Lothaire,
led a religious life, and there too was she
buried, as her epitaph proves. In the year
1015, it was called the Monastery of Our that it is "a mixture of the heavy Saxon Saviour; but, soon after this period it was style, as we are pleased to call it, and the called the Nunnery of St. Justina, whose light arabesque. "—" A Classical Tour head was brought thither, and perhaps a new through Italy, An. mdcccii. ," vol. iii. , church had been built in her honour. chap, xii. , p. 435.
5= The Rule of St. Benedict, who departed ss See Vita ex MS. Notariali Ecclesise S.
chap, ii. , pp. 42 to 74.
53 See Vita ex MS. Notariali Ecclesise S.
Justince Liicoe, edita ab IlUistriss. Francisco Maria Florentinio, sect. 5. —" Acta Sancto- rum," tomus v. , Mali xxi. , p. 65.
54 it was erected in the eleventh century, The Rev. John Chetwode Eustace remarks,
534
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 21.
to the Almight}', for her happy departure's He then set out for Rome, and on his return took sick. His brother-in-law at Lucca received him, however, with his accustomed kindness. The saint was already distinguished, for several miracles he wrought, in favour of the sick, many of whom were healed from various diseases, and even solely, by drinking water, in which he had washed his hands. 5^ The day of our saint's death being now at hand, Silaus desired, that he might be brought to the oratory of St. Justina ; here after a few days, his blessed spirit departed to those mansions of bliss, in which he fondly hoped to rejoin his beloved sister. The year of his demise is not recorded.
His body was interred with due honour, within the church of St. Justina's convent. Afterwards, the fame of his sanctity became so great, that multi- tudes of sick and infirm came—not only from neighbouring but even from remote places—to be relieved, through his intercession, from various diseases. Largesses and oblations were bestowed by them and others, on that church, inwhichtheremainsofoursaintreposed. Theseofferings,however,inflamed the avaricious desires of Soffredus. He imagined himself justly entitled to a portion of them, because of the sacrifices he had made on behalf of his wife, and of that convent into which she retired. He obliged its religious inmates to return a third part of those oblations they received. This agreement they were obliged to subscribe in writing; but, the Almighty signified his dis- pleasure, at such a proceeding, and in a miraculous manner. For, our saint appeared to a nun, named Lugitha, complaining, that he was subjected to unjust restrictions. He threatened a withdrawal of the grace accorded for working miracles, until such agreement should be annulled. We are left ignorant regarding the result, as the remaining portion of this narrative appears tohavebeendestroyed. However,itistobeinferred,thatmiraclesafterwards ceased, because Soffredus refused to annul his unjust demands. -^7 When such manifestations had lapsed, at the tomb of our saint, according to his prediction; not only the fame of his sanctity became restricted, but even the very spot for his sepulture was forgotten. Yet, to many holy nuns and to other persons specially favoured, the place of his burial had been frequently revealed in visions. In the year of our Lord 1180,=^ on the iii. of the December Nones, the exact spot of our saint's sepulture was revealed to the Abbess C0ecilia,59 to some of her nuns, and to other persons. A mistake has been admitted, by a Notary, or scribe, called Carolus de Ciuffariniis, who has written the Nones of December, while incorrectly transcribing the old Manuscript. ^ After offering up prayers, that place was dug, when the body of Silaus was discovered. The explorers found it enclosed in a tomb. On this were in- scribed these words : " Divi Silai corpus, qui in Hibernia Episcopus fait, summo veneratione hoc sepulchro conditum, ob prsecipua miracula religiosis- sime custoditur.
^ St. Frigidian, whose festivals occur on the 13th of March, and at the i8th of November, was an Irishman and a Bishop here, as well as the present saint. See Ughelli's "Italia Sacra," tomus i. , Lucenses Episcopi, col. 794.
3 At Lucca, of which city St. Frigidian or Fridian is said to have been the first Bishop as he is its patron. See " Cronica " di Gio- vanni Villain a miglior lezione ridotta cull' ainto de Testi a Penna. tomo i. , lilsro primo, cap. xlix. , p. 70, Firenze, 1823, 8vo.
* When quoting his work, the Bollandists have Latinized his name into Florentinius. He was a learned medical doctor of Lucca. See Ughelli's "Italia Sacra," tomus i. , Lucenses Episcopi, col. 791.
5 It bears the following title: "Vita, Mi- racoli, e Memorie di S. Silao Ve. scovo Irian- dese, 11 cui Corpo si conserua in Lucca ap- presso le Antiche e Nobili Monache di S. Givstina. " Raccolte, e con probabili coniet- ture spiegate da Francesco Maria Fioren-
tini Nob : Lucchese. The copy of this book now in my possession was presented, by the late Denis Florence MacCarthy.
* This published Life appears to have been extracted, froin one written towards the close of the twelfth century according to the Bol- landists.
^ This is addressed, Alle Nobili e Reli- giose Monache di S. Givstina I'Avtore, and it is followed by a protestation of the writer to observe the Decree of Pope Urban VIII. , in reference to the publication of Saints' Acts.
^ See ibid. , pp. 108 to III.
' See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. . Mail xxi. De S. Silao Episc. Hiberno Luc£e in Hetruria, pp. 62 to 68.
"Rewrote " Vita Fr. Lucce Waddingi," which was prefixed to the second edition of " Annales Minorum, in quibus Res omnes trium Ordinum Franciscanorum tranctan- tur. " Romse, A. D. 1731. Sixteen volumes, folio.
'^ This latter obtained his copy, by having had a transcript made, at Lucca, and the
IL
530
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 21.
passages, where asterisks occur; and these have been introduced, most pro- bably, to mark the worthlessness of what was to be found in the original. A previous commentary," written by the Bollandists, takes exception to some statements, contained in this Life, which appears to be of very legendary character. According to St. Silaus' ancient Acts, as published by the Bol- landists, this saint was of high royal origin, in his native countr}^, Ireland of the Scots. But, it is uncertain or unknown, in what particular part of it he was born, '3 as also in what year or century ; for, the account contained in his old Acts is evidently erroneous, where it is stated, that our saint was a dis- ciple of St. Patrick,'* who brought him to Rome, in the time of Pope St. Gregory I. , nor does the alternative conjecture 's suthce to throw light on his period, that probably Pope Gelasius I. should be understood for that Sovereign
Pontiff. However, it does not appear to be probable, that St. Silaus could have lived so early as the fifth century. His infancy is said to have been illus- trated with miracles. One of these states, that the house in which he lived was surrounded with a celestial light, which indicated his future sanctity. Nor is this the only miracle related, regarding that period of his life. '^ He is said to have had a brother named Medogh,'? and a sister named Mingarda. '^ The first master under whom he studied is named Signabus or Sibnabus. 's From earliest youth, Silaus had been instructed, in the liberal arts and sciences ; while, in his more matured age, having diligently read the Sacred Scriptures, he became a cleric. During the time of his pupilage, it is stated, that one dark night, he wrote the Gospel of St. Matthew with his right hand, while holding up the fingers of his left hand, from which five different jets of lightproceeded. ThevirtuesofSt. Silausarehighlycommended. Hewas distinguished by a peculiar suavity and humility of disposition, and for his constant exercise of prayer. If we are to believe the old traditions regarding Silaus, he lived contemporaneously with the great Apostle of Ireland, St. Patrick, and became his disciple,^° until under such tuition, he finally was raised to the grade of Deacon. Then it was said, that going to Rome with St. Patrick,'' Silaus was ordained priest by St. Gregory the Pope. All this is exceedingly apocryphal and contradictory ; as also the statement, that St. Patrick summoned a synod of Bishops and of clerics in a province called Tesmoria,'' in the middle of Ireland,^3 and in which there was a city, known as Cluen. ^'* There, too, was a great monastery, the Abbot over which is named Cheranus,^5 the grandson of St. Silaus. '^ It is absurdly stated, that this synod was convoked, so that St. Silaus should there sing his first Mass. '^
Bollandist editor states, that Florentinus had received this copy, at Milan.
" It contains nine paragraplis of a critical nature, written by Father Daniel Pape- broke.
'3 See Francesco Maria Fiorentini's " Vita, Miracoli, e Memorie di S. Silao Ves- covo Irlandese," cap. 2, p. 7.
'* See his Life, at March 17th, in the Third Vokmie of this work.
'5 OfFrancescoMariaFiorentini.
"See Francesco Maiia Fiorentini's Life, chap. 3, pp. 1710 19.
'7 Maedoc is the nearest Irish approach to this form of speUing.
'* Elsewlicre, we do not find such a form of name in Ireland.
'9 Neitlier one of these denominations re- embles a Celtic name.
'°Wc ni. iy dismiss as idle legends, those
stories of miracles here related, in the Italian Life of our saint.
"' It need scarcely be observed, that such an account is not to be found, in any of his old Acts.
°' No doubt Temoria—the ancient name for Tara—is here meant,
'^ Allusion seems to be meant to the old Meathian province, in which Tara was situated.
^•i Clonmacnoise is undoubtedly meant.
"^ Or St. Kieran, Abbot of Clonmacnoise, whose feast was held on the 9th of Sep- tcmber.
=* This is contradictor)-, both of the cir- cumstance, that the former is said to have been tiie son ot a carpenter, and the latter son of a king, as also of the lives of ccliliacy, which both saints are supposed to have led.
May 21. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
531
Among the Irish Saints, contemporaneous with St, Silaus, are mentioned St. Ita,'^ and St. Brendan. ^9 The former is said to have predicted, that his place of repose after death should be in a convent, where religious women dwelt. Wishing to dedicate himself wholly to the service of his Creator, Silaus bestowed his patrimony entirely on the poor. He embraced a religious life. He is stated to have entered a monastery over which St. Brendan presided, and, it would appear, that he lived under that Rule, which had been estab- lished. 3° Onthedeathofthatsaint,themonasticbrothersunanimouslyselected Silaus to succeed him, as Abbot. 3^ Being elevated to such a dignity, he showed the excess of his humility, by treating all his subjects as equals, if not as superiors. He consulted their wishes, concerning all matters, con- sistent with their spiritual interests. The fame of his virtues induced the clergy and people of a large city 3^ in Ireland, to petition for his election as theirBishop,whentheSeebecamevacant. Althoughwishingtodeclinethis proffered dignity, Silaus was called from his monastery. Afterwards, at their request, he went to receive consecration from the hands of Pope Gregory, in Rome. By some, this Pontiff is said to have been Pope Gregory the Great. 33 The Bollandists, however, suppose the Pope Gregory mentioned in his Life must have been the seventh, bearing such a name;34 owing to the chronological probabilities or circumstances, alluded to in their prefixed commentary. 3S This supposition—if admitted—should bring our saint's period down to the eleventh century. Various miracles have been attributed to St. Sylaus, after he became Bishop ;3^ but, it is needless to relate these, as they are of a legendary and an incredible character. According to a custom then prevalent in Ire- land, the sister of our saint, who was named Mingarda, had undertaken a pil- grimage to Rome. She intended to visit the tombs of the Apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul, there to offer her prayers ; but, on the way thither, she came to Lucca. 37 This celebrated city belonged originally to the Etrurians,3^ and it was taken from them by the Ligurians. The era for its foundation and the name of its founder are alike unknown. About one hundred and
^'Then follows a legend, thus related in his office : " Sed cum Beatus Sylaus illam caneret Missam, corpus Christi in Sacra- mento, sicut est Ecclesice consuetude in tri- bus partibus fregit. Sed una ex illis ab An- gelo invisibiliter rapta est, et ab eodem An- gelo ad quamdam Abbatissara Deo devotam Ictam nomine causa salutis deportata est. Erat enim pluribus diebus satis infirma. Quam cum de manu Angeh accepisset sta- tim liberata est. "—Officium S. Sylai, Lect. V. See also Lect. vi. , vii.
^® In her Life, First Volume of this work, at January 15th, Art. i. , no notice of St. Sylaus occurs.
'^ It is difficult to know, whether St. Brendan, Patron of Clonfert and of Ardfert, or St. Brendan, Patron of Birr, is lobe understood.
3° This is laid down, in the Vita S. Sylai Episcopi, taken from the old Manuscript be- longing to the convent of St. Justina, at Lucca.
tended by the description was probably Armagh ; but, the name of Silaus is not found in its lists of Bishops,
33 He died on the I2th of iVIarch, A. D. 604, having presided over the Church tliir- teen years, six months, and ten days. See L'Abbe FleuTy's " Histoire Ecclesiastique," tome viii. , liv. xxxvi. , sect, li. , p. 201.
^4 \Iq ^Wq^ on the 25th of May, A. D. 1085, having been Pope for nearly twelve years, See ibid. , tome xiii. , liv. Ixiii. , sect, xxv. , pp. 430, 431.
^5 yee Lommentarius Prasvius, sec. i, 9, et Vita ex MS. Notariali Ecclesise S. Jus- tinae Lucce edita ab Illustriss. Francisco Maria Florentinio, &c. —" ActaSanctorum," tomus v. , Maii xxi. , pp. 64, 65.
3'' See"ViiaiMiiacoli,etMemorie di S. Silao Vescovo Irlandese," &c. , cap. vi. , vii. , viii.
37 According to Ughelli, the faith was here established in the first century of the Christian era, and Paulinas of Antioch was set over it as first bishop by St. Peter, Prince
3' This too is stated, in the old Manuscript of the Apostles, A. D. 46. St. Paulinus suf-
Life.
3=' The exact place is mentioned, as having
fered martyrdom on the 12th of July, a. d. 69, at the Mountain of St. Julian, between Lucca and Pisa. See " Italia Sacra," tomus
been Hydrominius, which is not known as a
denomination in Ireland. The place in- i. , Lucenses Episcopi, cols. 791, 792.
532
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 21.
seventyyearsbeforethebirthofourLord,it wascolonizedbytheRomans, and from that period it became a place of importance.
In the year of our Lord 553, it was besieged and taken by Narses. 39 After the fall of the Roman Empire, or rather from the destruction of the Gothic kingdom, Lucca seemstohavebeengovernedbyitsownprinces. ^" In774,aftersubjugating the Lombards,41 Charlemagne annexed it to'his own dominions, and Otho I. —surnamedtheGreat^^—addedittotheGermanEmpire. Inthereignof Charles IV. , Lucca became an independent state ^—after it had been sub- jected to various vicissitudes of fortune—in the year 1369. ^4 It continued as a republic under a. go? ifalotiiere and a council, until the French obliged it to adopt anew constitution, in i799. ''5 It was then united with Piombino. Nor was it released from many subsequent changes, even in the present century. ^^ At present, it is annexed to the kingdom of Italy. The environs of this city are remarkably beautiful, and the Apennines begin to rise very near it while, the Serchio—a river not navigable—runs through it and falls into the Tuscan Sea. The streets are generally crooked and narrow,*? as is the case, in most of the older Italian cities. The noble lady Mingarda was remarkable for her extraordinary beauty; yet, still more so, for her exalted virtue. A citizen of Lucca, named Soffredus, according to the Manuscript Life, or Goffredus, according to Franciottus, had been deprived of his wife by death. He was rich and also of noble birth. His kinsmen and friends frequently urged him to marry a second time, that he might not be induced to adopt a son. But, proud of his nobility and great wealth, he thought no woman of his acquaintance worthy of alliance with him, by marriage. When, however, Mingrada came to Lucca, the fame of her beauty and noble birth was diffused among the citizens. Without any exception of class or sex, all endeavoured to afford her the greatest attention and hospitality. With anotherdistinguished potentate, in his company, Soffredus hastened to see her. Despite his pre- viously formed intention, he was so much captivated with the beauty of this Irishlady,thatheresolvedsheshouldbecomehiswife. However,notwishing to prevent the accomplishment of the object she had in view, when leaving her native country, he did not then make any proposals of marriage. But, he awaited the day of her return from Rome, resolving thus to propose, and in a manner he thought less reprehensible. t^ When the time for her return was
expected, and while the lady was yet a considerable distance from Lucca, taking with him some soldiers, who were his accomplices in crime, Soffredus seized on and forced her violently to a fortified castle. There she was com-
3^ See ibid. , col. 789.
39 See Edward Gibbon's *' History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," vol. v. , chap, xliii. , p. 237. Edition by William Smith, LL. D.
*° See Rev. John Chetwode Eustace's "Classical Tour through Italy, An. mdccci," vol. iii. , chap. xii„ pp. 430, 431.
4' See Capefigue s "Charlemagne," tome i. , chap, ix. , pp. 143 to 157.
*' See an account of tiiis Emperor in Jules Zeller's " Ilistuire d'Allemagne. " Fonda- tion de I'Empire Germanique, tome ii. , chap, xiii. , pp. 250 to 383.
*^ See Rees' "Cyclopedia : era New Uni- versal Dictionary of Arts and Sciences," vol. xxi. , Art. Lucca.
*^ See " llistoire des Republiques Italicn-
nes du MoyenAge," par J. C. L. Simonde "Vita, Miracoli, c Mcmorie di S. Silao
de Sismondi, tome vii. , chap, xlviii. , pp. 43 to 50.
s " In 1805 Napoleon gave Lucca as a duchy to his sister Eli>a and her husband Pascal de Bacciochi. " Bell's "System of Geography, Popular and Scientific," &c. , vol. ii. , pait ii. , Italy, chap, . x. , p. 445.
<* See Isaac Butt's " History of Italy, from the Abdication of Napoleon I. , with intro- ductoiy References to that of earlier Times," vol. ii. , chap, xii. , pp. 474. 475.
••^ See "The Popular Encyclopedia; or Conversations Lexicon," vol. iv. , p. 577.
-"^ See Vita ex MS. Not. ariali Ecclesiii? S. Juslin. f Luccxedita . ab Illustriss. Francisco Maria Florentinio, sect. 2. —" Acta Sancto- rum. " tomus v. , ^iaii xxi. , p. 65.
*' See the account of this trans. iction in
;
May 21. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
533
pletelywithinhispovver. ''9 Therumourofthatviolencehavingspreadthrough Lucca, its citizens, magistrates, and people, went forth to the castle and houses of Soffredus, which they destroyed. Understanding that the purpose of her persecutor was yet unaltered, the injured lady endeavoured by gentle and prudent expostulation to urge, that Soffredus would incur the anger of God and of his holy Apostles, if he did not desist from his evil intentions. Find- ing her words of little avail, and that she should not be likely to escape out of his hands, she yielded to tlie necessity of her situation, and accepted honourable proposals of marriage. Towards such a state of life, however, she did nor appear willingly to incline. s° The object of Soffredus being so farattained,populardispleasurewassucceededbyacclamations. Thepeople of Lucca soon greeted the entrance of the bridegroom with his bride, in the midst of great pomp and rejoicing. Tiic ninth year after their marriage, the wife of Soffredus was seized with some infirmity, which threatened her with speedy dissolution. In order to prepare herself devoutly to meet the latter end, that religious woman earnestly besought her husband for his consent, that she might be permitted to profess a religious life, in St. Justina's nun- nery. 5' With a certain degree of regret at parting from his wife, whom he so tenderly loved, the husband felt moved by her earnest and pious motives. At length, he gave willing assent to her wishes. Li presence of honourable per- sons and of religious belonging to that Benedictine nunnery,5^ he relinquished all further claim upon his spouse. Of his own accord, he even bestowed gifts and offerings on that church, to which she was about to attach herself. Having entered the nunnery, her malady approached a crisis, and in course of a few days, she was deposited in the tomb, with every demonstration of respect, which her virtues and social position deserved. 53 We next find an account of some infringements on the episcopal rights of St. Silaus, and on those of certain churches, pertaining to his diocese. His injuries had been inflicted by a king, who ruled tyrannically in that ecclesiastical district over which the bishop presided. To obtain redress for these wrongs, St. Sylaus resolved on undertakingajourneytoRome. OntheAvay,hepassedthroughLucca,still so celebrated for its noble cathedral, 5+ with other religious institutions. Our saint had received some imperfect intelligence, also, regarding his sister's death, before his arrival at Lucca. When he arrived there, he heard a true account concerning what had occurred, from his kinsman, Soffredus, who re- ceivedhiminamosthonourableandhospitablemanner. Beingconducted to the spot, where his sister was buried, Silaus offered up the Holy Sacrifice of Mass ; while, at the same time, he poured forth fervent prayers and thanks
Vescovo Irlandese," cap. viii. , pp. 56 this life on the 21st of March, a. d. 543, has
to 61.
5° See Vita ex MS. Notariali Ecclesiae S.
been admirably set forth and analyzed, by the Comte de Montalembert, in "Les Moines d'Occident depuis Saint Benoit
Justinae Lucae, edita ab lUustriss. Francisco
Maria Florentinio, sect. 3. —"ActaSancto- jusq'a Saint Bernard," tome ii. , liv. iv. ,
rum," tomus v. , Mali xxi. , p. 65.
5' This was dedicated to the holy Virgin
and Martyr, St. Justina. This convent is
known to have existed from 964. In it, Ar-
mingardus, the daughter of King Lothaire,
led a religious life, and there too was she
buried, as her epitaph proves. In the year
1015, it was called the Monastery of Our that it is "a mixture of the heavy Saxon Saviour; but, soon after this period it was style, as we are pleased to call it, and the called the Nunnery of St. Justina, whose light arabesque. "—" A Classical Tour head was brought thither, and perhaps a new through Italy, An. mdcccii. ," vol. iii. , church had been built in her honour. chap, xii. , p. 435.
5= The Rule of St. Benedict, who departed ss See Vita ex MS. Notariali Ecclesise S.
chap, ii. , pp. 42 to 74.
53 See Vita ex MS. Notariali Ecclesise S.
Justince Liicoe, edita ab IlUistriss. Francisco Maria Florentinio, sect. 5. —" Acta Sancto- rum," tomus v. , Mali xxi. , p. 65.
54 it was erected in the eleventh century, The Rev. John Chetwode Eustace remarks,
534
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 21.
to the Almight}', for her happy departure's He then set out for Rome, and on his return took sick. His brother-in-law at Lucca received him, however, with his accustomed kindness. The saint was already distinguished, for several miracles he wrought, in favour of the sick, many of whom were healed from various diseases, and even solely, by drinking water, in which he had washed his hands. 5^ The day of our saint's death being now at hand, Silaus desired, that he might be brought to the oratory of St. Justina ; here after a few days, his blessed spirit departed to those mansions of bliss, in which he fondly hoped to rejoin his beloved sister. The year of his demise is not recorded.
His body was interred with due honour, within the church of St. Justina's convent. Afterwards, the fame of his sanctity became so great, that multi- tudes of sick and infirm came—not only from neighbouring but even from remote places—to be relieved, through his intercession, from various diseases. Largesses and oblations were bestowed by them and others, on that church, inwhichtheremainsofoursaintreposed. Theseofferings,however,inflamed the avaricious desires of Soffredus. He imagined himself justly entitled to a portion of them, because of the sacrifices he had made on behalf of his wife, and of that convent into which she retired. He obliged its religious inmates to return a third part of those oblations they received. This agreement they were obliged to subscribe in writing; but, the Almighty signified his dis- pleasure, at such a proceeding, and in a miraculous manner. For, our saint appeared to a nun, named Lugitha, complaining, that he was subjected to unjust restrictions. He threatened a withdrawal of the grace accorded for working miracles, until such agreement should be annulled. We are left ignorant regarding the result, as the remaining portion of this narrative appears tohavebeendestroyed. However,itistobeinferred,thatmiraclesafterwards ceased, because Soffredus refused to annul his unjust demands. -^7 When such manifestations had lapsed, at the tomb of our saint, according to his prediction; not only the fame of his sanctity became restricted, but even the very spot for his sepulture was forgotten. Yet, to many holy nuns and to other persons specially favoured, the place of his burial had been frequently revealed in visions. In the year of our Lord 1180,=^ on the iii. of the December Nones, the exact spot of our saint's sepulture was revealed to the Abbess C0ecilia,59 to some of her nuns, and to other persons. A mistake has been admitted, by a Notary, or scribe, called Carolus de Ciuffariniis, who has written the Nones of December, while incorrectly transcribing the old Manuscript. ^ After offering up prayers, that place was dug, when the body of Silaus was discovered. The explorers found it enclosed in a tomb. On this were in- scribed these words : " Divi Silai corpus, qui in Hibernia Episcopus fait, summo veneratione hoc sepulchro conditum, ob prsecipua miracula religiosis- sime custoditur.
