There is a previous com-
mentary by Godefrid Henschenius, sect.
mentary by Godefrid Henschenius, sect.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v6
Toit,lunatics
viii.
ss See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto- land," Perth, pp. 11 19, n 25.
a,
5fi See Rev. Dr. J. F. S. Gordon's
Scoti-
See Origines Parochiales Scotiae,
pars. ii. . p. 320.
6» See "Origines Parochiales Scotiae,
pars, ii. , p. 346.
7° See "Ulster Journal of Archaeology,
vol. ii. , p. 242.
7I See "Origines Parochiales Scotioe,
chronicon," vol. i. , p. 68.
57 See Hector Boece's " Scotorum Histo-
rise," lib. ix. , p. clxxii.
s« See "Old Statistical Account of Scot-
land. " vol. i. , p. 482.
59 See "Origines Parochiales Scotiae,"
pars, ii. , p. 159.
60 There is an engraving of it, in the "Ori-
nines Parochiales Scotiae," vol. ii. , p. 163. °* See Hector Boece's " Scotorum Histo-
vol. ii. , p. 37. c
riae," lib. xi. , pp. 242, 295. Also Joannes tecture," p. 187.
Leslaeus, lib. iv. , p. civ. 74 See Blaeu's "Atlas of Scotland.
62 " of Aberdeen and "See " Scotichronicon," vol. i. , lib. ii. , See Anti'quities
havingfailed, owing
many
Kilmolowoc, in Raasay, was another of his churches. 60 Of
66
See "Origines Parochiales Scotioe," vol. ii. , p. 348.
vol. ii. , p. 26. " 63 "
6? See
"
Origines Parochiales Scotioe,"
72 See
"
. „ Origines Parochiales bcotiae,
vol. i. , p. 377.
73 See Muir's " Characteristics of Arcni-
Kilmoloig,
in Kil-
794 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 25.
werebrought,inordertobecured. '6 Thepatientwasconductedseventimes around the chapel, and sprinkled with water from St. Ronan's well, which was in the immediate vicinity. Then, he was bound, and deposited for the night, on the site of the altar. ? ? There are entries of this holy man's festival, at the 25th of June, in various Calendars and Martyrologies. He was greatly venerated as well in Ireland as in Scotland. Thus, Marianus O'Gorman styles him Moluocus, the hospitable and decorous from Lismore, in Alba. 78 The festival of this saint is recorded, likewise, in the Martyrology of Aberdeen, at vii. Kl. Julii, corresponding with the 25th of June. ? In two ancient Calen-
dars, one printed at Lubeck, and the other at Cologne, a. d. 1490, there is an "
entryof S. Molocus,episcopusetconfessor,"atthe25thofJune. Ferrarius treats of this saint, at the 16th of April ; while, again, he mentions St. Molonathus as a Bishop in Scotland, at the 25th of June. The feast of St. Molocus, at the 25th of June, is inscribed in the Calendar of Usuard, enlarged by the Carthusians. 80 His name does not occur, however, in the Roman
81
Martyrology. It is stated, in the Martyrology of Donegal, at the 25th of
June, that veneration was paid to Moluog, of Liss-mdr, in Albain. On the
25th of June, in the Scottish Breviary, St. Molocus, a distinguished Bishop, is specially recorded, on this day. The feast of St. Moloc or Molocus is en-
tered, likewise, in the various Scottish Martyrologies. Thus, in the Kalen-
darium de Nova 82 we have St. Molocus Farina,
Episcopus ;
in the Kalenda-
rium de Arbuthnott,83 he is entered as a Bishop and Confessor; in the
KalendariumBreviariiAberdonensis;84 in the Martyrology of Aberdeen/5 at vii.
Kal.
Julii;
also in Adam
8
King's
Kalendar,86 in Thomas " Meno- Dempster's
and
Camerarius. 88 Other particulars of his Life are not clearly known ; but, from
Scotorum
the Scottish Entries in the Kalendar of David
7
of the saint, not known to exist at present. These have allusions, likewise, to the holy man's exalted virtues of singular zeal in preaching the Word
logium
;"
among
allusions to 8' in some of the him,
and of his ancient Responses
Antiphons
Office, it should seem, that special accounts had been taken from an old Life
of God, and of the illustrious
cap. 10. Goodall's edition.
? 6 See Mitchell's "Various
examples
afforded to his 00
people. Besides,
in the
Highlands "
and
fess, in Scotland
—to s. Brandane disciple
Superstitions Islands," p. 251.
8* See ibid. , p 131.
:
86 Thus " S. Molonache
bishop
and con-
77 See Proceedings of the Society of vnder King Eugenius 4. " Ibid. , p. 154. "
Quarta Appendix
ad Acta S.
Columbae,
cap. iii. , num. 34,p. 481.
79 Thus
" :
In Scocia Sancti Moloci
epis-
pro viribus, proximorum
in Marria Scotise
prouincia
of Scotland," vol. iv. "
In Scotia Molonathi
Antiquaries
78 See Colgan's Trias Thaumaturga,"
:
—
episcopi
copi cuius reliquie gloriose apud Kosmarky
Ib'ui. , ——
varie de eo dedicantur ecclesie. Huius est
Lismorensis ecclesia cathedralis : floruit mi-
raculis a inuentute et adhuc floret ita vt
tanto tempore preclara sua poscentibus pate-
bunt patrocinia quanto perhennia sanctitati
conceduntur premia. Et aliorum. " See
:
"
of Scotland," vol. ii. , p. 265.
Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries
80
Printed at Cologne, A. D.
and
1521.
81 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
Kalendars of
178, 179.
8a "
See Bishop Forbes' Scottish Saints, p. 72.
83 See ibid. , p. 101. 84 See ibid. , p. 117.
»° See the Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi. , Appendix ad Diem xxv. Junii.
15 15
:
saluti studuit. "
89 As in the following example
p. 238.
87 Thus
S. Brandani discipuli K. " /bid. , p. 203.
88 Thus " Die. Sanctus Molonachus : 25
siue Molochus Episcopus et Confessor qui
"
Prnedonum rabiem sedasti, sancte Moloce.
Quo magi regnabant, daemon, cum dixerat unus
Quod satis est comedam, reliquum tibi, Sancte, relinquam.
Surgere conantem ierit ipsum lapsa bipennis ;
Non est quae reprimat medicina fluenta cruoris,
Quin sua seque dedit servum servire Moloco. "
June 25. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
795
referenceismadetohisfastingsandausterities; tohischastityandpiety;to his compassion for the infirm, and to his charity for the poor ; to his inces- sant labours for the salvation of souls, and to his constant vigilance against
the approaches of temptation. The potency of his intercession is expressed, also, in those various devout aspirations contained in his office.
Article III. —St. Adalbert, or Adelbert, Confessor.
{Seventh
and Eighth Centuries^ The present holy and apostolic man was distinguished
for his zeal and labours, in extending the kingdom of Christ, and His grace in
men's souls. Acts of St. Adalbert were written in the tenth century, by the
monks of Laach ; and those accounts are the chief authority for his life and
labours. Other abbreviated Lives of this holy man, and seemingly drawn
from the foregoing, are to be found in Manuscripts ; while the Carmelite
1 Gerbrandus a 2 de Beka and Wilhelmus ab Father, Joannes Leydis, Joannes
Heda,3 have notices of him, in their respective works. From an ancient Manuscript, to which attention is called by Surius,* the Life of St. Adelbert is chiefly compiled. The editor has considerably emended its matter and
5 St. Aldebert is noted, likewise, in the work of Miraeus. 6 In the Bol-
style. landist
Rossia, Scotia; Hodiernse Provincia, p. 243.
and in the " Acta Sanctorum 8 his Life' lias Belgii Selecta,"
collection^
been inserted. Father John Mabillon gives the Life of this holy man, in his collection. 10 In that admirable work, Batavia Sacra," St. Adalbertus is specially recorded. Some notices of St. Adalbert are to be found, likewise, in
Northumberian Kings. He was son, as we are told, to Edilwald, or Edil- bald,15 King of the Deire, and grandson to St. Oswald,10 King and Martyr.
13 Rev. Alban
works. Adalbert is said to have descended from the royal blood of the
Bishop Challenor's,
Butler's,
when
1? wholeft intheseventh England
aboutSt.
century, and who spent some time in a monastery of Ireland, and which is
called Rathmelsigi ; we have the account, of that holy man earnestly desiring to spread the Gospel, among the Frisons, Rugians, Danes, Huns, Old Saxons
Already,
treating
Egbert,
De S. Moloco seu Molonaco Episcopo in
8
See tomus vi.
There is a previous com-
mentary by Godefrid Henschenius, sect. 1
to to to688. 8, Acts, pp. 654
9 Vita S. Adalberti, Diaconi, amonachis Mediolacensibus descripta. It is contained, 3 He wrote, the Chronicon Egmundanum, in three chapters, and twenty-eight sec-
* ofthe Article hi. — He was prior
Convent at Haerlem, and he seems to have
lived, until A. D. 1524.
which has been published by Antonius Matthews, and also, Chronicum Hollandiae Comitum et Episcoporum Ultrajectinorum, which is brought down to A. D. 141 7.
3 He wrote " Historia seu Chronicon
tions.
""Acta Sanctorum Ordinis S. Bene-
dicti," Saeculum Tertium, pars, i. , p. 631.
Episcoporum Ultrajectinorum," reaches from A. D. 647 to A. D. 1333.
which
See Britannia Sancta," part i. , June
25th, p. 386.
I3 See "Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs
and other principal Saints," vol. vi. , June xxv.
_
I4 See "Lives of the Saints, vol. vi. ,
June 25th, p. 361.
'IS to Wilhelmus ab in According Heda,
his "Historia seu Chronicon Episcoporum
Ultrajectinoiiun. "
l6 "
* See " De Probatis Sanctorum Historiis,"
tomus iii. , Junii xxv. Editio Colonke Agrip-
pinse, a. d. 1579, fol.
6 In "Fastis Belgicis et Burgundicis. "
7 See
"
Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. , Junii
' 7 See the Fourth Volume of this
work,
thus introduced into his work: Vita
s
S. Adalberti Confessoris et Levitse, Disci- puli S. Willibrordi Episcopi, edita a Cseno- bitis Medelocensibus circa annum salutis Dccccxc, sed stylus passim mutatus est per F. Laur. Surium, pp. 925 to 932.
It is
xxv. De S. Adalberto Diacono, Egmundae at April 24th, the day for his festival,
in Hollandia, pp. 94 to no.
Art. i.
"
See p. 44. This work was printed A. D.
13 and Rev. S. M Baring-Gould's
1754.
«* "
See Bishop Challenor's Britannia Sancta," part i. , June 25th, p. 386.
796 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 25.
andBoructuarians. BothWigbert,aholySaxonmonkwholivedinIreland, and himself, had attempted the work of conversion, but they failed in carry- ingittoasuccessfulissue. 18 ThereputationofEgbert'ssanctitywassogreat,
greatness for the love of Christ, and earnestly desiring to become perfect under a holy teacher, he resolved on following the example set by so many of his countrymen. Leaving his native land, relations and friends, he became at first a disciple of St. Egbert, who was then in Ireland. 20 There, Adalbert appears to have closely attached himself to his great master, as also to have in
every way profited by his example and instructions. The suavity and gentle- ness of his manners ; his humility and self-denial ; and his resolve to obtain salvation by persevering in virtue to the end of his days; these qualities were remarked by all, and therefore, he was destined to crown these good disposi- tions, by a life of active zeal for the salvation of others. He was ordained deacon,butheseemsnevertohavereceivedtheorderofPriesthood. 21 How- ever, when St. Willebrord 22 was destined by Heaven to carry the truths of the Christian religion among the pagans of the Low Countries, Adalbert no doubt felt desirous of humbly sharing in his labours. 23 The present saint is called a Levite, and he is commonly numbered 24 among those twelve apos- tolic men of the English nation, who were sent by Egbert to carry the light
ofthe Gospel to the Frisons. 2* These great missionaries adhered to St. Willebrord, the Apostle of the Netherlands. About this time, Pepin of Heristal had become very powerful in the Low Countries ; where that pious man received the missionaries with great veneration and hospitality. He felt delighted to learn, that Willibrord and his companions had devoted them- selves to the conversion of the heathens, By advice and recommendation of
6
their patron, St. Willibrord went to Rome, where he was consecrated bishop,' andhewasappointedtopresideovertheSeeofUtrecht. Inallhislabours, St. Adalbert was a willing and an efficient sharer. The latter was distin-
guished, especially for his great suavity of manners, humility and zeal for the
that he attracted numbers of Scots and
in Ireland. Owing to his distinguished birtb, Adalbert could have attained greattemporaladvantages,inhisowncountry. But,hedespisedallworldly
salvation of souls. the Supported by
of 2? who had King Pepin,
patronage
subdued Radbod,28 King of the Frisians, St. Willebrord and his missionaries
notably promoted the Faith of Christ, throughout the provinces where he preached. Theyconvertedinnumerablesoulsfromtheerrorsofpaganism.
St. Adalbert was actively employed, in preaching the word of Life to the Batavians or Hollanders. 2' His mission there is supposed to have com- menced about A. D. 700. 3° A great patron of St. Adalbert was Eggo. 31 from
,8 See Father John Mabillon's " Annales
Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus i. , lib. xviii. ,
25 See Bishop Challenor's "Britannia
Sancta," part i. , June 25, p. 386.
Bea Mabillon's "Annales Ordinis S.
sect, iv. , pp. 591, 592.
19 See Surius' " De Probatis Sanctorum Benedicti," tomus i. , lib. xviii. , sect, xvii. ,
Historiis," tomus iii. , Vita S. Adalberti Con- fessoris et Levitae, cap. i. , ii. , p. 925.
p. 597.
1 1 is wars with Radbod are very fully re-
lated by Paul the Deacon, in his "Historia Longabardorum," lib. vi. , cap. xxxvii. Edi- tio Raphelingica.
** In the year 693, he was vanquished and banished from his kingdom, according to Joannes a Leidis, lib. ii. , cap. ix.
** See Bishop Challenor's "Britannia
Sancta," part i. , June 25, p. 386.
3* See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of the
Fathers, Martyrs and other principal Saints," vol. vi. ,June xxv.
10 21
See Henry Fitzsimon's "Catalogus. "
See Rev. S. Paring-Gould's "Lives of the Saints," vol. vi. , June 25, p. 361.
22 His feast occurs, on the 7th of Novem- ber.
23 See Surius' " De Probatis Sanctorum
Historiis,"tomusiii. , VitaS. AdalbertiCon-
fessoris et l. evita. *, cap. 3, p. 926.
24 See Mabillon's "Annales Ordinis S.
Benedicti," tomus ii. , lib. xxi. , p. 116.
sect,
lxv. ,
English
1* to his school, while he dwelt
June 25. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
797
whom Egmond 3* is thought to have been named, as he was lord over that place. 33 This was in a retired part of the country, but so attached to Adal- bert was the great man who resided there, and so pleased was he with the virtues of the holy missionary, that he cultivated a special friendship and social bond of union. To strengthen this the more, Adalbert became either the baptizer or sponsor of that chief's son. 34 By St. Willebrord, Adelbert was made Archdeacon over the church of Utrecht. 35 But, he loved retire- ment for spiritual exercises. At Egmund, he was engaged in the practice of those pious works, in which he continued persevering to the end. 36
Prayer and contemplation served to make him wholly perfect. After he had spent some time in Holland, Adalbert desired a return to his own people, as he
had intended that visit for their spiritual advantage. This purpose he com- municated to Eggo, who felt sorrowful at his departure. But, he was con- soled by Adalbert, who declared he should return again to Frisia. 37 A remarkable miracle took place, in confirmation of this promise, which was duly fulfilled. The course of St. Adalbert's labours continued uninterrupted, after revisiting the Low Countries ; while he began anew the pursuit of his virtuous life. At length, St. Adalbert was called by Almighty God to the reward of his labours, at Egmond,38 some time in the eighth century. 39 The parti- cular year of his death is not certainly known ; but, it is thought to have happened, about a. d. 740. 4° Buried at Egmond, in Holland, his tomb was there illustrated by many miracles, and it became an object of pious pilgrim- age. 41 IntheworkofSurius,anaccountofthevariouswonderstherewrought, and taken from his ancient Acts, but abridged, may be found. *2 These are supplemented from other reliable Manuscripts by the editor. *3 The miracles
of this saint were written by a monk of St. Egmund, in the twelfth century, and these are published by the Bollandists in three chapters. *4 Soon after our saint'sdeath,achurchappearstohavebeenerectedatEgmund,andit was dedicated to him. After the year 760,*$ and again in the year 856,*° incursions of Norman pirates on the shores of Holland caused the destruction of that church and city, as also of the whole surrounding country. A pious widow, named Eswar,*? who had often prayed to Adalbert, was reduced to great straits for food ; however, the Providence of God brought her daily a supply
"
De Probatis Sanctorum Vita S. Adalbert! Con-
39 See "De Probatis Sanctorum Surius,
Vitis," tomus iii. Vita S. Adalberti Con-
fessoris et Levitae, cap. 7, p. 927.
4° See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of the
Fathers, Martyrs and other principal Saints,"
vol. vi. , June xxv.
4I "Lives of See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's
the Saints," vol.
viii.
ss See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto- land," Perth, pp. 11 19, n 25.
a,
5fi See Rev. Dr. J. F. S. Gordon's
Scoti-
See Origines Parochiales Scotiae,
pars. ii. . p. 320.
6» See "Origines Parochiales Scotiae,
pars, ii. , p. 346.
7° See "Ulster Journal of Archaeology,
vol. ii. , p. 242.
7I See "Origines Parochiales Scotioe,
chronicon," vol. i. , p. 68.
57 See Hector Boece's " Scotorum Histo-
rise," lib. ix. , p. clxxii.
s« See "Old Statistical Account of Scot-
land. " vol. i. , p. 482.
59 See "Origines Parochiales Scotiae,"
pars, ii. , p. 159.
60 There is an engraving of it, in the "Ori-
nines Parochiales Scotiae," vol. ii. , p. 163. °* See Hector Boece's " Scotorum Histo-
vol. ii. , p. 37. c
riae," lib. xi. , pp. 242, 295. Also Joannes tecture," p. 187.
Leslaeus, lib. iv. , p. civ. 74 See Blaeu's "Atlas of Scotland.
62 " of Aberdeen and "See " Scotichronicon," vol. i. , lib. ii. , See Anti'quities
havingfailed, owing
many
Kilmolowoc, in Raasay, was another of his churches. 60 Of
66
See "Origines Parochiales Scotioe," vol. ii. , p. 348.
vol. ii. , p. 26. " 63 "
6? See
"
Origines Parochiales Scotioe,"
72 See
"
. „ Origines Parochiales bcotiae,
vol. i. , p. 377.
73 See Muir's " Characteristics of Arcni-
Kilmoloig,
in Kil-
794 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 25.
werebrought,inordertobecured. '6 Thepatientwasconductedseventimes around the chapel, and sprinkled with water from St. Ronan's well, which was in the immediate vicinity. Then, he was bound, and deposited for the night, on the site of the altar. ? ? There are entries of this holy man's festival, at the 25th of June, in various Calendars and Martyrologies. He was greatly venerated as well in Ireland as in Scotland. Thus, Marianus O'Gorman styles him Moluocus, the hospitable and decorous from Lismore, in Alba. 78 The festival of this saint is recorded, likewise, in the Martyrology of Aberdeen, at vii. Kl. Julii, corresponding with the 25th of June. ? In two ancient Calen-
dars, one printed at Lubeck, and the other at Cologne, a. d. 1490, there is an "
entryof S. Molocus,episcopusetconfessor,"atthe25thofJune. Ferrarius treats of this saint, at the 16th of April ; while, again, he mentions St. Molonathus as a Bishop in Scotland, at the 25th of June. The feast of St. Molocus, at the 25th of June, is inscribed in the Calendar of Usuard, enlarged by the Carthusians. 80 His name does not occur, however, in the Roman
81
Martyrology. It is stated, in the Martyrology of Donegal, at the 25th of
June, that veneration was paid to Moluog, of Liss-mdr, in Albain. On the
25th of June, in the Scottish Breviary, St. Molocus, a distinguished Bishop, is specially recorded, on this day. The feast of St. Moloc or Molocus is en-
tered, likewise, in the various Scottish Martyrologies. Thus, in the Kalen-
darium de Nova 82 we have St. Molocus Farina,
Episcopus ;
in the Kalenda-
rium de Arbuthnott,83 he is entered as a Bishop and Confessor; in the
KalendariumBreviariiAberdonensis;84 in the Martyrology of Aberdeen/5 at vii.
Kal.
Julii;
also in Adam
8
King's
Kalendar,86 in Thomas " Meno- Dempster's
and
Camerarius. 88 Other particulars of his Life are not clearly known ; but, from
Scotorum
the Scottish Entries in the Kalendar of David
7
of the saint, not known to exist at present. These have allusions, likewise, to the holy man's exalted virtues of singular zeal in preaching the Word
logium
;"
among
allusions to 8' in some of the him,
and of his ancient Responses
Antiphons
Office, it should seem, that special accounts had been taken from an old Life
of God, and of the illustrious
cap. 10. Goodall's edition.
? 6 See Mitchell's "Various
examples
afforded to his 00
people. Besides,
in the
Highlands "
and
fess, in Scotland
—to s. Brandane disciple
Superstitions Islands," p. 251.
8* See ibid. , p 131.
:
86 Thus " S. Molonache
bishop
and con-
77 See Proceedings of the Society of vnder King Eugenius 4. " Ibid. , p. 154. "
Quarta Appendix
ad Acta S.
Columbae,
cap. iii. , num. 34,p. 481.
79 Thus
" :
In Scocia Sancti Moloci
epis-
pro viribus, proximorum
in Marria Scotise
prouincia
of Scotland," vol. iv. "
In Scotia Molonathi
Antiquaries
78 See Colgan's Trias Thaumaturga,"
:
—
episcopi
copi cuius reliquie gloriose apud Kosmarky
Ib'ui. , ——
varie de eo dedicantur ecclesie. Huius est
Lismorensis ecclesia cathedralis : floruit mi-
raculis a inuentute et adhuc floret ita vt
tanto tempore preclara sua poscentibus pate-
bunt patrocinia quanto perhennia sanctitati
conceduntur premia. Et aliorum. " See
:
"
of Scotland," vol. ii. , p. 265.
Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries
80
Printed at Cologne, A. D.
and
1521.
81 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
Kalendars of
178, 179.
8a "
See Bishop Forbes' Scottish Saints, p. 72.
83 See ibid. , p. 101. 84 See ibid. , p. 117.
»° See the Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi. , Appendix ad Diem xxv. Junii.
15 15
:
saluti studuit. "
89 As in the following example
p. 238.
87 Thus
S. Brandani discipuli K. " /bid. , p. 203.
88 Thus " Die. Sanctus Molonachus : 25
siue Molochus Episcopus et Confessor qui
"
Prnedonum rabiem sedasti, sancte Moloce.
Quo magi regnabant, daemon, cum dixerat unus
Quod satis est comedam, reliquum tibi, Sancte, relinquam.
Surgere conantem ierit ipsum lapsa bipennis ;
Non est quae reprimat medicina fluenta cruoris,
Quin sua seque dedit servum servire Moloco. "
June 25. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
795
referenceismadetohisfastingsandausterities; tohischastityandpiety;to his compassion for the infirm, and to his charity for the poor ; to his inces- sant labours for the salvation of souls, and to his constant vigilance against
the approaches of temptation. The potency of his intercession is expressed, also, in those various devout aspirations contained in his office.
Article III. —St. Adalbert, or Adelbert, Confessor.
{Seventh
and Eighth Centuries^ The present holy and apostolic man was distinguished
for his zeal and labours, in extending the kingdom of Christ, and His grace in
men's souls. Acts of St. Adalbert were written in the tenth century, by the
monks of Laach ; and those accounts are the chief authority for his life and
labours. Other abbreviated Lives of this holy man, and seemingly drawn
from the foregoing, are to be found in Manuscripts ; while the Carmelite
1 Gerbrandus a 2 de Beka and Wilhelmus ab Father, Joannes Leydis, Joannes
Heda,3 have notices of him, in their respective works. From an ancient Manuscript, to which attention is called by Surius,* the Life of St. Adelbert is chiefly compiled. The editor has considerably emended its matter and
5 St. Aldebert is noted, likewise, in the work of Miraeus. 6 In the Bol-
style. landist
Rossia, Scotia; Hodiernse Provincia, p. 243.
and in the " Acta Sanctorum 8 his Life' lias Belgii Selecta,"
collection^
been inserted. Father John Mabillon gives the Life of this holy man, in his collection. 10 In that admirable work, Batavia Sacra," St. Adalbertus is specially recorded. Some notices of St. Adalbert are to be found, likewise, in
Northumberian Kings. He was son, as we are told, to Edilwald, or Edil- bald,15 King of the Deire, and grandson to St. Oswald,10 King and Martyr.
13 Rev. Alban
works. Adalbert is said to have descended from the royal blood of the
Bishop Challenor's,
Butler's,
when
1? wholeft intheseventh England
aboutSt.
century, and who spent some time in a monastery of Ireland, and which is
called Rathmelsigi ; we have the account, of that holy man earnestly desiring to spread the Gospel, among the Frisons, Rugians, Danes, Huns, Old Saxons
Already,
treating
Egbert,
De S. Moloco seu Molonaco Episcopo in
8
See tomus vi.
There is a previous com-
mentary by Godefrid Henschenius, sect. 1
to to to688. 8, Acts, pp. 654
9 Vita S. Adalberti, Diaconi, amonachis Mediolacensibus descripta. It is contained, 3 He wrote, the Chronicon Egmundanum, in three chapters, and twenty-eight sec-
* ofthe Article hi. — He was prior
Convent at Haerlem, and he seems to have
lived, until A. D. 1524.
which has been published by Antonius Matthews, and also, Chronicum Hollandiae Comitum et Episcoporum Ultrajectinorum, which is brought down to A. D. 141 7.
3 He wrote " Historia seu Chronicon
tions.
""Acta Sanctorum Ordinis S. Bene-
dicti," Saeculum Tertium, pars, i. , p. 631.
Episcoporum Ultrajectinorum," reaches from A. D. 647 to A. D. 1333.
which
See Britannia Sancta," part i. , June
25th, p. 386.
I3 See "Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs
and other principal Saints," vol. vi. , June xxv.
_
I4 See "Lives of the Saints, vol. vi. ,
June 25th, p. 361.
'IS to Wilhelmus ab in According Heda,
his "Historia seu Chronicon Episcoporum
Ultrajectinoiiun. "
l6 "
* See " De Probatis Sanctorum Historiis,"
tomus iii. , Junii xxv. Editio Colonke Agrip-
pinse, a. d. 1579, fol.
6 In "Fastis Belgicis et Burgundicis. "
7 See
"
Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. , Junii
' 7 See the Fourth Volume of this
work,
thus introduced into his work: Vita
s
S. Adalberti Confessoris et Levitse, Disci- puli S. Willibrordi Episcopi, edita a Cseno- bitis Medelocensibus circa annum salutis Dccccxc, sed stylus passim mutatus est per F. Laur. Surium, pp. 925 to 932.
It is
xxv. De S. Adalberto Diacono, Egmundae at April 24th, the day for his festival,
in Hollandia, pp. 94 to no.
Art. i.
"
See p. 44. This work was printed A. D.
13 and Rev. S. M Baring-Gould's
1754.
«* "
See Bishop Challenor's Britannia Sancta," part i. , June 25th, p. 386.
796 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 25.
andBoructuarians. BothWigbert,aholySaxonmonkwholivedinIreland, and himself, had attempted the work of conversion, but they failed in carry- ingittoasuccessfulissue. 18 ThereputationofEgbert'ssanctitywassogreat,
greatness for the love of Christ, and earnestly desiring to become perfect under a holy teacher, he resolved on following the example set by so many of his countrymen. Leaving his native land, relations and friends, he became at first a disciple of St. Egbert, who was then in Ireland. 20 There, Adalbert appears to have closely attached himself to his great master, as also to have in
every way profited by his example and instructions. The suavity and gentle- ness of his manners ; his humility and self-denial ; and his resolve to obtain salvation by persevering in virtue to the end of his days; these qualities were remarked by all, and therefore, he was destined to crown these good disposi- tions, by a life of active zeal for the salvation of others. He was ordained deacon,butheseemsnevertohavereceivedtheorderofPriesthood. 21 How- ever, when St. Willebrord 22 was destined by Heaven to carry the truths of the Christian religion among the pagans of the Low Countries, Adalbert no doubt felt desirous of humbly sharing in his labours. 23 The present saint is called a Levite, and he is commonly numbered 24 among those twelve apos- tolic men of the English nation, who were sent by Egbert to carry the light
ofthe Gospel to the Frisons. 2* These great missionaries adhered to St. Willebrord, the Apostle of the Netherlands. About this time, Pepin of Heristal had become very powerful in the Low Countries ; where that pious man received the missionaries with great veneration and hospitality. He felt delighted to learn, that Willibrord and his companions had devoted them- selves to the conversion of the heathens, By advice and recommendation of
6
their patron, St. Willibrord went to Rome, where he was consecrated bishop,' andhewasappointedtopresideovertheSeeofUtrecht. Inallhislabours, St. Adalbert was a willing and an efficient sharer. The latter was distin-
guished, especially for his great suavity of manners, humility and zeal for the
that he attracted numbers of Scots and
in Ireland. Owing to his distinguished birtb, Adalbert could have attained greattemporaladvantages,inhisowncountry. But,hedespisedallworldly
salvation of souls. the Supported by
of 2? who had King Pepin,
patronage
subdued Radbod,28 King of the Frisians, St. Willebrord and his missionaries
notably promoted the Faith of Christ, throughout the provinces where he preached. Theyconvertedinnumerablesoulsfromtheerrorsofpaganism.
St. Adalbert was actively employed, in preaching the word of Life to the Batavians or Hollanders. 2' His mission there is supposed to have com- menced about A. D. 700. 3° A great patron of St. Adalbert was Eggo. 31 from
,8 See Father John Mabillon's " Annales
Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus i. , lib. xviii. ,
25 See Bishop Challenor's "Britannia
Sancta," part i. , June 25, p. 386.
Bea Mabillon's "Annales Ordinis S.
sect, iv. , pp. 591, 592.
19 See Surius' " De Probatis Sanctorum Benedicti," tomus i. , lib. xviii. , sect, xvii. ,
Historiis," tomus iii. , Vita S. Adalberti Con- fessoris et Levitae, cap. i. , ii. , p. 925.
p. 597.
1 1 is wars with Radbod are very fully re-
lated by Paul the Deacon, in his "Historia Longabardorum," lib. vi. , cap. xxxvii. Edi- tio Raphelingica.
** In the year 693, he was vanquished and banished from his kingdom, according to Joannes a Leidis, lib. ii. , cap. ix.
** See Bishop Challenor's "Britannia
Sancta," part i. , June 25, p. 386.
3* See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of the
Fathers, Martyrs and other principal Saints," vol. vi. ,June xxv.
10 21
See Henry Fitzsimon's "Catalogus. "
See Rev. S. Paring-Gould's "Lives of the Saints," vol. vi. , June 25, p. 361.
22 His feast occurs, on the 7th of Novem- ber.
23 See Surius' " De Probatis Sanctorum
Historiis,"tomusiii. , VitaS. AdalbertiCon-
fessoris et l. evita. *, cap. 3, p. 926.
24 See Mabillon's "Annales Ordinis S.
Benedicti," tomus ii. , lib. xxi. , p. 116.
sect,
lxv. ,
English
1* to his school, while he dwelt
June 25. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
797
whom Egmond 3* is thought to have been named, as he was lord over that place. 33 This was in a retired part of the country, but so attached to Adal- bert was the great man who resided there, and so pleased was he with the virtues of the holy missionary, that he cultivated a special friendship and social bond of union. To strengthen this the more, Adalbert became either the baptizer or sponsor of that chief's son. 34 By St. Willebrord, Adelbert was made Archdeacon over the church of Utrecht. 35 But, he loved retire- ment for spiritual exercises. At Egmund, he was engaged in the practice of those pious works, in which he continued persevering to the end. 36
Prayer and contemplation served to make him wholly perfect. After he had spent some time in Holland, Adalbert desired a return to his own people, as he
had intended that visit for their spiritual advantage. This purpose he com- municated to Eggo, who felt sorrowful at his departure. But, he was con- soled by Adalbert, who declared he should return again to Frisia. 37 A remarkable miracle took place, in confirmation of this promise, which was duly fulfilled. The course of St. Adalbert's labours continued uninterrupted, after revisiting the Low Countries ; while he began anew the pursuit of his virtuous life. At length, St. Adalbert was called by Almighty God to the reward of his labours, at Egmond,38 some time in the eighth century. 39 The parti- cular year of his death is not certainly known ; but, it is thought to have happened, about a. d. 740. 4° Buried at Egmond, in Holland, his tomb was there illustrated by many miracles, and it became an object of pious pilgrim- age. 41 IntheworkofSurius,anaccountofthevariouswonderstherewrought, and taken from his ancient Acts, but abridged, may be found. *2 These are supplemented from other reliable Manuscripts by the editor. *3 The miracles
of this saint were written by a monk of St. Egmund, in the twelfth century, and these are published by the Bollandists in three chapters. *4 Soon after our saint'sdeath,achurchappearstohavebeenerectedatEgmund,andit was dedicated to him. After the year 760,*$ and again in the year 856,*° incursions of Norman pirates on the shores of Holland caused the destruction of that church and city, as also of the whole surrounding country. A pious widow, named Eswar,*? who had often prayed to Adalbert, was reduced to great straits for food ; however, the Providence of God brought her daily a supply
"
De Probatis Sanctorum Vita S. Adalbert! Con-
39 See "De Probatis Sanctorum Surius,
Vitis," tomus iii. Vita S. Adalberti Con-
fessoris et Levitae, cap. 7, p. 927.
4° See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of the
Fathers, Martyrs and other principal Saints,"
vol. vi. , June xxv.
4I "Lives of See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's
the Saints," vol.
