At last, released from all vexations, or as thought
demoniac
influences, she was restored to perfect health, and afterwards she returned to Brussels, on the 13th of January, a.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v5
^ These statements were testified on the 5thofJune.
ThesameCorneliaJansensrc- visited Gheel, to return thanks before the altar of Dympna, on the day of our saint's festival, 15th of May, a.
d.
1643.
According to the statement of Couwegom, Cornelia
Jansens was then in the enjoyment of perfect health,
" In the province of North Brabant, Hol- land.
340
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
tonis, used in similar cases, he was placed in the infirmary, with a hope of recovering his former state of health, by favour and grace of the Almighty, and through the intercession of St. Dympna, Virgin, Martyr, and Patroness of the Church of Gheel. He remained in continued prayer, while completing a double novena, or series of devotions, for the duration of eighteen days. Not being able to walk, he was brought by other persons, to visit St. Dympna's relics, during the solemnity of Pentecost, and on the feast of that holy patroness. Within the period already mentioned, his lameness gradually diminished, and he walked to the house of Gerard Steffers, which was not far removed from the church. His lameness at last insensibly disappeared, so that he was able to walk on foot to St. Dympna's Church, there offering his prayers devoutly to God. At length, on the 2nd day of July, which is the Visitation Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whilst engaged assisting at the holy sacrifice of Mass, in the same church, about eleven o'clock, John Chris- tiaens received the full use of speech, of which he had been heretofore deprived. ^° In presence of several persons, this man was seen, and he was heard speaking publicly ; he also accurately answered various questions pro- posed to him. Then, in a clear voice, he acknowledged, that having lost two of his daughters by the plague, about four years previously, he was greatly afflicted with grief, and he fell into a confirmed disease. From this, he con- tracted a lameness, not only in his feet, but in other members of his body, so that he became completely paralysed, and thenceforward, could neither move, nor put his feet under him. After sufifeiing from such affliction for three years and six months, he became paralysed in the tongue, and he con- tinued entirely mute, for nearly four years. At intervals, he was afflicted with a certain wandering of mind, and madness of the brain. ^' As already related, on the day when his speech was restored, through the mercy of God, after assisting at High Mass, and at another Mass which followed it, and which had been celebrated by Herr Ludwig van Couwegom, Christiaens addressed this priest, when descending from the altar, in these familiar words : " Good day, Herr Ludwig, give me permission to kiss the holy cross of the high altar. "^^ That priest, having known all the foregoing particulars, in great amazement brought this man to the altar, and presented him with the cruci- fix, to be kissed. Christiaens then commenced speaking with the greatest fluency. ^3 in confirmation of the preceding account, on the 2nd of July,
^° When this miracle became known, the church bells rang out a joyous peal, and a thanksgiving was offered to God, in St. Dympna's Church, to celebrate the grace and mercy vouchsafed to this man by the Almighty.
^' In the meantime, all possible natural re- medies were sought from medical or surgical proficients, and spiritual aid was afTurded, through the ministry of religious men and exorcists, to obtain relief from these diseases. Endeavouring to effect the same object, he had undertaken various pilgrimages to places, celeljrated for miracles being wrought, through the intercession of the Blessed Vir- gin Mary, such as Duffel, Gemert, . Stiphout, and other localities ; but, he declared, tliat in no place had he experienced any relief, except in the city of Gheel, and in the church
*' Maria Meus was present within the church, and to her great surprise heard the first words pronounced by John Christiaens and addressed to Herr Ludwig van Couwe- gom, on that particular day, when the afflic- ted man recovered. Others, who were pre- sent, also witnessed that transaction, and bore testimony to its occurrence, without any fraud or evasion.
^^ Witnesses for truth of the foregoing state- ment are, Arnold Bloem, Nicholas Segcrs, Ludwig van Couwegom, Gerard Gossens, Peter Vcrcuylen, Willebrord Veriessen, Peter van Dungen and James Verschuiren, respectively Dean and Canons of the Colle- giate Church of St. Dympna, in the city of Gheel. Also, Burgomaster Couwegom, and the Councillors John van Hove, John Ven- nekens, Gerard Goos, Peter van Brocck-
of St. Dympna, whither he had been hoven, John Lauwen, and Wilhelm Bertals, jjrought, by advice and direction of the of Gheel municipality. FatherGuardianVellepens. '*' Hewasmute,lame,andcrooked,hold-
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
341
1641, Anna vanden W3'er, who had charge of all the pilgrims and diseased persons brought to the hospital, Gerard Steffers, and Maria Mens, his wife, gave unanimous testimony, and deposed on solemn oath, for a certain truth, that John Christiaens, already mentioned, lay for eighteen days in the infirmary, and that the usual ceremonies of exorcism were used in his regard. ^4 To strengthen this conclusive evidence, the Dean and Canons of his chapter, the Burgomaster and Counsellors of Gheel, caused their several seals to be affixed to an instrument, which was countersigned by their sworn secretary, on the 2nd of July, a. d. 1641. The deed was subsigned with Van Gerven's name, two seals having been attached. One of these was proper to the chapter, the other was an official municipal seal. ^s Moreover, we find it re- corded, that John Christians, before he was afflicted with so many miseries, had been a worthy man, a pious, upright Catholic, of good name and repute. He was born of excellent and honest Catholic parents, in the village of Zee- land, where he had many respectable Catholic friends. With these credible
persons, deponents certified, that John Christians fell into a grievous illness, and during six months he was afflicted with it, so that from its commence- ment until near its departure, he grew daily worse, for a continuance of about four years. Having tried various remedies in vain, deponents had consulted the Father Guardian Vellepens, living near the city of Grave, who persuaded them, that John Christians should be brought to the city of Gheel. They were advised to leave him there, with good and respectable inhabitants, who were entrusted to assist the miserable man, by taking charge of him, and by furnishing necessary sustenance. These deponents promised to defray all his expenses at Gheel, trusting that his former strength should be entirely re- stored. In testimony of the foregoing statement, the officials of Uden, Zee-
land and Boekel,^^ affixed their common seals, on the loth of May, 1641. Dean Couwegom again testified that John Christians, on the eve of Pente- cost, A. D. 1642, returned to give thanks in St. Dympna's church. Then, he was in the full enjoyment of health, which he preserved after the former dis- ease had departed. This visit Christians afterwards repeated, on the 14th of August, 1650, as a grateful mark of devout recognition for his miraculous recovery. ^7
ing his head curved downwards tohis thighs,
whether sitting or resting, when he came to
Gheel. Hence, his attendants were obliged
to carry him into the church, as also before
and under the reliquary case of the Virgin,
Martyr, and Patroness, St. Dympna. The Henricus Raeymaecker et Lambeitus van
witnesses added, that Christiaens lay for a
space of eighteen days, without once open-
ing his eyes, or manifesting the slightest
wish to have anything brought to him. He
seemed to them like a simple child, having
no intellectual capacity. They affirmed, tion, in the following words : " Nos simul
moreover, that his lameness gradually di- minished, within those eighteen days.
regentes pagi Seelant in ditione Ravestenia, sub foro judiciario loci Udem, atque impri- mis D. Joannes van Geniert Pastor in See-
^5 In addition to the foregoing, we find
the following deposition: "Ego Joannes lant, Jacobus Rutten, nuntius judicialis,
Christiaens, jetatis circiter quinquaginta sep- tem annorum, hactenusresidensin pago See- lant, ditionis Ravestenire, hoc die secundo Julii anno MDCXLI. , in festo Visitationis B. Marire, profiteor in ecclesia S. Dympnce, sub juramento, me liberatum esse ab omni muti- tione et amentia, quibus vitiis correptus fui a triennio et medio aut quadriennio circiter : et affirmo omnia esse vera, sicut habetur in
Arnoldus Aerts, et Joannes Joannis_ Aerts Scabini, Henricus Lienverts et Nicolaus Dircx Consules, Joannes Wilms et Petrus Dircx /Ediles, Joannes Driess, et Joannes Diercx Eleemosynarii, cum omni submis- sione inJicanuis omnibus hanc attestationem lecturis aut audituris, et sub juramento sub acceptatione nostri officii preestito declara- mus," etc.
attestatione facta, tarn apud Scabinos pagi nostri quam apud Drossardum et Scabinos municipii GcIk, paratus idem omni tempore sub juramento declarare : et subsignavit Joannes Christians, et testes Joannes Aerts,
Dungen : ea subscripsit Couwegom. "
^'^ These three villages are situated in the
province of North Brabant, Holland,
'^^ Henschenius gives the names of wit- nesses, and begins the form of their deposi-
342 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
In the year 1642, a youth named Adrian Adrian, born in Gilsen village, was brought to Gheel, from Rozendaal,^** in a state of insanity. Having remained in the infirmary, during three weeks, he left it perfectly cured, on the 28th of June, when he had previously received the sacraments of Pen- ance and Holy Communion. ^9 During the same year, Francis, the son of John Fransen, from the village of Blardoh,9° was brought bound to Gheel, on account of insanity. By a violent effort, he was forced to make a circuit of the church. Having remained for more than twenty days in the hospital, he recovered the use of reason. On the 7th of July, Francis Fransen was brought home by his overjoyed father, after making his confession and receiving the Holy Communion. 5' The same year, Hubert Matthsei, otherwise Tiewens, schoolmaster of Sonhoven,9^ about twenty-four years of age, after some dis- turbance of mind, lapsed into a state of phrenesis. His brother John, his brother-in-law, Peter Tys, and his neighbour, John Leis, had bound him with cords, placed him on a vehicle, and brought him to Gheel, where he was left in the hospital. After twelve days had passed, his health was restored, and his mind became tranquillized. Having confessed his sins and received Holy Communion, he returned home, on the 12th of July. 93
On the loth of March, a. d. 1643, Joanna Segers, wife of John Vergouts, an inhabitant of the village of Deuren,? * when thirty-one years of age, was seized with delirium and totally lost the use of her reason. On this account, she was brought to Antwerp, by her friends, to be cured ; but this object was not accomplished. She was then bound on a vehicle, conducted to Gheel in a perfectly frantic state, and she was afterwards placed in its infirmary. Within nine days, she was gradually delivered from her insanity, and as she con- fidently believed, through the intercession of St. Dympna, virgin and martyr. On the 14th of April, this woman declared, in presence of the canons, that she was freed from every evil, having then as full a use of her reason as she ever had. Thanking the Almighty, she confessed and received. 9S Dur- ing the same year, one Peter de Roey, about thirty-seven years old, living in Vremde village, towards the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, had been attacked with a great frenzy, as also with tormenting pain in his chest, so that he could not rest, by day or night. His malady having increased in violence, it was found requisite to bind and conduct him on a little cart to St. Dympna's city. Having been placed there in the infirmary, and all requisite ceremonies having been complied with, on the i6th of April
9^
he was restored to his former sane condition.
The wife of Livinus Simons, a citizen of Antwerp, who was named Cor-
nelia Snellarts, having become insane, was fastened with cords and brought
** A city of North Brabant, Holland.
^9 Dean Couwegoin bore witness to this cure.
5° Near Eyndhoven, in North Brabant.
5" The account in the text is subscribed with the names of Dean Couwcgom, Lam- bert van Dungen, Jacob Verschuiren, Anna vanden Wyer. Also, Francis, who was healed, as also his father and brother, have their names affixed.
9' There is a place bearing this name in the province of Linilnir<,', Belgium.
»< There is a small village called Deurne, in tlie immediate vicinity of the city of An- twerp, and in the province of the same name, in Belgium. There is also another village called Dooren, within the province of East Flanders, in the same kingdom.
'5 jjhe signed a declaration to the fore- going eflfect, and it bore the signatures of Dean Couwcgom, and of eight other persons.
*" Peter de Roey afterwards appeared be- fore the Dean, Canons and other respectable citizens, and gave his evitlence to the fore- going effect. Adrian van Bauwel and James
93 The witnesses to this fact are, Hubert,
who was healed, his brother John, /Fgidius
Bommens, a magistrate of . Sonhoven, Dean
Couwcgom, ancl three other citizens of Couwegom and seven other witnesses signed Cilieel. that declaration.
Jansen, who brought him to Gheel, Dean
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 343
to Gheel. At first, she lodged in the house of John van Passel, and afterwards she was placed in the hospital, where she remained for the space of nine days. Subsequently, she lived with John van Passel for about three months. During this time, her actions were strange and irrational : for she danced, jumped, and employed herself in such like childish acts, without having any regard to time or place. These actions she practised in church, and in the streets, as well as in the house. Having been urged to comply with the usual pious and religious ceremonies, which demented persons had been obliged to observe in St. Dympna's church and infirmary, through the singular bounty of God, that woman recovered the use of her reason. ? ?
Anna Claes, a Beguine nuns^ of Mechlin, suffered from an imposthume, which grew under her left arm, to about the size of one's hand. In the begin- ning, this swelling was believed to be fixed in its position ;, but, after three months had elapsed, the imposthume moved to her breast, and there it re- mained for the duration of eight or nine years, having, however, become diminished somewhat in size. By three different physicians and by several surgeons, tliis malady was supposed to present all the symptoms of cancer. For about two years and six months, this sweUing appeared to increase, and at length, it caused such a weakness of body, that the sufferer had only the use of her hands, and she was carried in a chair. Meantime, endeavouring to creep, for about the continuance of six weeks, she recovered a little the use of her feet. Different medical men and surgeons were of opinion, that some sorcery or demoniac influence had been exercised over her. Exorcisms were
resorted to, when the patient vomited pins and other small articles, while she spoke a confused jargon. It being thought, that she was most certainly possessed, the pastor ordered her to be placed upon abed, and to be brought on a calash to Gheel. In the year 1645, on the feast of Holy Thursday, she arrivedthere,beinglameandmuteforthreeweeks. Notwithstanding,she was of sane mind ; for what she could not express in words, she committed to writing. She thus continued mute about nine weeks. Having been left in the infirmary, to all she appeared as if really possessed, owing to her strange gesticulations and wild outcries. Although thus lame and partially mute, she afterwards began to walk and speak on Easter Tuesday; yet, because of her extreme weakness, she required some little assistance, when passing round the reliquary, which was exposed in the middle of the church. By degrees, this nun was released from all her miseries, and restored to perfect health. The wonder of all persons was manifested, when she obtained the use of speech and the power of walking. 99
97 When she had made her confession and they follow exactly general rules, and offer receivedHolyCommunion,CorneliaSnellarts uptheir prayersin common, at prescribed appeared before the Burgomaster, Van hours. The rest of their time is employed
Cauwegom, the Rev. Dean and Canons of the collegiate church of St. Dympna, and other persons, to make her declaration for the notary public, Van Hove, on the 7th of February, A. D. 1645.
9^ The Beguine nuns are an order of reli- gious ladies in the Low Countries, who do not make vows, yet live in community, lead- ing a devout life, subject to certain rules. Several widows enter this order ; and to be aggregated, it is necessary, that each candi- date be able to procure a life endowment. The place where these pious ladies live is called in French, beguinage. Those, who dwell there, can live on separate mainten- ance, or several can be associated together
;
at needlework, uylet-work, embroidery, and in taking care of the sick. They wear a black habit, like that of various religious orders. They are also at liberty to leave the beguinage, when they feel so disposed ; but, while they remain there, it is obligatory on them to obey their superioress. In many cities of the Low Countries, there are b'cguinages so very extensive and remarkable, that they might be taken for considerable towns. AtGhent,inFlanders,twoofthese establishments may be seen. One of these beqiiinages was calculated to accommodate eight hundred ladies, the other was of a much smaller size. See Bergier's '' Dic-
tionnaire de Theologie," Art. Beguine,
344
Beguinage.
^9 These circumstances were put in evi-
dence before the Dean and Canons, by the patient herrelf, and they were witnessed by her sister Elizabeth Clae>, who had charge of the nun, during her illness. This de- position is subsigned, by Uean Couwegom, as also by Canons Ilildevunt, van Dungen, and six other witnesses.
'°- Her testimony to the foregoing effect was given, on the 27th of June, a. d. 1646, before Deam Cauwegom and two Canons, John Artsen Verberct, her kinsman, John Menens, who brought her to Gheel, and some other witnesses, have their signa- tures also appended to the foregoing state- ment.
'°3 Some may be inclined to attribute '°° When the Dean had offered some many, if not most, of those wonderful cures
prayers and given his benediction, she arose of her own accord and proceeded to St. Dymjina's church.
"" She subscribed a declaration to the fore- going effect, together with Catherine Gom- maits, to whose care she had been com- milted. Dean Cauwegom and three other witnesses have their signatures appended to this deposition.
recorded, to the operation of natural causes, For the recollection of such persons, it may be well to cite a profound observation of the great English dramatist, who remarks :
" There are more things in heaven and eartli,
Than are dreamt of in our philoso- phy. "
—
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
Margaret Ulemminx, of Mechlin, about fourteen or fifteen years of age, contracted a disorder, whereby she became mute, blind, and lame, on the Feast of Pentecost, a. d. 1646. Medical men supposed the child to be affected with pleurisy, and drew some blood from her. But the disease appeared to gain ground, and her pains passed from one limb into another, so that some suspicion of evil influences was entertained. Twice each day, for a whole month, the Capuchin fathers practised the rite of exorcism. At length, they advised her friends, that she should be brought to the shrine of St. Dympna, to obtain release from what was thought to be a continuous possession and witchcraft. Reposing in a calash, she was brought to Gheel on the 15th of June, while making use of certain gesticulations, occasionally giving way to anger, and attempting to speak. Being almost mute and lame, she was con- ducted in this state to the house of Dean Cauwegom, and placed sitting in a cliair, about ten o'clock in the morning. '°° After half an hour's exorcism had been practised, she entirely recovered her health, and every trace of dis-
ease disappeared. The girl then remained for twelve days engaged in pious exercises. '"'
Maria Fransen, of the village of Sonnata, and about fourteen years of age,
had been affected with insanity. She suffered a privation of reason with other
troubles, for a term of three weeks. She was brought by her friends in a
calash to Gheel, but so imbecile in mind, that she knew not for what pur-
pose or by whom she had been brought. Whilst there, some friends con-
ducted her around the church of St. Dympna. Her disease gradually dis-
appeared, and on offering her prayers devoutly in the church, she was entirely
'"^
restored to health.
In addition to these preceding accounts, the inhabitants of Gheel
can refer a stranger who visits their interesting city, to archives, which chronicle a series of wonderful favours, accorded by the Almighty to the merits and advocacy of their holy patroness. Facts placed upon record are indisputable, because corroborated by most respectable and trustworthy wit- nesses, who were placed in a position to form a correct judgment, and to take cognizance of all correlative circumstances. The most sceptical can hardly question, not only the general statements made, but even those minute details, wiiich give weight and credibility to evidences so solemnly asseverated. '°3
Alniiglity God usually directs the affairs of human life, through the ordinary course of His providential and natural law; but. He is often pleased to confer supernatural and miraculous favours on Christians, who approach Him with fiiith and devotion, or who humbly cherish a great veneration,
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
345
towards his glorified servants. It will only be necessary to test the following facts, reflecting additional honour on St. Dympna, by adducing this well- known dogma of the holy Catholic Church. The pious reader may derive edification and instruction, from a further perusal of these interesting narra- tives.
Clara vander Aelst, a nun of Brussels, living in the convent of St. Eliza- beth, Mount Sion, had been attacked with some unknown disease, which was supposed to have been attributable to evil influences, when she was about twenty-four years of age. She became so restless, that she could not get any sleepatnight,norhadsheanyinclinationtoeatordrinkinthedaytime. She could not remain in the church, and often, she felt such a suffocation in the chest, that she was obliged to lie supinely on the ground. For three years, the nun continued in this state, vainly seeking medical advice from different physicians, and submitting to the exorcisms of various priests, when it was sup- posed she suffered from evil influences. It was then deemed advisable, to send her on a journey to Gheel, where she was recommended to implore the aidofSt. Dympna. Theholysacrificeofthemasswasfrequentlyofferedfor her, and exorcisms took place. At length, the nun recovered her former health. But, afterwards, her gesticulations were so extraordinary, it was sup- posed, that some evil spirit had possession of her for the term of five weeks.
At last, released from all vexations, or as thought demoniac influences, she was restored to perfect health, and afterwards she returned to Brussels, on the 13th of January, a. d. 1653. ^°+.
Viverus Adriansen, an inhabitant of the village of Drungen, when in the forty-second year of his age, was attacked with an apparently inveterate mad- ness. Having been brou-ht to Gheel, and placed in the infirmary, after a nine days' exorcism, he recovered full use of his mental and bodily powers. The tenth day, which fell on the 25th of May, a. d. 1652, after making a con- fession of his sins, and receiving holy communion, he returned home cured, and in great exultation, '°5
This same year, on the eve of Pentecost, Gisbert John Muys, of Lommel village,wasalsobroughttoGheel. Suchwashisfrenziedstateofmind,that the attendants found it necessary to bind him, and to open his mouth forci- bly, so that an ablution might be poured into it.
When this man had spent eleven days in the infirmary, he was fully restored to health, and offering a thanksgiving to God, he returned home, with the greatest feeling of joy and
gratitude. '"^
Elizabeth Betens, a native of Rozenda city,'°7 and twenty-four years of
age, having suffered from illness during five months, lost the use of her me- mory and intellect. She was then brought to Gheel, and she lay in St. Dympna's infirmary, for the term of nine days. After the usual ceremonies had been performed, by Gasper Claes, the dean, through the intercession of St. Dympna, this woman was freed from all her miseries, and she entirely recovered the powers of her memory and intellect. The bandages which tied her were removed. Having made her confession and received holy commuion, on the 22nd of September, a. d. 1653, she returned to her own country. ^°^
'°* The foregoing narrative is substan- tiated, as evidence, bearing Dean Vercuy- len's signature in corroboration.
"' A city of Noith Brabant,
'°^ Witnesses of her disease and recovery, Francis Raymakers and Elizabeth Verhoe- '°5 Testimony to this effect was given ven, in whose house she lodged, EHzabeth
over his own and the signature of two wit- nesses.
'°* Dean Vercuylea subscribed a testi- mony, in support of the foregoing state- ment.
Betens herself, and four other persons, hav- ing duly affixed their signatures, in testi- mony to the truthfulness of all these parti- culars.
'°9 As a testimony of the foregoing ac-
346 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
Francis Huiberts, a villager of Gerven, and about twenty-six years old, became mute, lame, and frantic, owing to some disease. He was brought in a calash to St. Dympna's church, the circuit of which he made three different times,whileheldinhisplace,bythreemen. Afterwards,hewasleftinthe infirmary. For nine days, commencing from the 5th day of August, a. d. 1652, he was exorcised with the usual ceremonies. But, not having then recovered, he was brought to the residence of Caspar Verdonk, in the deaconate. Thence, he was conducted to the church, so that the usual ceremonies might be per- formed. Infine,havingremainedinGheelforthespaceofthreemonths,onthe
loth of December, he suddenly recovered the exercise of liis mental powers, and the use of his limbs, to the wonder of all who were present. On the fol- lowing day, he felt even improved in health. '°y
Adrian Luiten, a native of Nederwyck village, came to Gheel on the 14th of April, A. D. 1653, affected with sucli excitement and madness, that he could scarcely be kept in his bed, from which he constantly made efforts to escape. He could neither eat, drink, nor sleep. When this man had remained there for ten days, pouring forth tears and lamentations, he obtained quietude and a restoration to health, through St. Dympna's intercession. ""
Helena Smits, a native of Selim, beyond Diest, having been attacked with illness, came to Gheel, on the 14th of September, a. d. 1653. She remained in the hospital of St. Dympna, for ten or twelve days, and through the inter- cession of the holy patroness, this woman was healed. Having confessed her sins and received holy communion, she gave thanks to God and returned to herhome. "' Onthe8thofOctober,duringthesameyear,LudwigVerryl,
forty-six years old, from the village of Meerbeeck, near Mechlin, was seized with an intolerable frenzy and raving. He was bound with iron chains in a wagon and brought to Gheel, while his outcries and wailings moved the com- passion of all who heard him. Having been taken from the vehicle, and brought into the house of Amand Broeckhoven, he was placed beside the fire, and after an hour's rest, all his insanity disappeared. His perfect restoration to health, he attributed to the Divine clemency, and to the prayers of St. Dympna. Thispatientremained,forninedays,observingalltheusualcere- monies and pious exercises. Having made his confession and receiving holy communion, Ludwig Verryl was enrolled in the Confraternity of St. Dympna. '"
Maria Wils, about thirty years old, was brought through some cause, to a
state of childish simplicity and imbecility, in the city of Diest.
neither pray nor sleep. Then, it was found necessary to have her conveyed to St. Dympna's shrine. After the usual solemnities were employed for a month, this person recovered the perfect use of her mind and memory. With a good understanding, she made a confession, and received holy communion. Having given thanks to God, she returned to Diest, making attestation of the miracle wrought in her favour. "^ Helena Briers, about twenty-eight years of age,wasseizedwithahorriblefrenzyatWesemal. Havingentirelylostthe use of her reason, she was bound hand and foot, brought to the city of Gheel,
count, we find the signatures of Francis Hui- berts, of Peter \'ercuylen, dean, of Gaspar Verdonck, and of two other witnesses, affixed to a deposition, which was signed on the 20th of December.
"° In testimony of which Peter Luiten, the father of this young man, and PelerVer- cuylen, dean, appcml their respective signa- tures.
'"This miraculous cure was attested by
She could
Dean Vercuylen.
"'Hisownsignature, tliat ofHerrVer-
cuylen, dean, and the signatures of other persons, arc found appended to a deposition, dated the 17th of October.
"^ Her husband, Matthew van Rappel, and Dean Vercuylen. signed this instru- ment, which is dated loth of November, A. D. 1653.
"* Dean Vercuylen and others subscribed
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
347
on the 3rd of December, a. d. 1653, ^nd placed there, in the hospital of St. Dympna. The usual ceremonies having been applied, for a length of eighteen days, this woman was liberated from her frenzied condition, and she fully recovered her health. She then approached the sacraments of penance and of holy communion. "4
Pereina Peters, from the village of Zundert, near Breda, "s was attacked with insanity, and she lost all use of her reason. She was bound hand and foot, when brought on a vehicle to St. Dympna's shrine, at Gheel, on the iSth of June, 1657. She lodged at the house of John Brugelmans, in that city. For fourteen days, exorcisms were tried, when at the end of that time, she was released from her malady. She received holy communion and visited the churchwithotherCatholics. "^ Inlikemanner,CorneliusAndries,afrenzied, furious madman, and quite irrp,tional in his conversation, was brought to Gheel, tied hand and foot, from Willaer village, on the 20th of May, a. d. 1659. He was placed in St. Dympna's Hospital, and after the usual exor-
cisms and rites had been practised, for nine days, through the intercession of the holy patroness, this man recovered his former health. He confessed, communicated, and served the priest's mass, giving grateful praise to the Supreme Dispenser of all bounty. "7
Barbara Mangelers, wife of John Balens, and about thirty-eight years of age, lived at Brussels for some months, without the exercise of mind, intellect, or memory. She was chained and brought to the house of Francis Ray- makers, at the sign of the Angel, in the city of Gheel. Here she continued for five weeks, in the same state; she was sleepless, while she exhibited indi- cations of a disquieted mind and undoubted madness in all her actions. For nine days, she lay in St. D\ mpna'a hospital, when, through the bounty of Almighty God and through the intercession of our holy virgin and martyr, the woman recovered a full use of her mind, memory, and intellectual faculties. For three weeks, she remained perfectly restored at Gheel, went to confession, and afterwards she received holy communion. "^
The Very Rev. Herr Martin Doye, priest from the town of Athens, in the territory of Hannonia, declared on the faith of a priest, the 15th day of Sep- tember, 1659, that for about three months previous, he had not the use of mind, senses, or intelligence. Yet, through the riches of Divine bounty, and through the intercession of the holy virgin and patroness, St. Dympna, he had recovered his former reasoning powers and intellect. For two continuous months, he daily frequented the choir of St. Dympna, sang the Divine office there, and he had often confessed and partaken of holy communion. "9
Maria Lambrechts, an unmarried female, living in Dunken village, having had repeated attacks of madness, tore and spoiled her own garments, and in-
as witnesses, to the foregoing circumstances and established their credibility.
"5 In the province of North Brabant.
makers and his wife, Elizabeth Verhocvan, in whose house Barbara Mangelers lodged, Anna Vander Wyer, under whose care she remained nine days in the hospital, until she became convalescent, with other witnesses,
"* Dean Vercuylen, Adrian de Wocker,
her husband, John Peters, who brought her,
and two other witnesses, deposed solemnly certified to this cure by sworn deposi- to the foregoing cure.
"7 This case was known to many persons, and in testimony, Cornelius Andries, Dean Vercuylen, and two others, signed their names to a deposition.
tions.
"' In faith of all which, the aforesaid
"^ This Barbara Mangelers, and her
mother, Barbara Stevens, who attended
during her daughter's aberration of mind,
testified and . suijscribed to the foregoing attested,
statement, before the notary. Francis Ray- "" For a confirmation of these circum-
Herr Martin Doye signed, before the Rev. Messrs. Peter van Dungen, Judocus Coenen and John Leysen, entertainer of the afore- said gentleman, for the time he remained, After these signatures, Thomas van Bylen, notary, who wrote this instrument in Latin,
348
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
jured whatever came in her way. Being tied hand and foot, she was brought to St. Dympna's infirmary, where, after the usual nine days' ceremonies, she recovered her health, confessed, and received holy communion. '^" In like manner, a youth, named Wilhelm Segers, of Puets village, was freed from asimilarinsanity,whenbroughttoGheel. Theusualexorcismswereprac- tised, and alter a madness of three or four months' duration, he recovered the former use of his reason. He also partook of the sacraments, by devoutly receiving penance and holy communion. '^'
James Haeghmans, thirty years old, of Bevera, in the province of Wasia, having been affected with a great frenzy and madness for some months, tore and soiled his shirts, garments and other things. Wherefore, he was bound with iron chains and brought to Gheel, in order to obtain relief, through the intercession of the patroness, St. Dympna. Then, after the accustomed cere- monies were performed, by the dean, Haeghmans' former health was restored, and he recovered tlie full possession of his intellect, memory, and senses, havinf^ received spiritual comfort and grace from approaching the sacraments of penance and of holy communion. '"
p^rancis van Binnenbeeck, born in the town of Lira, and twenty-five years of af^e, had an aberration of mind, which deprived him of memory anil intel- lect, for the term of eight months. He was brought to Gheel, in the month of June, A. D. 1663, and placed in the hospital of St. Dympna. After com- plying with the usual nine days' ceremonies, to obtain the intercession of that holy patroness, about the festival of St. John the Baptist's Nativity, he was removedtothehouseofWilhelmWuyts. Here,hewasboundwithchains of iron, and he continued in his insane state, to the month of January, a. d. 1664. At this date, however, he was perfectly restored to health, and he htcsimt cojtipos meiitis. '''^^
Catherine Henvelmans, a Bdghuine nun of Diest, and about twenty-eight years of age, having become insane, was brought to the house of Lambert van Dungen, at Gheel, on the 5th of October, 1664, by two other B^ghuines, named Anna van Gestel and Maria Shertogem. When this Beghuine nun entered the church occasionally, and assi'^ted at the holy sacrifice of Mass, and at other Divine offices, she so often disturbed those present with her in- sane actions, that the poor sufferer was no longer permitted to leave her lodf'ing. Having been placed in the hospital of St. Dympna, when the usual exorcisms were performed, she recovered her former state of quietude and her powers of intellect. "•
Clara Maes, a devout maiden lady of Antwerp, about forty-five years of age, became frantic and ungovernable. She was brought to Gheel, and placed in the hospital of St. Dympna, to obtain the patronage of this holy
stances, we find the signatures of Maiia Lambrechts, of her brother, and of Dean Vercuylen affixed to an instrument, bearing date June 6th, 1660.
"^ This he declared, and subscribed on oath, the 2ist of January, in the presence of the aforesaid Wilhehn Wuyts, Anna Van- der Wyer, matron of the hospital, two other witnesses, and Thomas van Bylen,
" On the 20th of . \pril, 1 661, he signed
an instrument, to wliich Dean Vercuyk-n notary.
and two others subscribed, in faith of the foregoing statements.
"' He subscribed a declaration to the foregoing effect, on the gtii of January, ad. 1662. The same deposition was attcstcil by Peter Van Ge>tel and by his wife, Beatrix vandcn Wouwer, in whose house at Ohccl Haeghmans had lodged, besides two other witnesses, with Thomas van Bylen, no- tary.
"• On the 13th of December, this Beg- huine nun, Catherine Henvelmans, testified and subscribed to the foregoing statements, m tiie presence of Dean Gasper Claes, who performed the ceremonies of exorcism. Jolni (Jodtussen, and Walter Ooms, canons; Lambert van Dungen and his wife. Anna Verdonck, in whose house she dwelt, and Thomas van Bylen, notary, were also pre- sent.
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
349
virgin. When the dean had performed his usual course of ceremonies, for eight days, the patient recovered her former good heaUli. '^s
Peter Praet, born at Moerbeck, and about thirty-five years of age, became so deHrious, that his friends were obliged to bind him with chains and cords. This man lodged at the house of Peter van Passel, and in the hospital of St. Dympna. Aftertheusualceremonieswerepractised,bythedean,Praetwas restored to his former state of health. When duly prepared, he received the holy sacraments. "^
A similar species of madness afflicted John van Scheurvvegen. He was a native of Deuren village, near Antwerp. On the last day of May, a. d, 1667, he was brought to Gheel, and placed in St. Dympna's infirmary. After the accustomed ceremonies had received a trial, on the thirteenth day from his arrival, this man recovered the perfect enjoyment of health, and every trace of insanity disappeared. "7
Again, Maria Magdalena Cecili,'^^ about thirty-four years of age, after nine days' exorcisms, and about ten or fourteen days subsequent to them, was delivered from a state of frenzy. She received the sacraments of penance and of holy communion with great devotion. '^9
Anna de Truch, a villager of Egher, was affected with a like aberration of mind and brain, and brought to the hospital of St, Dympna. There, the usual ceremonies, approved by the Pleban,'3° were practised for the term of nine days. After three months' time, all her insanity disappeared, and having been restored to a full exercise of her faculties, she often received the holy Eucharist with matured judgment's'
James Ramont, a native of Lokera village, about one-and-twenty years of age, had been attacked with a great delirium and insanity, for the continu- ance of a whole year, before he was bound with chains and cords, and brought to Gheel. He lodged in the house of a citizen, Peter van Passe), for more thantwomonths. RamontwasalsointhehospitalofSt. Uympna,wherethe ordinary ceremonies of exorcism were performed over him, by the dean, for a term of nine days. He was then restored to health, and fully exercising his faculties, he received permission to approach holy communion. '3^
The Bollandist editor Henschnius closes here his list of miraculous cures, and the depositions accompanying them, as found in the local ecclesiastical records of that city, which venerates our glorious saint as its special patroness.
'=5 After a lapse of three weeks, these facts were attested by her, on the 22nd of September, A. D. 1665, and signed with her own hand. Besides, there were present as witnesses, Walter Buyenas and Walter Ooms, canons, three other persons, and Marcellus, a notary.
'^* On the 26th of July, A. D. 1666, he made declaration to the foregoing effect, be- fore the notary Loovens. Peter van Passel, and his wife Adriana Franken, in whose house he lodged, besides two other witnesses affirmed. Praet's own name is also sub- scribed to this affirmation.
"7 This was attested, by the sign manual of John van Scheurwegen, Adriana Gerinx, otherwise Vrancxs, matron of the hospital, and other witnesses, besides the notary Loovens.
"^ " Thenensis innupta," is added to her name, in the Latin given by Hen- schenius.
'^^ She declared herself always ready to certify on oath, what she then deposed to and signed on the 3rd of August, a. d. 1667, in the presence of Gasper Claes and two other witnesses.
'^o " Plebanum vero maxima vocant in Ecclesiis Cathedralibus sen collegiatis canonicum, cui plebis earum jurisdictioni subditas cura committitur. Statuta Eccl. Argent. Ann. 1435, apud Marten. , torn. 4. Anecd. col.
Jansens was then in the enjoyment of perfect health,
" In the province of North Brabant, Hol- land.
340
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
tonis, used in similar cases, he was placed in the infirmary, with a hope of recovering his former state of health, by favour and grace of the Almighty, and through the intercession of St. Dympna, Virgin, Martyr, and Patroness of the Church of Gheel. He remained in continued prayer, while completing a double novena, or series of devotions, for the duration of eighteen days. Not being able to walk, he was brought by other persons, to visit St. Dympna's relics, during the solemnity of Pentecost, and on the feast of that holy patroness. Within the period already mentioned, his lameness gradually diminished, and he walked to the house of Gerard Steffers, which was not far removed from the church. His lameness at last insensibly disappeared, so that he was able to walk on foot to St. Dympna's Church, there offering his prayers devoutly to God. At length, on the 2nd day of July, which is the Visitation Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whilst engaged assisting at the holy sacrifice of Mass, in the same church, about eleven o'clock, John Chris- tiaens received the full use of speech, of which he had been heretofore deprived. ^° In presence of several persons, this man was seen, and he was heard speaking publicly ; he also accurately answered various questions pro- posed to him. Then, in a clear voice, he acknowledged, that having lost two of his daughters by the plague, about four years previously, he was greatly afflicted with grief, and he fell into a confirmed disease. From this, he con- tracted a lameness, not only in his feet, but in other members of his body, so that he became completely paralysed, and thenceforward, could neither move, nor put his feet under him. After sufifeiing from such affliction for three years and six months, he became paralysed in the tongue, and he con- tinued entirely mute, for nearly four years. At intervals, he was afflicted with a certain wandering of mind, and madness of the brain. ^' As already related, on the day when his speech was restored, through the mercy of God, after assisting at High Mass, and at another Mass which followed it, and which had been celebrated by Herr Ludwig van Couwegom, Christiaens addressed this priest, when descending from the altar, in these familiar words : " Good day, Herr Ludwig, give me permission to kiss the holy cross of the high altar. "^^ That priest, having known all the foregoing particulars, in great amazement brought this man to the altar, and presented him with the cruci- fix, to be kissed. Christiaens then commenced speaking with the greatest fluency. ^3 in confirmation of the preceding account, on the 2nd of July,
^° When this miracle became known, the church bells rang out a joyous peal, and a thanksgiving was offered to God, in St. Dympna's Church, to celebrate the grace and mercy vouchsafed to this man by the Almighty.
^' In the meantime, all possible natural re- medies were sought from medical or surgical proficients, and spiritual aid was afTurded, through the ministry of religious men and exorcists, to obtain relief from these diseases. Endeavouring to effect the same object, he had undertaken various pilgrimages to places, celeljrated for miracles being wrought, through the intercession of the Blessed Vir- gin Mary, such as Duffel, Gemert, . Stiphout, and other localities ; but, he declared, tliat in no place had he experienced any relief, except in the city of Gheel, and in the church
*' Maria Meus was present within the church, and to her great surprise heard the first words pronounced by John Christiaens and addressed to Herr Ludwig van Couwe- gom, on that particular day, when the afflic- ted man recovered. Others, who were pre- sent, also witnessed that transaction, and bore testimony to its occurrence, without any fraud or evasion.
^^ Witnesses for truth of the foregoing state- ment are, Arnold Bloem, Nicholas Segcrs, Ludwig van Couwegom, Gerard Gossens, Peter Vcrcuylen, Willebrord Veriessen, Peter van Dungen and James Verschuiren, respectively Dean and Canons of the Colle- giate Church of St. Dympna, in the city of Gheel. Also, Burgomaster Couwegom, and the Councillors John van Hove, John Ven- nekens, Gerard Goos, Peter van Brocck-
of St. Dympna, whither he had been hoven, John Lauwen, and Wilhelm Bertals, jjrought, by advice and direction of the of Gheel municipality. FatherGuardianVellepens. '*' Hewasmute,lame,andcrooked,hold-
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
341
1641, Anna vanden W3'er, who had charge of all the pilgrims and diseased persons brought to the hospital, Gerard Steffers, and Maria Mens, his wife, gave unanimous testimony, and deposed on solemn oath, for a certain truth, that John Christiaens, already mentioned, lay for eighteen days in the infirmary, and that the usual ceremonies of exorcism were used in his regard. ^4 To strengthen this conclusive evidence, the Dean and Canons of his chapter, the Burgomaster and Counsellors of Gheel, caused their several seals to be affixed to an instrument, which was countersigned by their sworn secretary, on the 2nd of July, a. d. 1641. The deed was subsigned with Van Gerven's name, two seals having been attached. One of these was proper to the chapter, the other was an official municipal seal. ^s Moreover, we find it re- corded, that John Christians, before he was afflicted with so many miseries, had been a worthy man, a pious, upright Catholic, of good name and repute. He was born of excellent and honest Catholic parents, in the village of Zee- land, where he had many respectable Catholic friends. With these credible
persons, deponents certified, that John Christians fell into a grievous illness, and during six months he was afflicted with it, so that from its commence- ment until near its departure, he grew daily worse, for a continuance of about four years. Having tried various remedies in vain, deponents had consulted the Father Guardian Vellepens, living near the city of Grave, who persuaded them, that John Christians should be brought to the city of Gheel. They were advised to leave him there, with good and respectable inhabitants, who were entrusted to assist the miserable man, by taking charge of him, and by furnishing necessary sustenance. These deponents promised to defray all his expenses at Gheel, trusting that his former strength should be entirely re- stored. In testimony of the foregoing statement, the officials of Uden, Zee-
land and Boekel,^^ affixed their common seals, on the loth of May, 1641. Dean Couwegom again testified that John Christians, on the eve of Pente- cost, A. D. 1642, returned to give thanks in St. Dympna's church. Then, he was in the full enjoyment of health, which he preserved after the former dis- ease had departed. This visit Christians afterwards repeated, on the 14th of August, 1650, as a grateful mark of devout recognition for his miraculous recovery. ^7
ing his head curved downwards tohis thighs,
whether sitting or resting, when he came to
Gheel. Hence, his attendants were obliged
to carry him into the church, as also before
and under the reliquary case of the Virgin,
Martyr, and Patroness, St. Dympna. The Henricus Raeymaecker et Lambeitus van
witnesses added, that Christiaens lay for a
space of eighteen days, without once open-
ing his eyes, or manifesting the slightest
wish to have anything brought to him. He
seemed to them like a simple child, having
no intellectual capacity. They affirmed, tion, in the following words : " Nos simul
moreover, that his lameness gradually di- minished, within those eighteen days.
regentes pagi Seelant in ditione Ravestenia, sub foro judiciario loci Udem, atque impri- mis D. Joannes van Geniert Pastor in See-
^5 In addition to the foregoing, we find
the following deposition: "Ego Joannes lant, Jacobus Rutten, nuntius judicialis,
Christiaens, jetatis circiter quinquaginta sep- tem annorum, hactenusresidensin pago See- lant, ditionis Ravestenire, hoc die secundo Julii anno MDCXLI. , in festo Visitationis B. Marire, profiteor in ecclesia S. Dympnce, sub juramento, me liberatum esse ab omni muti- tione et amentia, quibus vitiis correptus fui a triennio et medio aut quadriennio circiter : et affirmo omnia esse vera, sicut habetur in
Arnoldus Aerts, et Joannes Joannis_ Aerts Scabini, Henricus Lienverts et Nicolaus Dircx Consules, Joannes Wilms et Petrus Dircx /Ediles, Joannes Driess, et Joannes Diercx Eleemosynarii, cum omni submis- sione inJicanuis omnibus hanc attestationem lecturis aut audituris, et sub juramento sub acceptatione nostri officii preestito declara- mus," etc.
attestatione facta, tarn apud Scabinos pagi nostri quam apud Drossardum et Scabinos municipii GcIk, paratus idem omni tempore sub juramento declarare : et subsignavit Joannes Christians, et testes Joannes Aerts,
Dungen : ea subscripsit Couwegom. "
^'^ These three villages are situated in the
province of North Brabant, Holland,
'^^ Henschenius gives the names of wit- nesses, and begins the form of their deposi-
342 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
In the year 1642, a youth named Adrian Adrian, born in Gilsen village, was brought to Gheel, from Rozendaal,^** in a state of insanity. Having remained in the infirmary, during three weeks, he left it perfectly cured, on the 28th of June, when he had previously received the sacraments of Pen- ance and Holy Communion. ^9 During the same year, Francis, the son of John Fransen, from the village of Blardoh,9° was brought bound to Gheel, on account of insanity. By a violent effort, he was forced to make a circuit of the church. Having remained for more than twenty days in the hospital, he recovered the use of reason. On the 7th of July, Francis Fransen was brought home by his overjoyed father, after making his confession and receiving the Holy Communion. 5' The same year, Hubert Matthsei, otherwise Tiewens, schoolmaster of Sonhoven,9^ about twenty-four years of age, after some dis- turbance of mind, lapsed into a state of phrenesis. His brother John, his brother-in-law, Peter Tys, and his neighbour, John Leis, had bound him with cords, placed him on a vehicle, and brought him to Gheel, where he was left in the hospital. After twelve days had passed, his health was restored, and his mind became tranquillized. Having confessed his sins and received Holy Communion, he returned home, on the 12th of July. 93
On the loth of March, a. d. 1643, Joanna Segers, wife of John Vergouts, an inhabitant of the village of Deuren,? * when thirty-one years of age, was seized with delirium and totally lost the use of her reason. On this account, she was brought to Antwerp, by her friends, to be cured ; but this object was not accomplished. She was then bound on a vehicle, conducted to Gheel in a perfectly frantic state, and she was afterwards placed in its infirmary. Within nine days, she was gradually delivered from her insanity, and as she con- fidently believed, through the intercession of St. Dympna, virgin and martyr. On the 14th of April, this woman declared, in presence of the canons, that she was freed from every evil, having then as full a use of her reason as she ever had. Thanking the Almighty, she confessed and received. 9S Dur- ing the same year, one Peter de Roey, about thirty-seven years old, living in Vremde village, towards the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, had been attacked with a great frenzy, as also with tormenting pain in his chest, so that he could not rest, by day or night. His malady having increased in violence, it was found requisite to bind and conduct him on a little cart to St. Dympna's city. Having been placed there in the infirmary, and all requisite ceremonies having been complied with, on the i6th of April
9^
he was restored to his former sane condition.
The wife of Livinus Simons, a citizen of Antwerp, who was named Cor-
nelia Snellarts, having become insane, was fastened with cords and brought
** A city of North Brabant, Holland.
^9 Dean Couwegoin bore witness to this cure.
5° Near Eyndhoven, in North Brabant.
5" The account in the text is subscribed with the names of Dean Couwcgom, Lam- bert van Dungen, Jacob Verschuiren, Anna vanden Wyer. Also, Francis, who was healed, as also his father and brother, have their names affixed.
9' There is a place bearing this name in the province of Linilnir<,', Belgium.
»< There is a small village called Deurne, in tlie immediate vicinity of the city of An- twerp, and in the province of the same name, in Belgium. There is also another village called Dooren, within the province of East Flanders, in the same kingdom.
'5 jjhe signed a declaration to the fore- going eflfect, and it bore the signatures of Dean Couwcgom, and of eight other persons.
*" Peter de Roey afterwards appeared be- fore the Dean, Canons and other respectable citizens, and gave his evitlence to the fore- going effect. Adrian van Bauwel and James
93 The witnesses to this fact are, Hubert,
who was healed, his brother John, /Fgidius
Bommens, a magistrate of . Sonhoven, Dean
Couwcgom, ancl three other citizens of Couwegom and seven other witnesses signed Cilieel. that declaration.
Jansen, who brought him to Gheel, Dean
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 343
to Gheel. At first, she lodged in the house of John van Passel, and afterwards she was placed in the hospital, where she remained for the space of nine days. Subsequently, she lived with John van Passel for about three months. During this time, her actions were strange and irrational : for she danced, jumped, and employed herself in such like childish acts, without having any regard to time or place. These actions she practised in church, and in the streets, as well as in the house. Having been urged to comply with the usual pious and religious ceremonies, which demented persons had been obliged to observe in St. Dympna's church and infirmary, through the singular bounty of God, that woman recovered the use of her reason. ? ?
Anna Claes, a Beguine nuns^ of Mechlin, suffered from an imposthume, which grew under her left arm, to about the size of one's hand. In the begin- ning, this swelling was believed to be fixed in its position ;, but, after three months had elapsed, the imposthume moved to her breast, and there it re- mained for the duration of eight or nine years, having, however, become diminished somewhat in size. By three different physicians and by several surgeons, tliis malady was supposed to present all the symptoms of cancer. For about two years and six months, this sweUing appeared to increase, and at length, it caused such a weakness of body, that the sufferer had only the use of her hands, and she was carried in a chair. Meantime, endeavouring to creep, for about the continuance of six weeks, she recovered a little the use of her feet. Different medical men and surgeons were of opinion, that some sorcery or demoniac influence had been exercised over her. Exorcisms were
resorted to, when the patient vomited pins and other small articles, while she spoke a confused jargon. It being thought, that she was most certainly possessed, the pastor ordered her to be placed upon abed, and to be brought on a calash to Gheel. In the year 1645, on the feast of Holy Thursday, she arrivedthere,beinglameandmuteforthreeweeks. Notwithstanding,she was of sane mind ; for what she could not express in words, she committed to writing. She thus continued mute about nine weeks. Having been left in the infirmary, to all she appeared as if really possessed, owing to her strange gesticulations and wild outcries. Although thus lame and partially mute, she afterwards began to walk and speak on Easter Tuesday; yet, because of her extreme weakness, she required some little assistance, when passing round the reliquary, which was exposed in the middle of the church. By degrees, this nun was released from all her miseries, and restored to perfect health. The wonder of all persons was manifested, when she obtained the use of speech and the power of walking. 99
97 When she had made her confession and they follow exactly general rules, and offer receivedHolyCommunion,CorneliaSnellarts uptheir prayersin common, at prescribed appeared before the Burgomaster, Van hours. The rest of their time is employed
Cauwegom, the Rev. Dean and Canons of the collegiate church of St. Dympna, and other persons, to make her declaration for the notary public, Van Hove, on the 7th of February, A. D. 1645.
9^ The Beguine nuns are an order of reli- gious ladies in the Low Countries, who do not make vows, yet live in community, lead- ing a devout life, subject to certain rules. Several widows enter this order ; and to be aggregated, it is necessary, that each candi- date be able to procure a life endowment. The place where these pious ladies live is called in French, beguinage. Those, who dwell there, can live on separate mainten- ance, or several can be associated together
;
at needlework, uylet-work, embroidery, and in taking care of the sick. They wear a black habit, like that of various religious orders. They are also at liberty to leave the beguinage, when they feel so disposed ; but, while they remain there, it is obligatory on them to obey their superioress. In many cities of the Low Countries, there are b'cguinages so very extensive and remarkable, that they might be taken for considerable towns. AtGhent,inFlanders,twoofthese establishments may be seen. One of these beqiiinages was calculated to accommodate eight hundred ladies, the other was of a much smaller size. See Bergier's '' Dic-
tionnaire de Theologie," Art. Beguine,
344
Beguinage.
^9 These circumstances were put in evi-
dence before the Dean and Canons, by the patient herrelf, and they were witnessed by her sister Elizabeth Clae>, who had charge of the nun, during her illness. This de- position is subsigned, by Uean Couwegom, as also by Canons Ilildevunt, van Dungen, and six other witnesses.
'°- Her testimony to the foregoing effect was given, on the 27th of June, a. d. 1646, before Deam Cauwegom and two Canons, John Artsen Verberct, her kinsman, John Menens, who brought her to Gheel, and some other witnesses, have their signa- tures also appended to the foregoing state- ment.
'°3 Some may be inclined to attribute '°° When the Dean had offered some many, if not most, of those wonderful cures
prayers and given his benediction, she arose of her own accord and proceeded to St. Dymjina's church.
"" She subscribed a declaration to the fore- going effect, together with Catherine Gom- maits, to whose care she had been com- milted. Dean Cauwegom and three other witnesses have their signatures appended to this deposition.
recorded, to the operation of natural causes, For the recollection of such persons, it may be well to cite a profound observation of the great English dramatist, who remarks :
" There are more things in heaven and eartli,
Than are dreamt of in our philoso- phy. "
—
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
Margaret Ulemminx, of Mechlin, about fourteen or fifteen years of age, contracted a disorder, whereby she became mute, blind, and lame, on the Feast of Pentecost, a. d. 1646. Medical men supposed the child to be affected with pleurisy, and drew some blood from her. But the disease appeared to gain ground, and her pains passed from one limb into another, so that some suspicion of evil influences was entertained. Twice each day, for a whole month, the Capuchin fathers practised the rite of exorcism. At length, they advised her friends, that she should be brought to the shrine of St. Dympna, to obtain release from what was thought to be a continuous possession and witchcraft. Reposing in a calash, she was brought to Gheel on the 15th of June, while making use of certain gesticulations, occasionally giving way to anger, and attempting to speak. Being almost mute and lame, she was con- ducted in this state to the house of Dean Cauwegom, and placed sitting in a cliair, about ten o'clock in the morning. '°° After half an hour's exorcism had been practised, she entirely recovered her health, and every trace of dis-
ease disappeared. The girl then remained for twelve days engaged in pious exercises. '"'
Maria Fransen, of the village of Sonnata, and about fourteen years of age,
had been affected with insanity. She suffered a privation of reason with other
troubles, for a term of three weeks. She was brought by her friends in a
calash to Gheel, but so imbecile in mind, that she knew not for what pur-
pose or by whom she had been brought. Whilst there, some friends con-
ducted her around the church of St. Dympna. Her disease gradually dis-
appeared, and on offering her prayers devoutly in the church, she was entirely
'"^
restored to health.
In addition to these preceding accounts, the inhabitants of Gheel
can refer a stranger who visits their interesting city, to archives, which chronicle a series of wonderful favours, accorded by the Almighty to the merits and advocacy of their holy patroness. Facts placed upon record are indisputable, because corroborated by most respectable and trustworthy wit- nesses, who were placed in a position to form a correct judgment, and to take cognizance of all correlative circumstances. The most sceptical can hardly question, not only the general statements made, but even those minute details, wiiich give weight and credibility to evidences so solemnly asseverated. '°3
Alniiglity God usually directs the affairs of human life, through the ordinary course of His providential and natural law; but. He is often pleased to confer supernatural and miraculous favours on Christians, who approach Him with fiiith and devotion, or who humbly cherish a great veneration,
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
345
towards his glorified servants. It will only be necessary to test the following facts, reflecting additional honour on St. Dympna, by adducing this well- known dogma of the holy Catholic Church. The pious reader may derive edification and instruction, from a further perusal of these interesting narra- tives.
Clara vander Aelst, a nun of Brussels, living in the convent of St. Eliza- beth, Mount Sion, had been attacked with some unknown disease, which was supposed to have been attributable to evil influences, when she was about twenty-four years of age. She became so restless, that she could not get any sleepatnight,norhadsheanyinclinationtoeatordrinkinthedaytime. She could not remain in the church, and often, she felt such a suffocation in the chest, that she was obliged to lie supinely on the ground. For three years, the nun continued in this state, vainly seeking medical advice from different physicians, and submitting to the exorcisms of various priests, when it was sup- posed she suffered from evil influences. It was then deemed advisable, to send her on a journey to Gheel, where she was recommended to implore the aidofSt. Dympna. Theholysacrificeofthemasswasfrequentlyofferedfor her, and exorcisms took place. At length, the nun recovered her former health. But, afterwards, her gesticulations were so extraordinary, it was sup- posed, that some evil spirit had possession of her for the term of five weeks.
At last, released from all vexations, or as thought demoniac influences, she was restored to perfect health, and afterwards she returned to Brussels, on the 13th of January, a. d. 1653. ^°+.
Viverus Adriansen, an inhabitant of the village of Drungen, when in the forty-second year of his age, was attacked with an apparently inveterate mad- ness. Having been brou-ht to Gheel, and placed in the infirmary, after a nine days' exorcism, he recovered full use of his mental and bodily powers. The tenth day, which fell on the 25th of May, a. d. 1652, after making a con- fession of his sins, and receiving holy communion, he returned home cured, and in great exultation, '°5
This same year, on the eve of Pentecost, Gisbert John Muys, of Lommel village,wasalsobroughttoGheel. Suchwashisfrenziedstateofmind,that the attendants found it necessary to bind him, and to open his mouth forci- bly, so that an ablution might be poured into it.
When this man had spent eleven days in the infirmary, he was fully restored to health, and offering a thanksgiving to God, he returned home, with the greatest feeling of joy and
gratitude. '"^
Elizabeth Betens, a native of Rozenda city,'°7 and twenty-four years of
age, having suffered from illness during five months, lost the use of her me- mory and intellect. She was then brought to Gheel, and she lay in St. Dympna's infirmary, for the term of nine days. After the usual ceremonies had been performed, by Gasper Claes, the dean, through the intercession of St. Dympna, this woman was freed from all her miseries, and she entirely recovered the powers of her memory and intellect. The bandages which tied her were removed. Having made her confession and received holy commuion, on the 22nd of September, a. d. 1653, she returned to her own country. ^°^
'°* The foregoing narrative is substan- tiated, as evidence, bearing Dean Vercuy- len's signature in corroboration.
"' A city of Noith Brabant,
'°^ Witnesses of her disease and recovery, Francis Raymakers and Elizabeth Verhoe- '°5 Testimony to this effect was given ven, in whose house she lodged, EHzabeth
over his own and the signature of two wit- nesses.
'°* Dean Vercuylea subscribed a testi- mony, in support of the foregoing state- ment.
Betens herself, and four other persons, hav- ing duly affixed their signatures, in testi- mony to the truthfulness of all these parti- culars.
'°9 As a testimony of the foregoing ac-
346 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
Francis Huiberts, a villager of Gerven, and about twenty-six years old, became mute, lame, and frantic, owing to some disease. He was brought in a calash to St. Dympna's church, the circuit of which he made three different times,whileheldinhisplace,bythreemen. Afterwards,hewasleftinthe infirmary. For nine days, commencing from the 5th day of August, a. d. 1652, he was exorcised with the usual ceremonies. But, not having then recovered, he was brought to the residence of Caspar Verdonk, in the deaconate. Thence, he was conducted to the church, so that the usual ceremonies might be per- formed. Infine,havingremainedinGheelforthespaceofthreemonths,onthe
loth of December, he suddenly recovered the exercise of liis mental powers, and the use of his limbs, to the wonder of all who were present. On the fol- lowing day, he felt even improved in health. '°y
Adrian Luiten, a native of Nederwyck village, came to Gheel on the 14th of April, A. D. 1653, affected with sucli excitement and madness, that he could scarcely be kept in his bed, from which he constantly made efforts to escape. He could neither eat, drink, nor sleep. When this man had remained there for ten days, pouring forth tears and lamentations, he obtained quietude and a restoration to health, through St. Dympna's intercession. ""
Helena Smits, a native of Selim, beyond Diest, having been attacked with illness, came to Gheel, on the 14th of September, a. d. 1653. She remained in the hospital of St. Dympna, for ten or twelve days, and through the inter- cession of the holy patroness, this woman was healed. Having confessed her sins and received holy communion, she gave thanks to God and returned to herhome. "' Onthe8thofOctober,duringthesameyear,LudwigVerryl,
forty-six years old, from the village of Meerbeeck, near Mechlin, was seized with an intolerable frenzy and raving. He was bound with iron chains in a wagon and brought to Gheel, while his outcries and wailings moved the com- passion of all who heard him. Having been taken from the vehicle, and brought into the house of Amand Broeckhoven, he was placed beside the fire, and after an hour's rest, all his insanity disappeared. His perfect restoration to health, he attributed to the Divine clemency, and to the prayers of St. Dympna. Thispatientremained,forninedays,observingalltheusualcere- monies and pious exercises. Having made his confession and receiving holy communion, Ludwig Verryl was enrolled in the Confraternity of St. Dympna. '"
Maria Wils, about thirty years old, was brought through some cause, to a
state of childish simplicity and imbecility, in the city of Diest.
neither pray nor sleep. Then, it was found necessary to have her conveyed to St. Dympna's shrine. After the usual solemnities were employed for a month, this person recovered the perfect use of her mind and memory. With a good understanding, she made a confession, and received holy communion. Having given thanks to God, she returned to Diest, making attestation of the miracle wrought in her favour. "^ Helena Briers, about twenty-eight years of age,wasseizedwithahorriblefrenzyatWesemal. Havingentirelylostthe use of her reason, she was bound hand and foot, brought to the city of Gheel,
count, we find the signatures of Francis Hui- berts, of Peter \'ercuylen, dean, of Gaspar Verdonck, and of two other witnesses, affixed to a deposition, which was signed on the 20th of December.
"° In testimony of which Peter Luiten, the father of this young man, and PelerVer- cuylen, dean, appcml their respective signa- tures.
'"This miraculous cure was attested by
She could
Dean Vercuylen.
"'Hisownsignature, tliat ofHerrVer-
cuylen, dean, and the signatures of other persons, arc found appended to a deposition, dated the 17th of October.
"^ Her husband, Matthew van Rappel, and Dean Vercuylen. signed this instru- ment, which is dated loth of November, A. D. 1653.
"* Dean Vercuylen and others subscribed
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
347
on the 3rd of December, a. d. 1653, ^nd placed there, in the hospital of St. Dympna. The usual ceremonies having been applied, for a length of eighteen days, this woman was liberated from her frenzied condition, and she fully recovered her health. She then approached the sacraments of penance and of holy communion. "4
Pereina Peters, from the village of Zundert, near Breda, "s was attacked with insanity, and she lost all use of her reason. She was bound hand and foot, when brought on a vehicle to St. Dympna's shrine, at Gheel, on the iSth of June, 1657. She lodged at the house of John Brugelmans, in that city. For fourteen days, exorcisms were tried, when at the end of that time, she was released from her malady. She received holy communion and visited the churchwithotherCatholics. "^ Inlikemanner,CorneliusAndries,afrenzied, furious madman, and quite irrp,tional in his conversation, was brought to Gheel, tied hand and foot, from Willaer village, on the 20th of May, a. d. 1659. He was placed in St. Dympna's Hospital, and after the usual exor-
cisms and rites had been practised, for nine days, through the intercession of the holy patroness, this man recovered his former health. He confessed, communicated, and served the priest's mass, giving grateful praise to the Supreme Dispenser of all bounty. "7
Barbara Mangelers, wife of John Balens, and about thirty-eight years of age, lived at Brussels for some months, without the exercise of mind, intellect, or memory. She was chained and brought to the house of Francis Ray- makers, at the sign of the Angel, in the city of Gheel. Here she continued for five weeks, in the same state; she was sleepless, while she exhibited indi- cations of a disquieted mind and undoubted madness in all her actions. For nine days, she lay in St. D\ mpna'a hospital, when, through the bounty of Almighty God and through the intercession of our holy virgin and martyr, the woman recovered a full use of her mind, memory, and intellectual faculties. For three weeks, she remained perfectly restored at Gheel, went to confession, and afterwards she received holy communion. "^
The Very Rev. Herr Martin Doye, priest from the town of Athens, in the territory of Hannonia, declared on the faith of a priest, the 15th day of Sep- tember, 1659, that for about three months previous, he had not the use of mind, senses, or intelligence. Yet, through the riches of Divine bounty, and through the intercession of the holy virgin and patroness, St. Dympna, he had recovered his former reasoning powers and intellect. For two continuous months, he daily frequented the choir of St. Dympna, sang the Divine office there, and he had often confessed and partaken of holy communion. "9
Maria Lambrechts, an unmarried female, living in Dunken village, having had repeated attacks of madness, tore and spoiled her own garments, and in-
as witnesses, to the foregoing circumstances and established their credibility.
"5 In the province of North Brabant.
makers and his wife, Elizabeth Verhocvan, in whose house Barbara Mangelers lodged, Anna Vander Wyer, under whose care she remained nine days in the hospital, until she became convalescent, with other witnesses,
"* Dean Vercuylen, Adrian de Wocker,
her husband, John Peters, who brought her,
and two other witnesses, deposed solemnly certified to this cure by sworn deposi- to the foregoing cure.
"7 This case was known to many persons, and in testimony, Cornelius Andries, Dean Vercuylen, and two others, signed their names to a deposition.
tions.
"' In faith of all which, the aforesaid
"^ This Barbara Mangelers, and her
mother, Barbara Stevens, who attended
during her daughter's aberration of mind,
testified and . suijscribed to the foregoing attested,
statement, before the notary. Francis Ray- "" For a confirmation of these circum-
Herr Martin Doye signed, before the Rev. Messrs. Peter van Dungen, Judocus Coenen and John Leysen, entertainer of the afore- said gentleman, for the time he remained, After these signatures, Thomas van Bylen, notary, who wrote this instrument in Latin,
348
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
jured whatever came in her way. Being tied hand and foot, she was brought to St. Dympna's infirmary, where, after the usual nine days' ceremonies, she recovered her health, confessed, and received holy communion. '^" In like manner, a youth, named Wilhelm Segers, of Puets village, was freed from asimilarinsanity,whenbroughttoGheel. Theusualexorcismswereprac- tised, and alter a madness of three or four months' duration, he recovered the former use of his reason. He also partook of the sacraments, by devoutly receiving penance and holy communion. '^'
James Haeghmans, thirty years old, of Bevera, in the province of Wasia, having been affected with a great frenzy and madness for some months, tore and soiled his shirts, garments and other things. Wherefore, he was bound with iron chains and brought to Gheel, in order to obtain relief, through the intercession of the patroness, St. Dympna. Then, after the accustomed cere- monies were performed, by the dean, Haeghmans' former health was restored, and he recovered tlie full possession of his intellect, memory, and senses, havinf^ received spiritual comfort and grace from approaching the sacraments of penance and of holy communion. '"
p^rancis van Binnenbeeck, born in the town of Lira, and twenty-five years of af^e, had an aberration of mind, which deprived him of memory anil intel- lect, for the term of eight months. He was brought to Gheel, in the month of June, A. D. 1663, and placed in the hospital of St. Dympna. After com- plying with the usual nine days' ceremonies, to obtain the intercession of that holy patroness, about the festival of St. John the Baptist's Nativity, he was removedtothehouseofWilhelmWuyts. Here,hewasboundwithchains of iron, and he continued in his insane state, to the month of January, a. d. 1664. At this date, however, he was perfectly restored to health, and he htcsimt cojtipos meiitis. '''^^
Catherine Henvelmans, a Bdghuine nun of Diest, and about twenty-eight years of age, having become insane, was brought to the house of Lambert van Dungen, at Gheel, on the 5th of October, 1664, by two other B^ghuines, named Anna van Gestel and Maria Shertogem. When this Beghuine nun entered the church occasionally, and assi'^ted at the holy sacrifice of Mass, and at other Divine offices, she so often disturbed those present with her in- sane actions, that the poor sufferer was no longer permitted to leave her lodf'ing. Having been placed in the hospital of St. Dympna, when the usual exorcisms were performed, she recovered her former state of quietude and her powers of intellect. "•
Clara Maes, a devout maiden lady of Antwerp, about forty-five years of age, became frantic and ungovernable. She was brought to Gheel, and placed in the hospital of St. Dympna, to obtain the patronage of this holy
stances, we find the signatures of Maiia Lambrechts, of her brother, and of Dean Vercuylen affixed to an instrument, bearing date June 6th, 1660.
"^ This he declared, and subscribed on oath, the 2ist of January, in the presence of the aforesaid Wilhehn Wuyts, Anna Van- der Wyer, matron of the hospital, two other witnesses, and Thomas van Bylen,
" On the 20th of . \pril, 1 661, he signed
an instrument, to wliich Dean Vercuyk-n notary.
and two others subscribed, in faith of the foregoing statements.
"' He subscribed a declaration to the foregoing effect, on the gtii of January, ad. 1662. The same deposition was attcstcil by Peter Van Ge>tel and by his wife, Beatrix vandcn Wouwer, in whose house at Ohccl Haeghmans had lodged, besides two other witnesses, with Thomas van Bylen, no- tary.
"• On the 13th of December, this Beg- huine nun, Catherine Henvelmans, testified and subscribed to the foregoing statements, m tiie presence of Dean Gasper Claes, who performed the ceremonies of exorcism. Jolni (Jodtussen, and Walter Ooms, canons; Lambert van Dungen and his wife. Anna Verdonck, in whose house she dwelt, and Thomas van Bylen, notary, were also pre- sent.
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
349
virgin. When the dean had performed his usual course of ceremonies, for eight days, the patient recovered her former good heaUli. '^s
Peter Praet, born at Moerbeck, and about thirty-five years of age, became so deHrious, that his friends were obliged to bind him with chains and cords. This man lodged at the house of Peter van Passel, and in the hospital of St. Dympna. Aftertheusualceremonieswerepractised,bythedean,Praetwas restored to his former state of health. When duly prepared, he received the holy sacraments. "^
A similar species of madness afflicted John van Scheurvvegen. He was a native of Deuren village, near Antwerp. On the last day of May, a. d, 1667, he was brought to Gheel, and placed in St. Dympna's infirmary. After the accustomed ceremonies had received a trial, on the thirteenth day from his arrival, this man recovered the perfect enjoyment of health, and every trace of insanity disappeared. "7
Again, Maria Magdalena Cecili,'^^ about thirty-four years of age, after nine days' exorcisms, and about ten or fourteen days subsequent to them, was delivered from a state of frenzy. She received the sacraments of penance and of holy communion with great devotion. '^9
Anna de Truch, a villager of Egher, was affected with a like aberration of mind and brain, and brought to the hospital of St, Dympna. There, the usual ceremonies, approved by the Pleban,'3° were practised for the term of nine days. After three months' time, all her insanity disappeared, and having been restored to a full exercise of her faculties, she often received the holy Eucharist with matured judgment's'
James Ramont, a native of Lokera village, about one-and-twenty years of age, had been attacked with a great delirium and insanity, for the continu- ance of a whole year, before he was bound with chains and cords, and brought to Gheel. He lodged in the house of a citizen, Peter van Passe), for more thantwomonths. RamontwasalsointhehospitalofSt. Uympna,wherethe ordinary ceremonies of exorcism were performed over him, by the dean, for a term of nine days. He was then restored to health, and fully exercising his faculties, he received permission to approach holy communion. '3^
The Bollandist editor Henschnius closes here his list of miraculous cures, and the depositions accompanying them, as found in the local ecclesiastical records of that city, which venerates our glorious saint as its special patroness.
'=5 After a lapse of three weeks, these facts were attested by her, on the 22nd of September, A. D. 1665, and signed with her own hand. Besides, there were present as witnesses, Walter Buyenas and Walter Ooms, canons, three other persons, and Marcellus, a notary.
'^* On the 26th of July, A. D. 1666, he made declaration to the foregoing effect, be- fore the notary Loovens. Peter van Passel, and his wife Adriana Franken, in whose house he lodged, besides two other witnesses affirmed. Praet's own name is also sub- scribed to this affirmation.
"7 This was attested, by the sign manual of John van Scheurwegen, Adriana Gerinx, otherwise Vrancxs, matron of the hospital, and other witnesses, besides the notary Loovens.
"^ " Thenensis innupta," is added to her name, in the Latin given by Hen- schenius.
'^^ She declared herself always ready to certify on oath, what she then deposed to and signed on the 3rd of August, a. d. 1667, in the presence of Gasper Claes and two other witnesses.
'^o " Plebanum vero maxima vocant in Ecclesiis Cathedralibus sen collegiatis canonicum, cui plebis earum jurisdictioni subditas cura committitur. Statuta Eccl. Argent. Ann. 1435, apud Marten. , torn. 4. Anecd. col.
