, so that it should be difficult to believe, Algisus could have been
entertained
there at a much earlier period.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v6
xix.
"
Sanctorum Vitis," tomus v. Vita S. Wilfridi, xii. Octobris.
? In"HistoriaEcclesiasticaGentisAnglo-
rum," lib. iii. , — xxviii. cap.
«
Article x. It is thus entered
:
June 2. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 15
whether he was a Scot or a Greek, or whether he accompanied St. Regulus to Scotland, or there joined him, with his other companions. He is said to have written a book, " De Reliquiarum S. Andreae in Britanniam Advectione," and to have flourished, in the year 332. 4 One of the churches at St. Andrew was dedicated to him. s
Article XI. —Elevation of the Relics of St. Madelgisilus, at
Centule. Some Elevation of the Relics of St. Madelgisilus, at Centule, is
commemorated the 1 at the 1st of The Life of this by Bollandists, June.
saint has been presented, already, at the 30th day of May,2 which is his prin- cipal festival, and where allusion is made to the Elevation in question.
^eronti ©ap of 3une.
ARTICLE L—ST. ALDEGISUS, ADALGISUS, OR ALGISUS, PRIEST, AND MISSIONARY, IN HANNONIA.
[SEVENTH CENTURY. ]
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION—WRITERS OF THE ACTS OF ST. ALDEGISUS—HIS PARENTAGE, AND EDUCATION, IN IRELAND—HE IS SAID TO HAVE BECOME A DISCIPLE OF ST. FURSEY—HIS ORDINATION—HE PROCEEDS AS A MISSIONARY TO FRANCE—ALDEGISUS IS HONOURABLY RECEIVED BY KING CLODOVEUS AT LAON—HE SETTLES AS A HERMIT, WITH SOME COMPANIONS, AT TERASC1A, IN PICARDY.
lovers of this world desire to write about transitory and evil things, IF much more should those who desire to record what subjects are eternal and salutary for the devotion of the faithful, and for the salvation of posterity. So states the mediaeval author of our saint's Acts, in which he recognises the wonderful gifts of God, and the glory of his august name ; since before the con- stitution of this world, his holy ones were under the prescience of His Supreme Wisdom, and after its creation in due course were they glorified. This is fully revealed in the lives and works of the Patriarchs and Prophets ; in the glorious choirs of the Apostles and Evangelists ; as in the multitudes of the holy Martyrs and Confessors. Among the latter class may be ranked the present holy man—the special Patron and Confessor of the writer—a brilliant light amid those stars of the Heavenly firmament, and whose rays were calculated to chase darkness from the souls of men, through his virtues
and miracles.
Certain mistakes probably crept into the Acts of this holy missionary.
Colgan intended to treat of St. Algisus, at the 2nd of June.
1
There are Acts
the
" Historia s See William F. Skene's " Chronicles of
4 See Thomas
Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus ii. ,
the Ficts and —
Scots," p. 187.
tomus
lib. num. iv. ,
2 See the Fifth Volume of this Art. i. , at that date,
work,
Article xi.
•
See " Acta
Sanctorum,"
to "
Actuum Sanctorum MS. quas
Dempster's 410, pp. 223, 224.
i. , Junii i. Among saints, p. 4.
pretermitted
Article 1. —Chapter
* i.
According
Catalogus
—
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 2. of St. Etto, Bishop, in which among the companions of St. Fursey are distin-
— as
guished constituting
his brethren or
disciples Algisus
and
Adelgisus
or Alde-
gisus whereas these names seem to be applicable to one and the same person.
Again, while Algisus is said to have died in one monastery, Aldegisus is said
to have departed in another. 3 Although there may be mistakes of statement
and exaggerations, in the Acts of Algisus ; yet, may it be alleged, also, they do not deserve those severe criticisms, which such errors have called forth. The Manuscript Life of this saint was extant in the time of Molanus,3 at the Beth- lehemitemonasteryofCanonsRegular,nearLouvain. Theauthorofthis Tract states in its preface, that he collected the Life and Virtues of the most excellent Father—whom he terms our Algisus—from the faithful narratives of his senior Fathers 4 and, while desirous of and what
; correcting arranging
had been written into one Treatise, he desired to include, also, what had been derived from tradition. This was done, through motives of piety, and not to challenge literary admiration, so that devout persons might have a memorial of the holy man, and praise the work of God wrought by him. The Bollan-
——
dists s have such Acts 6 illustrated by notes of this holy man, at the 2nd of
June. These are edited by Father Francis Baerl, preceded by a Commen- tary,? and they are followed by an Appendix. 8 In the Third Volume of the
"
Acta Sanctorum Belgii, the Acts of St. Chillen and of St. Adalgisus will be found. 10 A short notice of the latter saint is met with in Molanus. 11 He
is commemorated, also, by Mirseus, 12 and Bucelin. ^
Dempster's
There are notices of
" Scoto- Menologium
this
rum,"1* and in the Petits Bollandistes. 'S
holy missionary, likewise,
in Thomas
This holy man was born in Ireland, 16 where he was brought up in the
exercise of every virtue, having been dedicated to the Almighty, by his dis-
tinguished and pious parents. They offered vows and prayers, that their son might have intellect and will, to serve God with his whole mind. From his
habentur ordine Mensium et Dierum. "
sidered, that the Acts in question should not
be published, and that the Epitome of Molanus should suffice; however, Baert re- solved otherwise, leaving freedom to the critic to form bis own opinions as to their
3
"Ego vero, ubi de uno laboramus satis, alterum quserendum non existimo, ut labore-
FatherFrancisBaerthereuponremarks:
mus magis ; pnesenim cum scriptor hie, non
alia ratione ad divisionem illam motus value.
videatur, quamaliquali, apud varios Autores non antiquos, reperta nominis dissimilitu- dine. "
3 This writer states, he had seen it, and
from that source has been drawn, what he
had compiled in eulogizing our saint.
* However, the Bollandist Father Baert, relying much on the opinion of Father
Godefrid Henschen, throws much
on the antiquity of these writers, who lived, as he supposed, only a short time before the compilation had been made, since there are matters somewhat incredible, such as the miraculous well, the cell Adalgisus built, the reception of Corbican's body, and the vision of St. Peter the Apostle, there introduced. It is not easy to understand, how Baert arrived at an opinion, that because St. Adal- gisus is said to have come to France with St. Fursey, this thought must have been derived from perusing the writings of Venerable Bede, and from the well known acts of St. Fursey, which mention his other Scottish
companions, although no notice be taken of
Si. Algisus among them. Henschen con- claris parentibus crtus,"&c.
suspicion
8 In five
s See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus
i. , Junii ii. De S. Adalgiso, sive Algiso Presbytero, in Theoracia Picardiae Regiuncula, pp. 222
to 228.
6
These are contained in two chapters, containing seventeen paragraphs. A Pro- logue of the author is prefixed.
» In five paragraphs.
paragraphs.
» In a Hisiorico-critical Sylloge, by
Cornelius Smet, sees. I to 19.
I0 At the 2nd of June, pp. 589 to 598.
" See " Natales Sanctorum Belgii, "Junii
ii. , at pp. 108, 109.
" See Fasti Belgici et Burgundici," pp.
272, 393.
I3 In his Benedictine Martyrology.
" in Belgio Adalgisi Apostoli.
** Thus
M. L. "—Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of Scot- tish Saints," p. 201.
:
Js See "Vies des Saints," tome vi. ,
Second Jour dejuin, p. 371.
l6 The writer of his Acts states
" Hie de transmarinis partibus, de Hibeinia scilicet,
:
June 2. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 17
youth, they took good care to have him indoctrinated with learning, both mundane and sacred. Through the efficacious grace of Him, who rules all hearts, Adalgisus resolved on dedicating himself wholly to the Lord's ser- vice. According to the compiler of our saint's Acts, his brothers were Saints Goban *» and Etho. ,s In the time of our saint flourished the illustrious man
Fursey,
10 said to have been a
Bishop,
20 in the Island of the Hibernian
Scots,
and who devoted himself to the most pious manner of living and to the work of
AlmightyGod. Hedesired,also,tojoinwithhimselfthosecompanions,who
would find the same delight in a religious life, and who had an evident voca- tion for it. Wherefore, Saints Algisus, and his venerable brothers, Etho and
21
when serving God with one heart and mind, full of wisdom and faith, the
Holy Spirit guided them through a course of learning, while they neglected not to study the Sacred Scriptures. With earnestness of purpose and unchang-
ing charity, those pious pupils pursued their meditations on the Divine Law, by day and by night.
When they had remained under his tutelage for a sufficient time, St. Fursey called them to himself, and exhorted them to prepare for the reception of Holy Orders. He advised them, through faith in the Holy Trinity and through the virtue of the Holy Ghost, to receive the Priesthood, and the blessings it conferred, in the name of Him, who rescued them from eternal death. They responded to his exhortations, by yielding obedience, and by receiving the Body and Blood of our Lord, when they were ordained by St. Fursey. This ordinance was duly conferred, according to the ritual, and they returnedtotheirfriends,givingthankstoGod. Thesixthhourofthenight following, which was that of the Sabbath, and while reclining on their beds, as a reward for their pious recollection and vigil, all of those Priests deserved
to hear these words, as if addressed to them by the Lord " Come to me
:
all you who labour and are burdened, and I will refresh you at my heavenly table in my kingdom. " This gave them great consolation, and on the follow-
ing day, which was Sunday, Saints Algisus, with his brothers-german Goban and Etho, as also Eloquius and many others, went to their holy superior, St. Fursey. They related what had occurred in the vision, and they sought his permission to visit the tombs of the Apostles, Peter and Paul, with those of other saints, so that there they might offer vows and prayers. St. Fursey
hearing their narrative gave thanks to God; but, wishing to accompany them, he answered St. Algisus and his companions, with a cheerful countenance:
"Certainly, I shall not give you permission to go, unless I am with you. " Then, having called his brothers St. Ultan 22 and St. Foillan 23 to him, St. Fursey said u My dear brothers, do you wish to seek Christ with
Goban,
as also a
holy
man
Eloquius,
placed
themselves under his
guidance,
me? "
They replied :
" Our father and our wherever we superior, you go,
of
17 His Feast has been '
June.
assigned
to the 20th
when he is said to have visited Rome.
" His Feast is referred to the of 3rd
18
His Festival occurs at the 10th of December.
" His Festival is kept, on the 1st of May,
and the reader is referred to that date, in the Fifth Volume of this work, for his Acts, at Art. iii.
23 His feast is held, on the 30th of Octo- ber.
** This name has been derived from a
T—eutonic source, signifying "noble pledge. "
of Christian
"Dictionary Biography,"
edited by William Smith, LL. D. , and Henry Wace, M. A. , vol. i. , p. 32.
July.
19 The reader is referred to his Life, at the
16th of January, in the First Volume of this work, Art. i.
20
This is a doubtful statement, since neither in his own Acts, nor in the notices of him, by Venerable Bede, is it to be found related. Some think, he might have been ordained as a bishop, before he left Ireland; while others are of opinion, that he might have been consecrated by Pope St. Martin,
:
B
i8r
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 2.
shall follow you. " In like manner, the holy Confessor Algisus or Adalgisus ** called his brothers, Goban, and Etho, with Eloquius, and another godson,
namedCorbican,asalsohisservant,namedRodalgus. Hethenspoketo
them " beloved, let us and follow Christ, and offer ourselves to : Dearly go
:
him as a holocaust. " They replied to him " Be it as you have spoken, O holy
man, who desireth not only to profit yourself, but to have others, especially those so closely related by family ties, and through the exercise of pious
works,asyourcompanions. " Wherefore,askingtheblessingandabsolution of St. Fursey, and commending themselves to the Lord, having obtained such favours, they returned thanks. St. Fursey, in turn, asked their blessing, which he received ; then, in the name and with the peace of God, he went with them to the sea-shore. They embarked on board a ship, while the waves
sailed to a more distant
not stated, save that it was on some part of the French shore. However, they directed their course to Corbei,26 where there was a church,27 dedicated to the honour of the St. Peter and St. 28 in that district
being calm, they
country.
Holy Apostles Paul,
about Amiens,2^ and in which diocese it was situated. There, the pilgrims were
received in a hospitable manner, when they had entered that monastery. 3° Prostrating themselves before the altar of the most blessed Peter, these
" O Lord
who art, who hath been, and who art to be, who hath caused us to pass over
the waves of a tranquil sea, and who hath brought us safely hither, we humbly request thee, O most bountiful Creator, to show us that place destined for eachoneofus,fromthebeginningoftheworld. Amen. " Havingpoured forth this prayer in sighs and in tears, they arose. Embracing each other, they issued from that monastery, and in the cause of Christ, they separated for differentquarters; but,whileabsentingthemselvesthusinbody,thebond of Faith and of Charity united them in soul. Wherefore, to different places of the Gaulish kingdom they went, preaching the Lord's Gospel everywhere, until each arrived at his respective destination. Then, severally addicting themselves to prayers, vigils, and pious exercises, they spent the rest of their days, entirely devoted to God's service.
From the sixth to the seventh century, as ancient chronicles record, many are the holy missionaries of Ireland, who are known to have preached the Gospel in France. It has been groundlessly assumed,31 how- ever, that Adalgisus, from his name, had been a native of Gaul, who became a disciple of an Irish missionary, greatly distinguished in Gaul, during the seventh century. Among St. Fursey's companions, at Lagny, is thought to
devout souls forth their poured
prayer :
God, omnipotent King,
2
s It is the opinion of Father Baert, that
marks, that it was "satis honorifice con- structa. "
St. Algisus preceded St. Fursey to France,
and that after his from departure Ireland,
q8 It was consecrated
here by Berthefroid, Bishop of Amiens,
Fursey went to Sigebert, King of the East
Angles, before the year 636. He thinks, in 662.
with the monastery
there must be an anachronism in the Acts of
St. Adelgisus, who is represented as finding Clodoveus II. at Laon, as he did not begin
to reign in France, until 638. Now, the monastery at Corbei was first founded, ad. 657, in the reign of Clotaire III.
, so that it should be difficult to believe, Algisus could have been entertained there at a much earlier period. For the date of its foundation, Baert
2 » A description of this city, with an illus- tration of the facade of its magnificent cathe- dral, will be found in Elisee Reclus' " Nou- velle
jrefers to Le Cointe, tomus "
3° It must be observed here, that Corbie was founded by Queen Bathilde, during her regency, in the year 657 or 662, and over it she placed St. Theodefroi, a religious of Luxeuil. See an account of it, in M. Maxime de Montrond's " Dictionnaire des Abbayes
et Monasteres,"&c, cols. 222, 223. 3I By Father Francis Baert, S. J.
32 See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
i. , Conciliorum Gallise," for its charter, which is cited.
lin.
86
This is stated by Molanus and Buce- J7 The author of our saint's Acts here re-
2 s Where landed is they
" tome chap, xii. , sect, iv. , pp. 787 to 789.
Geographie Universale,
ii. ,
June 2. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
19
have been included Adalgisus 32 but, this hardly appears to have been the ;
case, if we follow the old writer of his Life. However, with those holy persons, already alluded to, the blessed Algisus, especially recommending himself to Divine protection, and regarding the destined object of his way, is said to have come to Laon. 33 There, he was reverently welcomed, by King Clodoveus,34 who most generously acceded to a request earnestly preferred, that Algisus and his companions might obtain a suitable place, where they could serve our Lord, in a religious community life. Wherefore, with Cor- bican, Rodald, and Carebert,35 our saint went into a retired place, called Cellula, in the wood of Therascia, or Thierache, 36 in Picardy. This was near Mount-Saint Julian, on the River Oysia, 3 ? or Isara, now the Oyse, which falls into the Seine. There, St. Algisus fixed his staff in the ground, and imme- diately, a clear fountain of water sprung up 38 afterwards, it was known to
;
have cured many persons from their infirmities. 3? When this miracle was
: witnessed, by the holy man, he gave thanks to God, in these words " O
Lord, to thee be all glory. " Two possessed persons came there, who requested Algisius in the name of Christ to deliver them from demoniac influence. For
these, he earnestly prayed on his knees, with an humble and a devout soul, and rising up, he imposed hands on them. Then signing them with a sign of the cross, instantly the Liberator of all, through the merits of our saint, released the afflicted from their miserable bondage. This miracle, wrought before a number of persons, ended in their perfect restoration ; nor was it more than the beginning of wonderful works, whereby the Almighty mani- fested his power, while the fame of Adelgisus increased each day.
The holy man found a suitable site for his habitation, near the miraculous
fountain; and,accordingtothecustomofthatage,beforehebegantobuild,the
founder spent the night in prayer and vigil. When the next day dawned, his servants went to the neighbouring Mount, where they vigorously cut down trees, toservefortheirfuturehabitation. Ofthisproceeding,Adelgisuswasignorant;
but, an Angel of the Lord appeared, in the shape of a dove, and carrying in its bill a leafy branch from the wood. That dove then flew towards the place, destined for them by the Almighty, and full in their presence. The disciples, who had been at work, retired from the Mount, and they followed that dove towards the spot, where their holy superior was engaged at prayer. Here, theyfoundthedove,standingbesidehim. Thediscipleswerefilledwitha reverential awe. Then, Adalgisus rising from prayer took an axe in his hands, to commence his religious foundation. There, the holy Confessor built his church, and he laboured at the work, with his own hands, aided by those of
his disciples. That place was afterwards called Cellula, or
the little monas- God, Algisus,
40 When the house had been
tery. "
History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xvi. , sect. x. , p. 462.
33 This is stated by Molanus and Buce- lin.
34 It seems probable Clovis II. , husband of Queen Eathilde, is here meant, who died
"
in August, 656. See
tian Biography," edited by William Smith, LL. D. , and Henry Wace, M. A. , vol. i. , p. 583.
erected,
35 It seems most
servant of our saint, to whom Baert alludes
Adelgisus.
as a French having
name, he had arrived in France.
pro-
likely,
and who was bably associated -with St. Adelgisus, after
39 According to Molanus and Bucelin.
4° We the Bollandist editor has believe,
mistaken the character of the ccznobium here, as having been a small house to accommodate
Dictionary of Chris-
this is the new rials of St.
" the servant of
36 See " Histoire Literaire de la France," tome vii. , Siecle xi. , p. 190.
37 It is also called Oesia, Esia, and ^sia, bytheoldwriters. SeeBavdrand's"Novum Lexicon Geographicum," tomus i. , pp. 15,
278, 389.
3iJ This was well known, in the time when
the old writer of our saint's Acts lived ; yet, it appears to have been forgotten, when the Bollandists came to treat about the memo-
followers/
Annanus J over the
:
!
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 2.
together with his pious subjects, Corbican, Rodald, and Carebert, settled down, to praise Almighty God, and to proclaim that precious miracle, which
had inaugurated their religious enterprise, as also to thank unceasingly our Lord Jesus Christ, for his bountiful regard, towards these devoted
1
C H APTER II .
RETURN TO PICAKDY—HIS MISSIONARY CAREER— MEMORIALS—CONCLUSION.
When it was known in Ireland, that St. Adelgisus and his companions had taken up their residence at Cellula, certain Irish pilgrims set out with a St.
CERTAIN IRISH DISCIPLES WITH ST. ANNAN COME TO THE MONASTERY OF ST. ADELGISUS—LEGEND OF CORBICAN'S MISSION TO IRELAND, HIS DEATH, AND MIRACULOUS TRANSFER OF HIS BODY TO FRANCE—AUELGISUS VISITS ROME—
and
who exclaimed " Oh how good and pleasing it is for brothers to dwell
in a
they came to that place. There, they were joyously received by St. Adelgisus,
they passed
guided
providential manner,
sea,
together. " Kissing each other, in monastic fashion, they give thanks to the Almighty, and then partaking of food, the travellers rested for that night. When the next day had dawned, the blessed Annanus and his companions with St. Adelgisus and his brethren began to labour earnestly in the service of God. 2
At this time, the holy Priest Adelgisus built a church, in honour of St. Peter and of the other Apostles, and of all the Saints. Having finished its erection, he called his godson Corbican, and he said : "My dearly beloved son, Corbican, it behoves you to go beyond the sea to my country, and to
tell my father, mother, brothers and sisters, what you know regarding our
affairs. Conveytothemthismessage,thattheportionofmyinheritancewhich
remains must be sold, and that the product shall be sent here through you.
This, too, must you state, that never shall they see me more, unless they come
hither; but, you must return to me, for I shall proceed to visit the tombs of
the Apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul, at Rome. " Then, replied Corbican :
;
"
The holy Confessor Adelgisus said to him " Lo if death overtake thee,
My Father, if I should die on the way, what shall become of the treasure? "
:
direct my father and mother to place the treasure by thy side, to cover thee with a waxed linen cloth, and to set thy body in two hides of animals, sewed up on every side;3 afterwards, they shall commit your body to the deep and
"
four of five hermits ; perhaps, it is more holiness of life, suscipiente Madelgario,
likely, they dwelt in separate cells, but living qui postea Sanctus —Vincentius dictus est, "
near ench other, around a church. Hannoniae comiie. " Ilistoria Ecclesias- 41 See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto- tica Gentis Scotorum," tomus i. , lib. i. ,
rum," tomus i. , Junii ii. De S. Adalgiso num. 8, p. 9.
sive Algiso Presbytei o, in Theoracia, Picar- 3 There can be little doubt, that the pre- dise Eegiuncula. Acta S. Algisi, cap. i. , sent is one of those incredible legends, so num. I to 8, pp. 223 to 225. Also, Appen- frequently met with in the Lives of the
dix, num. 22, — 228. 23, p.
•
CHAPTER ii. The Bollandist editor
Baert remarks, that elsewhere he finds no account of a saint so named.
2
Saints
however, there are several
; practices,
u. -ages of past times. In the present case, If we are to credit the statement of the manner of ancient interments is ex-
Dempster, St Adalgisus exercised holy posed,
offices in Belgium, and he was celebrated for 4 Some of these relics are enumerated, in
HIS DEATH AND BURIAL— w
HIS
!
like the present, incidentally alluded to, and which serve to throw some light on the
June 2. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
to Divine guidance, while, I trust to the Lord's clemency, that you shall be brought hither, in a direct course. " The renowned servant of God humbly obeyed the holy Father, and having received his blessing, Corbican set out on his journey. Through Almighty guidance, he came to the sea, which he crossed, and soon he brought the request of Adelgisus to his parents. These were greatly rejoiced, to have a pleasing and an authentic account of their son, and they readily complied with his request to effect the sale of his pro- perty. The proceeds were then given to Corbican, who was to transfer what had been obtained to his holy superior. But, when Corbican prepared for his return to Adelgisus, he began to waste in strength, and finding the chill of death approaching, he called the parents of his superior, and he told them what were the instructions of their son, in such a contingency. They promised toobeythesedirections. Soon,thehappydeathofCorbicantookplace,and while his body lay far from his holy superior, his soul was associated with the choirs of Heaven. Then were his remains covered with the waxed linen, thetrea- sure was placed by his side, and the skins enclosed all; while the parents of Adelgisus, mindful of their son's orders, had the body brought to the sea, where it was committed to the waves, and to the disposition ot Divine Providence. The old—writer of our saint's Acts—after moralizing on these particulars ot the Legend proceedstostate,thatAngelsguidedtheremainsofCorbicanover the sea, until in a direct course they floated onwards, to the place where Adalgisus lived at Cellula. While they were moving against the current of the River Isara, some shepherds on the bank, noticing the floating object and not knowing what it was, left their flocks, and endeavoured to draw it towards them. Yet,theireffortswereinvain; and,whiletheyfollowedtheunknown object to one part of the river, soon it eluded their grasp, by gliding away to another place. This caused them to wonder greatly; but, soon Father Adelgisus, who had a revelation of what had taken place, came to the river's brink. Towards him, instantly, the body of Corbican floated. Filled with thanksgiving, the soul of St. Adelgisus expanded in prayer, and receiving the remainsofhisfaithfuldisciple,theyweresoonbroughttohisoratory. Thetrea- sure was found beside his remains. There, Corbican was religiously interred, hymns and psalms were recited, and all glory was given to God, who had wrought such a stupendous miracle, to manifest the merits of his true servant.
Then, it is stated, that in fulfilment of a purpose he had formed and of a
vow he had long before made, the amiable lover of Christ Adelgisus set out
for Rome, asking Almighty protection on the way, that he might perform an act becoming his zeal and piety. When he arrived in the Eternal City, he went to the Basilica of St. Peter, and there he offered up prayers with great devotion, and tears coursed down his cheeks, when he knelt in the holy places. He desired most earnestly to receive sacred relics, so that he might bring them to that place, where he chose to serve the Almighty. In response to his wishes, he was favoured with a vision, in which the Blessed Apostle of our Lord Peter appeared, and brought him those sacred relics, which he had so eagerly requested. * Having visited the various oratories of the saints in Rome, the holy Priest Adelgisus, commending himself to Almighty protec- tion, prepared for his return. His heart was filled with gratitude for the favours he had received, and therefore he hastened homewards to his cell, where he devoted himself most assiduously to prayer and Divine meditation. There, too, he chastised the body and kept it in subjection, lest while he
the Legend of our saint's Acts, as objects of special veneration.
s Seethe Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus i. , Junii ii. De S. Adalgisuo sive Algiso Presbytero, in Theoracia Picardise
Regiuncula, cap. ii. , sect. 9 to 16.
22 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 2.
preached to others he should become a castaway. * He spread the Gospel
of Christ throughout the territory of Hannonia, between the Rivers Isara and
6 he banished all traces of towards the middle of Helpra. Thence, idolatry,
the seventh century. He established there the Christian Faith firmly, and hebroughtmanywithinthefoldofHolyChurch. ? Whennotengagedonthe active duties of his mission, the saint spent his time, in prayer, meditation and pious exercises. Thus, was he duly prepared for that final summons from this life, the comforts and seductions of which he had so long abandoned. Theyearofhisdeceaseisnotonrecord; but,itoccurred,probablysometime
8 for his
ture is the 2nd of June. He was interred in the territory of Laon, and his tomb was rendered famous, through the many miracles he wrought, even after death. His remains were at last transferred to and buried in the church of St. Michael,10 which Count Eilbert restored and endowed about the year 970," in the wood of Therascia, and at the instigation of St. Forannan, whose feast
after the middle of the seventh The century.
day assigned
depar-
is celebrated on the of 30th day
April.
12 An arm of St.
Adalgisilus
was
pre-
served in the monastery, called Maricolis, according to Raysius,^ although 1
this matter has been called into question by Father Baert. * According to Molanus, Miraeus, Bucelin, Menard, Dorgan, Saussay, and Wion, the feast of
"
St. Adalgisus is set down, at the 2ndofJune. 15 Also, in the
Menologium
Scoticum,"16 of Thomas Dempster, his festival is on this day. At the same
date, in that anonymous List, published by O'Sullevan Beare, we find Algisus.
This name occurs, likewise, in Henry Fitzsimon's Catalogue, on the autho- rity of Molanus. 1 ? An error has been admitted by Camerarius, 18 who has placedthefestivalofAdalgisus,atthe22ndofJanuary. IntheMartyrology
of the Cathedral Church of the 10 Holy Trinity,
is on 2nd of June.
Dublin,
the feast of St.
Algisus
During the years of his exile, the holy man Adelgisus left his parents, friends, and native country, to live for the sake of Christ, and to hold daily communication with him, in the bonds of a pious brotherhood, while he regarded Heaven as his true country and home. The exchange was only the abandonment of transitory terrestial things for eternal and celestial rewards. His choice was that of the truly wise man, who despises the glit- tering but worthless baubles, which engage the desires and pursuits of mere worldlings, so that called to the end of his mortal career, the glories of
a heavenly Jerusalem dawned on his mental vision, and crowned his hopes of a blissful immortality.
Article II. —Reputed Festival of St. Colman Finn, of Kilclief Parish, Barony of Lecale, County of Down. According to tradition,
6
7 According to Bucelin.
8
According
9 According to Saussay, in his
ologium Gallicanum. "
I4 In his Commentarius Przevius to this saint's Acts, he states, that in a Manuscript
12 Art. i.
According
to Molanus.
to Molanus and Bucelin.
10
to have been established or repaired by St.
Here a Benedictine monastery is said
"
Catalogue
tery, there is no account of this relic, while the record professes to include all the relics there preserved, from A. n. 1586 to 1590.
Sanctorum Vitis," tomus v. Vita S. Wilfridi, xii. Octobris.
? In"HistoriaEcclesiasticaGentisAnglo-
rum," lib. iii. , — xxviii. cap.
«
Article x. It is thus entered
:
June 2. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 15
whether he was a Scot or a Greek, or whether he accompanied St. Regulus to Scotland, or there joined him, with his other companions. He is said to have written a book, " De Reliquiarum S. Andreae in Britanniam Advectione," and to have flourished, in the year 332. 4 One of the churches at St. Andrew was dedicated to him. s
Article XI. —Elevation of the Relics of St. Madelgisilus, at
Centule. Some Elevation of the Relics of St. Madelgisilus, at Centule, is
commemorated the 1 at the 1st of The Life of this by Bollandists, June.
saint has been presented, already, at the 30th day of May,2 which is his prin- cipal festival, and where allusion is made to the Elevation in question.
^eronti ©ap of 3une.
ARTICLE L—ST. ALDEGISUS, ADALGISUS, OR ALGISUS, PRIEST, AND MISSIONARY, IN HANNONIA.
[SEVENTH CENTURY. ]
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION—WRITERS OF THE ACTS OF ST. ALDEGISUS—HIS PARENTAGE, AND EDUCATION, IN IRELAND—HE IS SAID TO HAVE BECOME A DISCIPLE OF ST. FURSEY—HIS ORDINATION—HE PROCEEDS AS A MISSIONARY TO FRANCE—ALDEGISUS IS HONOURABLY RECEIVED BY KING CLODOVEUS AT LAON—HE SETTLES AS A HERMIT, WITH SOME COMPANIONS, AT TERASC1A, IN PICARDY.
lovers of this world desire to write about transitory and evil things, IF much more should those who desire to record what subjects are eternal and salutary for the devotion of the faithful, and for the salvation of posterity. So states the mediaeval author of our saint's Acts, in which he recognises the wonderful gifts of God, and the glory of his august name ; since before the con- stitution of this world, his holy ones were under the prescience of His Supreme Wisdom, and after its creation in due course were they glorified. This is fully revealed in the lives and works of the Patriarchs and Prophets ; in the glorious choirs of the Apostles and Evangelists ; as in the multitudes of the holy Martyrs and Confessors. Among the latter class may be ranked the present holy man—the special Patron and Confessor of the writer—a brilliant light amid those stars of the Heavenly firmament, and whose rays were calculated to chase darkness from the souls of men, through his virtues
and miracles.
Certain mistakes probably crept into the Acts of this holy missionary.
Colgan intended to treat of St. Algisus, at the 2nd of June.
1
There are Acts
the
" Historia s See William F. Skene's " Chronicles of
4 See Thomas
Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus ii. ,
the Ficts and —
Scots," p. 187.
tomus
lib. num. iv. ,
2 See the Fifth Volume of this Art. i. , at that date,
work,
Article xi.
•
See " Acta
Sanctorum,"
to "
Actuum Sanctorum MS. quas
Dempster's 410, pp. 223, 224.
i. , Junii i. Among saints, p. 4.
pretermitted
Article 1. —Chapter
* i.
According
Catalogus
—
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 2. of St. Etto, Bishop, in which among the companions of St. Fursey are distin-
— as
guished constituting
his brethren or
disciples Algisus
and
Adelgisus
or Alde-
gisus whereas these names seem to be applicable to one and the same person.
Again, while Algisus is said to have died in one monastery, Aldegisus is said
to have departed in another. 3 Although there may be mistakes of statement
and exaggerations, in the Acts of Algisus ; yet, may it be alleged, also, they do not deserve those severe criticisms, which such errors have called forth. The Manuscript Life of this saint was extant in the time of Molanus,3 at the Beth- lehemitemonasteryofCanonsRegular,nearLouvain. Theauthorofthis Tract states in its preface, that he collected the Life and Virtues of the most excellent Father—whom he terms our Algisus—from the faithful narratives of his senior Fathers 4 and, while desirous of and what
; correcting arranging
had been written into one Treatise, he desired to include, also, what had been derived from tradition. This was done, through motives of piety, and not to challenge literary admiration, so that devout persons might have a memorial of the holy man, and praise the work of God wrought by him. The Bollan-
——
dists s have such Acts 6 illustrated by notes of this holy man, at the 2nd of
June. These are edited by Father Francis Baerl, preceded by a Commen- tary,? and they are followed by an Appendix. 8 In the Third Volume of the
"
Acta Sanctorum Belgii, the Acts of St. Chillen and of St. Adalgisus will be found. 10 A short notice of the latter saint is met with in Molanus. 11 He
is commemorated, also, by Mirseus, 12 and Bucelin. ^
Dempster's
There are notices of
" Scoto- Menologium
this
rum,"1* and in the Petits Bollandistes. 'S
holy missionary, likewise,
in Thomas
This holy man was born in Ireland, 16 where he was brought up in the
exercise of every virtue, having been dedicated to the Almighty, by his dis-
tinguished and pious parents. They offered vows and prayers, that their son might have intellect and will, to serve God with his whole mind. From his
habentur ordine Mensium et Dierum. "
sidered, that the Acts in question should not
be published, and that the Epitome of Molanus should suffice; however, Baert re- solved otherwise, leaving freedom to the critic to form bis own opinions as to their
3
"Ego vero, ubi de uno laboramus satis, alterum quserendum non existimo, ut labore-
FatherFrancisBaerthereuponremarks:
mus magis ; pnesenim cum scriptor hie, non
alia ratione ad divisionem illam motus value.
videatur, quamaliquali, apud varios Autores non antiquos, reperta nominis dissimilitu- dine. "
3 This writer states, he had seen it, and
from that source has been drawn, what he
had compiled in eulogizing our saint.
* However, the Bollandist Father Baert, relying much on the opinion of Father
Godefrid Henschen, throws much
on the antiquity of these writers, who lived, as he supposed, only a short time before the compilation had been made, since there are matters somewhat incredible, such as the miraculous well, the cell Adalgisus built, the reception of Corbican's body, and the vision of St. Peter the Apostle, there introduced. It is not easy to understand, how Baert arrived at an opinion, that because St. Adal- gisus is said to have come to France with St. Fursey, this thought must have been derived from perusing the writings of Venerable Bede, and from the well known acts of St. Fursey, which mention his other Scottish
companions, although no notice be taken of
Si. Algisus among them. Henschen con- claris parentibus crtus,"&c.
suspicion
8 In five
s See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus
i. , Junii ii. De S. Adalgiso, sive Algiso Presbytero, in Theoracia Picardiae Regiuncula, pp. 222
to 228.
6
These are contained in two chapters, containing seventeen paragraphs. A Pro- logue of the author is prefixed.
» In five paragraphs.
paragraphs.
» In a Hisiorico-critical Sylloge, by
Cornelius Smet, sees. I to 19.
I0 At the 2nd of June, pp. 589 to 598.
" See " Natales Sanctorum Belgii, "Junii
ii. , at pp. 108, 109.
" See Fasti Belgici et Burgundici," pp.
272, 393.
I3 In his Benedictine Martyrology.
" in Belgio Adalgisi Apostoli.
** Thus
M. L. "—Bishop Forbes' "Kalendars of Scot- tish Saints," p. 201.
:
Js See "Vies des Saints," tome vi. ,
Second Jour dejuin, p. 371.
l6 The writer of his Acts states
" Hie de transmarinis partibus, de Hibeinia scilicet,
:
June 2. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 17
youth, they took good care to have him indoctrinated with learning, both mundane and sacred. Through the efficacious grace of Him, who rules all hearts, Adalgisus resolved on dedicating himself wholly to the Lord's ser- vice. According to the compiler of our saint's Acts, his brothers were Saints Goban *» and Etho. ,s In the time of our saint flourished the illustrious man
Fursey,
10 said to have been a
Bishop,
20 in the Island of the Hibernian
Scots,
and who devoted himself to the most pious manner of living and to the work of
AlmightyGod. Hedesired,also,tojoinwithhimselfthosecompanions,who
would find the same delight in a religious life, and who had an evident voca- tion for it. Wherefore, Saints Algisus, and his venerable brothers, Etho and
21
when serving God with one heart and mind, full of wisdom and faith, the
Holy Spirit guided them through a course of learning, while they neglected not to study the Sacred Scriptures. With earnestness of purpose and unchang-
ing charity, those pious pupils pursued their meditations on the Divine Law, by day and by night.
When they had remained under his tutelage for a sufficient time, St. Fursey called them to himself, and exhorted them to prepare for the reception of Holy Orders. He advised them, through faith in the Holy Trinity and through the virtue of the Holy Ghost, to receive the Priesthood, and the blessings it conferred, in the name of Him, who rescued them from eternal death. They responded to his exhortations, by yielding obedience, and by receiving the Body and Blood of our Lord, when they were ordained by St. Fursey. This ordinance was duly conferred, according to the ritual, and they returnedtotheirfriends,givingthankstoGod. Thesixthhourofthenight following, which was that of the Sabbath, and while reclining on their beds, as a reward for their pious recollection and vigil, all of those Priests deserved
to hear these words, as if addressed to them by the Lord " Come to me
:
all you who labour and are burdened, and I will refresh you at my heavenly table in my kingdom. " This gave them great consolation, and on the follow-
ing day, which was Sunday, Saints Algisus, with his brothers-german Goban and Etho, as also Eloquius and many others, went to their holy superior, St. Fursey. They related what had occurred in the vision, and they sought his permission to visit the tombs of the Apostles, Peter and Paul, with those of other saints, so that there they might offer vows and prayers. St. Fursey
hearing their narrative gave thanks to God; but, wishing to accompany them, he answered St. Algisus and his companions, with a cheerful countenance:
"Certainly, I shall not give you permission to go, unless I am with you. " Then, having called his brothers St. Ultan 22 and St. Foillan 23 to him, St. Fursey said u My dear brothers, do you wish to seek Christ with
Goban,
as also a
holy
man
Eloquius,
placed
themselves under his
guidance,
me? "
They replied :
" Our father and our wherever we superior, you go,
of
17 His Feast has been '
June.
assigned
to the 20th
when he is said to have visited Rome.
" His Feast is referred to the of 3rd
18
His Festival occurs at the 10th of December.
" His Festival is kept, on the 1st of May,
and the reader is referred to that date, in the Fifth Volume of this work, for his Acts, at Art. iii.
23 His feast is held, on the 30th of Octo- ber.
** This name has been derived from a
T—eutonic source, signifying "noble pledge. "
of Christian
"Dictionary Biography,"
edited by William Smith, LL. D. , and Henry Wace, M. A. , vol. i. , p. 32.
July.
19 The reader is referred to his Life, at the
16th of January, in the First Volume of this work, Art. i.
20
This is a doubtful statement, since neither in his own Acts, nor in the notices of him, by Venerable Bede, is it to be found related. Some think, he might have been ordained as a bishop, before he left Ireland; while others are of opinion, that he might have been consecrated by Pope St. Martin,
:
B
i8r
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 2.
shall follow you. " In like manner, the holy Confessor Algisus or Adalgisus ** called his brothers, Goban, and Etho, with Eloquius, and another godson,
namedCorbican,asalsohisservant,namedRodalgus. Hethenspoketo
them " beloved, let us and follow Christ, and offer ourselves to : Dearly go
:
him as a holocaust. " They replied to him " Be it as you have spoken, O holy
man, who desireth not only to profit yourself, but to have others, especially those so closely related by family ties, and through the exercise of pious
works,asyourcompanions. " Wherefore,askingtheblessingandabsolution of St. Fursey, and commending themselves to the Lord, having obtained such favours, they returned thanks. St. Fursey, in turn, asked their blessing, which he received ; then, in the name and with the peace of God, he went with them to the sea-shore. They embarked on board a ship, while the waves
sailed to a more distant
not stated, save that it was on some part of the French shore. However, they directed their course to Corbei,26 where there was a church,27 dedicated to the honour of the St. Peter and St. 28 in that district
being calm, they
country.
Holy Apostles Paul,
about Amiens,2^ and in which diocese it was situated. There, the pilgrims were
received in a hospitable manner, when they had entered that monastery. 3° Prostrating themselves before the altar of the most blessed Peter, these
" O Lord
who art, who hath been, and who art to be, who hath caused us to pass over
the waves of a tranquil sea, and who hath brought us safely hither, we humbly request thee, O most bountiful Creator, to show us that place destined for eachoneofus,fromthebeginningoftheworld. Amen. " Havingpoured forth this prayer in sighs and in tears, they arose. Embracing each other, they issued from that monastery, and in the cause of Christ, they separated for differentquarters; but,whileabsentingthemselvesthusinbody,thebond of Faith and of Charity united them in soul. Wherefore, to different places of the Gaulish kingdom they went, preaching the Lord's Gospel everywhere, until each arrived at his respective destination. Then, severally addicting themselves to prayers, vigils, and pious exercises, they spent the rest of their days, entirely devoted to God's service.
From the sixth to the seventh century, as ancient chronicles record, many are the holy missionaries of Ireland, who are known to have preached the Gospel in France. It has been groundlessly assumed,31 how- ever, that Adalgisus, from his name, had been a native of Gaul, who became a disciple of an Irish missionary, greatly distinguished in Gaul, during the seventh century. Among St. Fursey's companions, at Lagny, is thought to
devout souls forth their poured
prayer :
God, omnipotent King,
2
s It is the opinion of Father Baert, that
marks, that it was "satis honorifice con- structa. "
St. Algisus preceded St. Fursey to France,
and that after his from departure Ireland,
q8 It was consecrated
here by Berthefroid, Bishop of Amiens,
Fursey went to Sigebert, King of the East
Angles, before the year 636. He thinks, in 662.
with the monastery
there must be an anachronism in the Acts of
St. Adelgisus, who is represented as finding Clodoveus II. at Laon, as he did not begin
to reign in France, until 638. Now, the monastery at Corbei was first founded, ad. 657, in the reign of Clotaire III.
, so that it should be difficult to believe, Algisus could have been entertained there at a much earlier period. For the date of its foundation, Baert
2 » A description of this city, with an illus- tration of the facade of its magnificent cathe- dral, will be found in Elisee Reclus' " Nou- velle
jrefers to Le Cointe, tomus "
3° It must be observed here, that Corbie was founded by Queen Bathilde, during her regency, in the year 657 or 662, and over it she placed St. Theodefroi, a religious of Luxeuil. See an account of it, in M. Maxime de Montrond's " Dictionnaire des Abbayes
et Monasteres,"&c, cols. 222, 223. 3I By Father Francis Baert, S. J.
32 See Rev. Dr. Lanigan's " Ecclesiastical
i. , Conciliorum Gallise," for its charter, which is cited.
lin.
86
This is stated by Molanus and Buce- J7 The author of our saint's Acts here re-
2 s Where landed is they
" tome chap, xii. , sect, iv. , pp. 787 to 789.
Geographie Universale,
ii. ,
June 2. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
19
have been included Adalgisus 32 but, this hardly appears to have been the ;
case, if we follow the old writer of his Life. However, with those holy persons, already alluded to, the blessed Algisus, especially recommending himself to Divine protection, and regarding the destined object of his way, is said to have come to Laon. 33 There, he was reverently welcomed, by King Clodoveus,34 who most generously acceded to a request earnestly preferred, that Algisus and his companions might obtain a suitable place, where they could serve our Lord, in a religious community life. Wherefore, with Cor- bican, Rodald, and Carebert,35 our saint went into a retired place, called Cellula, in the wood of Therascia, or Thierache, 36 in Picardy. This was near Mount-Saint Julian, on the River Oysia, 3 ? or Isara, now the Oyse, which falls into the Seine. There, St. Algisus fixed his staff in the ground, and imme- diately, a clear fountain of water sprung up 38 afterwards, it was known to
;
have cured many persons from their infirmities. 3? When this miracle was
: witnessed, by the holy man, he gave thanks to God, in these words " O
Lord, to thee be all glory. " Two possessed persons came there, who requested Algisius in the name of Christ to deliver them from demoniac influence. For
these, he earnestly prayed on his knees, with an humble and a devout soul, and rising up, he imposed hands on them. Then signing them with a sign of the cross, instantly the Liberator of all, through the merits of our saint, released the afflicted from their miserable bondage. This miracle, wrought before a number of persons, ended in their perfect restoration ; nor was it more than the beginning of wonderful works, whereby the Almighty mani- fested his power, while the fame of Adelgisus increased each day.
The holy man found a suitable site for his habitation, near the miraculous
fountain; and,accordingtothecustomofthatage,beforehebegantobuild,the
founder spent the night in prayer and vigil. When the next day dawned, his servants went to the neighbouring Mount, where they vigorously cut down trees, toservefortheirfuturehabitation. Ofthisproceeding,Adelgisuswasignorant;
but, an Angel of the Lord appeared, in the shape of a dove, and carrying in its bill a leafy branch from the wood. That dove then flew towards the place, destined for them by the Almighty, and full in their presence. The disciples, who had been at work, retired from the Mount, and they followed that dove towards the spot, where their holy superior was engaged at prayer. Here, theyfoundthedove,standingbesidehim. Thediscipleswerefilledwitha reverential awe. Then, Adalgisus rising from prayer took an axe in his hands, to commence his religious foundation. There, the holy Confessor built his church, and he laboured at the work, with his own hands, aided by those of
his disciples. That place was afterwards called Cellula, or
the little monas- God, Algisus,
40 When the house had been
tery. "
History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xvi. , sect. x. , p. 462.
33 This is stated by Molanus and Buce- lin.
34 It seems probable Clovis II. , husband of Queen Eathilde, is here meant, who died
"
in August, 656. See
tian Biography," edited by William Smith, LL. D. , and Henry Wace, M. A. , vol. i. , p. 583.
erected,
35 It seems most
servant of our saint, to whom Baert alludes
Adelgisus.
as a French having
name, he had arrived in France.
pro-
likely,
and who was bably associated -with St. Adelgisus, after
39 According to Molanus and Bucelin.
4° We the Bollandist editor has believe,
mistaken the character of the ccznobium here, as having been a small house to accommodate
Dictionary of Chris-
this is the new rials of St.
" the servant of
36 See " Histoire Literaire de la France," tome vii. , Siecle xi. , p. 190.
37 It is also called Oesia, Esia, and ^sia, bytheoldwriters. SeeBavdrand's"Novum Lexicon Geographicum," tomus i. , pp. 15,
278, 389.
3iJ This was well known, in the time when
the old writer of our saint's Acts lived ; yet, it appears to have been forgotten, when the Bollandists came to treat about the memo-
followers/
Annanus J over the
:
!
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 2.
together with his pious subjects, Corbican, Rodald, and Carebert, settled down, to praise Almighty God, and to proclaim that precious miracle, which
had inaugurated their religious enterprise, as also to thank unceasingly our Lord Jesus Christ, for his bountiful regard, towards these devoted
1
C H APTER II .
RETURN TO PICAKDY—HIS MISSIONARY CAREER— MEMORIALS—CONCLUSION.
When it was known in Ireland, that St. Adelgisus and his companions had taken up their residence at Cellula, certain Irish pilgrims set out with a St.
CERTAIN IRISH DISCIPLES WITH ST. ANNAN COME TO THE MONASTERY OF ST. ADELGISUS—LEGEND OF CORBICAN'S MISSION TO IRELAND, HIS DEATH, AND MIRACULOUS TRANSFER OF HIS BODY TO FRANCE—AUELGISUS VISITS ROME—
and
who exclaimed " Oh how good and pleasing it is for brothers to dwell
in a
they came to that place. There, they were joyously received by St. Adelgisus,
they passed
guided
providential manner,
sea,
together. " Kissing each other, in monastic fashion, they give thanks to the Almighty, and then partaking of food, the travellers rested for that night. When the next day had dawned, the blessed Annanus and his companions with St. Adelgisus and his brethren began to labour earnestly in the service of God. 2
At this time, the holy Priest Adelgisus built a church, in honour of St. Peter and of the other Apostles, and of all the Saints. Having finished its erection, he called his godson Corbican, and he said : "My dearly beloved son, Corbican, it behoves you to go beyond the sea to my country, and to
tell my father, mother, brothers and sisters, what you know regarding our
affairs. Conveytothemthismessage,thattheportionofmyinheritancewhich
remains must be sold, and that the product shall be sent here through you.
This, too, must you state, that never shall they see me more, unless they come
hither; but, you must return to me, for I shall proceed to visit the tombs of
the Apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul, at Rome. " Then, replied Corbican :
;
"
The holy Confessor Adelgisus said to him " Lo if death overtake thee,
My Father, if I should die on the way, what shall become of the treasure? "
:
direct my father and mother to place the treasure by thy side, to cover thee with a waxed linen cloth, and to set thy body in two hides of animals, sewed up on every side;3 afterwards, they shall commit your body to the deep and
"
four of five hermits ; perhaps, it is more holiness of life, suscipiente Madelgario,
likely, they dwelt in separate cells, but living qui postea Sanctus —Vincentius dictus est, "
near ench other, around a church. Hannoniae comiie. " Ilistoria Ecclesias- 41 See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto- tica Gentis Scotorum," tomus i. , lib. i. ,
rum," tomus i. , Junii ii. De S. Adalgiso num. 8, p. 9.
sive Algiso Presbytei o, in Theoracia, Picar- 3 There can be little doubt, that the pre- dise Eegiuncula. Acta S. Algisi, cap. i. , sent is one of those incredible legends, so num. I to 8, pp. 223 to 225. Also, Appen- frequently met with in the Lives of the
dix, num. 22, — 228. 23, p.
•
CHAPTER ii. The Bollandist editor
Baert remarks, that elsewhere he finds no account of a saint so named.
2
Saints
however, there are several
; practices,
u. -ages of past times. In the present case, If we are to credit the statement of the manner of ancient interments is ex-
Dempster, St Adalgisus exercised holy posed,
offices in Belgium, and he was celebrated for 4 Some of these relics are enumerated, in
HIS DEATH AND BURIAL— w
HIS
!
like the present, incidentally alluded to, and which serve to throw some light on the
June 2. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
to Divine guidance, while, I trust to the Lord's clemency, that you shall be brought hither, in a direct course. " The renowned servant of God humbly obeyed the holy Father, and having received his blessing, Corbican set out on his journey. Through Almighty guidance, he came to the sea, which he crossed, and soon he brought the request of Adelgisus to his parents. These were greatly rejoiced, to have a pleasing and an authentic account of their son, and they readily complied with his request to effect the sale of his pro- perty. The proceeds were then given to Corbican, who was to transfer what had been obtained to his holy superior. But, when Corbican prepared for his return to Adelgisus, he began to waste in strength, and finding the chill of death approaching, he called the parents of his superior, and he told them what were the instructions of their son, in such a contingency. They promised toobeythesedirections. Soon,thehappydeathofCorbicantookplace,and while his body lay far from his holy superior, his soul was associated with the choirs of Heaven. Then were his remains covered with the waxed linen, thetrea- sure was placed by his side, and the skins enclosed all; while the parents of Adelgisus, mindful of their son's orders, had the body brought to the sea, where it was committed to the waves, and to the disposition ot Divine Providence. The old—writer of our saint's Acts—after moralizing on these particulars ot the Legend proceedstostate,thatAngelsguidedtheremainsofCorbicanover the sea, until in a direct course they floated onwards, to the place where Adalgisus lived at Cellula. While they were moving against the current of the River Isara, some shepherds on the bank, noticing the floating object and not knowing what it was, left their flocks, and endeavoured to draw it towards them. Yet,theireffortswereinvain; and,whiletheyfollowedtheunknown object to one part of the river, soon it eluded their grasp, by gliding away to another place. This caused them to wonder greatly; but, soon Father Adelgisus, who had a revelation of what had taken place, came to the river's brink. Towards him, instantly, the body of Corbican floated. Filled with thanksgiving, the soul of St. Adelgisus expanded in prayer, and receiving the remainsofhisfaithfuldisciple,theyweresoonbroughttohisoratory. Thetrea- sure was found beside his remains. There, Corbican was religiously interred, hymns and psalms were recited, and all glory was given to God, who had wrought such a stupendous miracle, to manifest the merits of his true servant.
Then, it is stated, that in fulfilment of a purpose he had formed and of a
vow he had long before made, the amiable lover of Christ Adelgisus set out
for Rome, asking Almighty protection on the way, that he might perform an act becoming his zeal and piety. When he arrived in the Eternal City, he went to the Basilica of St. Peter, and there he offered up prayers with great devotion, and tears coursed down his cheeks, when he knelt in the holy places. He desired most earnestly to receive sacred relics, so that he might bring them to that place, where he chose to serve the Almighty. In response to his wishes, he was favoured with a vision, in which the Blessed Apostle of our Lord Peter appeared, and brought him those sacred relics, which he had so eagerly requested. * Having visited the various oratories of the saints in Rome, the holy Priest Adelgisus, commending himself to Almighty protec- tion, prepared for his return. His heart was filled with gratitude for the favours he had received, and therefore he hastened homewards to his cell, where he devoted himself most assiduously to prayer and Divine meditation. There, too, he chastised the body and kept it in subjection, lest while he
the Legend of our saint's Acts, as objects of special veneration.
s Seethe Bollandists' "Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus i. , Junii ii. De S. Adalgisuo sive Algiso Presbytero, in Theoracia Picardise
Regiuncula, cap. ii. , sect. 9 to 16.
22 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 2.
preached to others he should become a castaway. * He spread the Gospel
of Christ throughout the territory of Hannonia, between the Rivers Isara and
6 he banished all traces of towards the middle of Helpra. Thence, idolatry,
the seventh century. He established there the Christian Faith firmly, and hebroughtmanywithinthefoldofHolyChurch. ? Whennotengagedonthe active duties of his mission, the saint spent his time, in prayer, meditation and pious exercises. Thus, was he duly prepared for that final summons from this life, the comforts and seductions of which he had so long abandoned. Theyearofhisdeceaseisnotonrecord; but,itoccurred,probablysometime
8 for his
ture is the 2nd of June. He was interred in the territory of Laon, and his tomb was rendered famous, through the many miracles he wrought, even after death. His remains were at last transferred to and buried in the church of St. Michael,10 which Count Eilbert restored and endowed about the year 970," in the wood of Therascia, and at the instigation of St. Forannan, whose feast
after the middle of the seventh The century.
day assigned
depar-
is celebrated on the of 30th day
April.
12 An arm of St.
Adalgisilus
was
pre-
served in the monastery, called Maricolis, according to Raysius,^ although 1
this matter has been called into question by Father Baert. * According to Molanus, Miraeus, Bucelin, Menard, Dorgan, Saussay, and Wion, the feast of
"
St. Adalgisus is set down, at the 2ndofJune. 15 Also, in the
Menologium
Scoticum,"16 of Thomas Dempster, his festival is on this day. At the same
date, in that anonymous List, published by O'Sullevan Beare, we find Algisus.
This name occurs, likewise, in Henry Fitzsimon's Catalogue, on the autho- rity of Molanus. 1 ? An error has been admitted by Camerarius, 18 who has placedthefestivalofAdalgisus,atthe22ndofJanuary. IntheMartyrology
of the Cathedral Church of the 10 Holy Trinity,
is on 2nd of June.
Dublin,
the feast of St.
Algisus
During the years of his exile, the holy man Adelgisus left his parents, friends, and native country, to live for the sake of Christ, and to hold daily communication with him, in the bonds of a pious brotherhood, while he regarded Heaven as his true country and home. The exchange was only the abandonment of transitory terrestial things for eternal and celestial rewards. His choice was that of the truly wise man, who despises the glit- tering but worthless baubles, which engage the desires and pursuits of mere worldlings, so that called to the end of his mortal career, the glories of
a heavenly Jerusalem dawned on his mental vision, and crowned his hopes of a blissful immortality.
Article II. —Reputed Festival of St. Colman Finn, of Kilclief Parish, Barony of Lecale, County of Down. According to tradition,
6
7 According to Bucelin.
8
According
9 According to Saussay, in his
ologium Gallicanum. "
I4 In his Commentarius Przevius to this saint's Acts, he states, that in a Manuscript
12 Art. i.
According
to Molanus.
to Molanus and Bucelin.
10
to have been established or repaired by St.
Here a Benedictine monastery is said
"
Catalogue
tery, there is no account of this relic, while the record professes to include all the relics there preserved, from A. n. 1586 to 1590.
