Erchinoald
himself was moved by this scene.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v1
When,however,oursaintsaw
those unsought-for gifts and dignities offered for his acceptance, drawing a deep sigh, and lamenting the blind cupidity of the human race for transient things,
"
he thus addressed the king and his nobles :
for all to know, according to the words of Christ, who desires to be venerated in the persons of the poor, that those gifts, which the moth consumeth, and which the rust eateth away or destroyeth, cannot be appropriated by the soldiers and athletes of our Lord Jesus. Let such gifts be presented to men who wander in darkness, and who are captivated by the deceits and snares ofafleetingworld; who,blindedbycarnalpleasures,havenotyetdesired eternal felicity, nor have sighed for its attainment. However, although dwell- ing among you in this valley of tears, and hving in the flesh, we do not desire those riches, so far as human frailty will allow us to despise them.
But if it please the king and his nobles to give us a small spot, whereon to found a monastery, in which we may serve God, for whom we labour, so that we may be able to build it, at your cost; grant it for the salvation of your- selves and of your kindred, and for the benefit of your province. Thus, we may be able to recall some of those who are sitting in the shades of dark- ness and death. We may bring them to the true light, which is the way, the truth and the life. " These, and like words proceeded from the lips
^
By Saxony, however, we must under-
* It seems likely that an identity of name,
time, regal dignity and piety, may have caused the French Sigebert to be confounded
with the English Sigebert, unless, indeed, St. Fursey may have visited both princes, See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae," xvi. Januarii. Vita S. Fursaei, lib. ii. , cap. v. , and n. 5, p. 91. Ako ix. Fcbruarii, n. 19, p. 300.
stand that it lay in that part of Great Britain,
now known as England. Here were the
districts of the Eastern, Southern, and Wes-
tern Saxons as Camden shows in his " Bri-
tannia," p. 75.
3
year 652. See Alford's " Annales Ecclesise
This king is said to have died about the
Anglo-Saxonice," tomus ii. , § v. , pp. 258, 259.
Dearly beloved, it is expedient
January i6. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 273
of this holy man, as outpourings of the Holy Spirit. The king and his nobles unanimously agree to Furse/s petition. They selected a place, near the sea, it was covered with woods ; when all the inhabitants, according to their means
and opportunities, presented offerings, to the servants of God, for their im- mediate and future support. A church also was constructed, in a high style
of art, for the period, both externally and internally. To St. Fursey, some persons gave village property, others offered woodlands ; others again privi- leged him with fish-abounding rivers, while from other donors he received flocks and herds, comprising different kinds of animals. Some grant him
silk ornaments, and materials, woven in various designs, and wrought with gems and gold ; others tender gold and silver vessels, suitable for various offices of the church ; while some again assign their men and women serfs as heritages of the monastery : others resign themselves to the service of God, with all their possessions, having likewise assumed the religious habit, s
A life of our saint,^ supposes the holy man to have remained with Sige- bert. King of Austrasia. While Fursey was beloved by all, who had the honour of his acquaintance, the noble and saintly virgin Gertrude^ manifested a most extraordinary veneration towards him. ^ In her paternal provinces, Flanders, Brabant, Liege and Namur, she constituted Fursey, with his brothers Foillan and Ultan, companions and confidants in those religious enterprises or establishments, which she projected, to advance the progress of true piety. By permission and assistance of King Sigebert, she erected a monastery for these two latter holy men at Fossey,^ in the diocese of Liege. Most critical writers on our saint's acts think, that while intending a visit to Rome, he was honourably received by Clovis, King of France,^" and by the
PatricianArchenald,otherwisecalledErchinoald. " Thekinglearnedfrom Erchinoald, that St. Fursey desired to secure a fixed settlement, where he might collect together so many true servants of God, as could be induced to leave the society of worldlings. ^^ This governor received for answer, Fursey might select in any part of the king's provinces that spot which seemed most conducive for his purpose. ^3 Wherefore, after a careful inspection of many
5 The old writer of our saint's acts amply illustrates the remark of Sir Francis Pal-
iii. , March xvii.
s In those parts of their works already
"
England," where he remarks, that the garding this monastery, built by St. Ger-
grave, in his
History of Normandy and of
alluded to, Molanus and Mirseus treat re-
ancient monastic chroniclers sufficiently manifest their knowledge of sacred Scrip- ture, in frequent quotations from the inspired writings.
^
By Desmay.
7 She was daughter to Pepin of Landen,
first duke of Brabant, and mayor of the palace to the French Austrasian kings. See Rohrbacher's " Histoire Universelle de I'Eglise Catholique," tome X. , liv. xlix. , pp. 253, 254.
^ The religious feeling, entertained by this noble and pious lady for Saints Fursey and his brothers Foillan and Ultan, is alluded to in many passages of her acts and life. These are found, at the 17th of March, in the works of Molanus, Mirseus, Surius, Geldolphus and others, as also in the acts of our saint, and in those of his brothers, St. Foillan, at the 30th of October, and of St. Ultan, at the ist of May. A short notice regarding St. Gertrude occurs in the Rev. Alban Butler's work, "Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and other Principal Saints," vol.
trude, for the use of Irish monks. It was
endowed from her private patrimony. See her complete acts in the Bollandists' "Acta
Sanctorum Martii," tomus ii. , xvii. , Martii, pp. 590 to 602.
'° He was not the first monarch, bearing this name, as king of France, and who died about the year 512, but the second Clovis, who began his reign A D. 648, and died A. D. 663, according to ^milius, or A. D. 665,
"according to Gordonius. Mirseus in his Belgic Chronicle, places the death of Clovis II. , at the year 660.
" As mayor of the—palace, during the minority of Clovis II. about ten years —of age when St. Fursey came to France Erchinoald ruled the kingdoms of Neustria and Burgundy. He was Fursey's chief patron.
de I'Eglise Catholique," tome x. , liv. xlix. , p. 279.
'3 it is stated, in our saint's old acts, that as the patrician desired it, the king issued
Vol. I.
T
" See Rohrbacher's "Histoire Universelle
a 74 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January i6.
places, induced by the pleasing site, salubrity of climate, and commodious position of Latiniacum or Lagny, our saint chose this spot for the erection of a religious establishment. ' This site* was also approved of by three men of good judgment, who travelled with Fursey to this rising ground. 's Having thus obtained this tract of land, Fursey'^ built a monastery, named Latiniacum,'7afterwardsLagny. ^^ Thisplace,wateredbytheMame,*9near Chelles,^° is described as being covered with shady woods,^' and abounding in fruitful vineyards. '^ About the year 644,^3 Fursey is supposed to have founded his establishment here, where he lived in a spot, surrounded by varied and beauteous plains and meadows. Delightful in its situation, and diversified with so many natural advantages and extensive views, this place was chosen by the servant of God for his habitation. It was afterwards honoured by association with him. Here, also, on land acquired for the purpose did he erect three churches. One of these was dedicated to our Divine Saviour ; the second was erected to St. Peter, Prince of the Apos- tles ;^* the third, an unpretending structure, was afterwards dedicated in honour of Saint Fursey himself This latter was distinguished by many miracles, and for various salutary gifts there obtained, to the time of the writer of our saint's old acts. The fame of Lagny became world-wide owing to our saint's celebrity, at the time he dwelt there, and to the glory vouchsafed by the Almighty through the relics of this faithful servant's
When Fursey had spent some time with Sigebert, King of Austrasia, ac- cording to Desmay, at the earnest request of Clovis H. , he went to those provinces, ruled by the latter king. ^^ By Clovis II. he is said to have been received with great demonstrations of love and reverence. Such flattering
an edict in favour of the saint, and to pro- Cellea (lib. ii. , Epist 18), writes to the
cure a suitable spot for his monastery.
'Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae," ix. Februarii. Vita S. Furssei, cap. xvi. ,
pp. 294, 295.
»5 It had greater attractions for the saint,
than any place he had before visited.
'* Le Comte de Montalembert calls hi—m
"
Premiere abbe de Lagny-sur-Mame. " "Les Moines d'Occident," tome ii. , liv. ix. , chap, v. , § iv. , p. 600.
abbot of this monastery. See also, St. Bernard's works (Epist. 230). This monas- tery was repaired by Haribert, Duke of Campania, who was buried there on the
28ih of December, A. D. 993. It is about six leagues from Paris.
'3 See
Colgan's
nise," xvi. Januarii. Vita S. Fursaei, p. 27. Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical History of
Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xvi. , § ix. , p. 459.
28.
xxvi. , A. D. 644, p. 388.
'' The old acts
" Histoire
this
hanc a nostra incursione latere Deus voluerit. " Hence, we are to infer, that the name Latiniacum was given from its re-
livre Mabillon's " Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," vol. i. , lib. xiii. , §
"
say, regarding
name,
Fleury's xxxviii. , §
Ecclesiastique,"
qualiter
mote or retired position. ^*
''
'8 "
Claudius Robert, in the Gallia Chris-
tiana," when treating on the French abbeys, thus mentions this monastery of Lagny, in the diocese of Paris, belonging to the Bene- dictine Order: "Latiniacum, Lagney, Dice- cesis Parisiensis in Archidiaconatus Brise, ordinis Benedictini. "
'9 This river abounded in fish.
Saint Pierre est une fameuse Abbaye de Benedictins de la Congregation de Saint Maur, fondee dans le septieme siecl—e par
** Here the virtuous Queen Bathilde
lived in religious retirement. See Anquetil's
" Histoire de France. " Premiere Race dite XXXV
des Merovingiens, § v. , p. 53.
" The situation was retired, and the
temperature of the air was considered healthful.
" At the years 640, 648, this abbey is treated of by Sigebert, Gulielmus Nanguis, Baronius, Aymon (lib. I, cap. 18). Petrus
, p. **
" Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
Saint Furcy Gentil-homme Ecossois. "
La-
Force's " Nouvelle Description de la
France," tome ii. , p. 329. The Mauribt
Fathers have greatly enriched the Church by the learned ecclesiastical and historical works they have edited.
*5 Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae," xvi. Januarii. Vita S. Fursaei, lib. i. , cap.
82.
In the second book of our saint's older
acts, as published by Colgan, Fursey is said to have left Sigebert, King of the East
Angles, that he might escape men's notice, by retiring to a place, where he should be less noted. This intention, however, be- coming known to Clovis, King of France,
January i6. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
275
attentions, however, did not prevent him from reproving certain vices, which
were found to prevail in the court. He had the candour to admonish the
king, respecting his duties and those dangers that threatened him. Fursey
likewise exhorted the courtier bishops, with great earnestness, regarding
charges they had assumed in the Lord's vineyard, and the necessity imposed on them for labouring in his service. Not only for his zeal in giving warn-
ings, but chiefly owing to his own example, our saint was greatly esteemed by allpersons. EspeciallywashereverencedbyErchanoald,^? orasheiscalled Ercembaldus,^'^orErchinoaldus. ^9 Thisman,aMajor-domo^^°inthecourt of Clovis, presided with such moderation and justice, that he was looked upon as a common father to all who were subject to his administration. In- viting Fursey to his house, at a place named Perrone,3' to baptise his infant son, the saint complied with this request. 33 After the child's baptism, Fursey earnestly entreated the Patrician to liberate from a public prison of that city, six men, who had been condemned to death. On account of their atrocious crimes, Erchinoald declared, that it was not in his power to pardon them. Then Fursey besought the Almighty to take their case into favourable con- sideration. His prayer was not offered in vain, for he procured their libera- tion. Grateful for their release, these men went to return thanks to our saint. They found him sitting at table with Erchinoald. They humbly and peni- tently acknowledged him as the procurer of their liberty.
Erchinoald himself was moved by this scene. Falling at the feet of Fursey, he asked pardon for refusing at first to comply with the petition offered for their amnesty. 3' Our saint's fame and miracles were daily spread abroad, while he remained at Perrone. Various infirm persons were brought to him. All who besought the prayers of this holy man returned to their homes healed from several diseases.
At this time, we are told, about a certain chapel dedicated to the Apos- tles, Peter and Paul. It was situated on the top of a mountain, called Cignes, at Perrone. In Desmay's time, the church of St. Fursey stood on this same spot. Here, the holy man caused the relics of St. Beodan and of
St. Meldan,34 which he had brought with him from Ireland, to be deposited. For these saints, Fursey had always conceived the greatest veneration. In
40, this place is spoken of as "villa quae vocaturPerona. " TowhichColganappends a note, in which he observes ; that the writer calls distinguished cities by the name of villas.
^^ Such permission the king granted, on condition, that the saint should return to
him, as soon as possible. He added, if our saint saw or heard about anything which pleased him in the kingdom, he should most certainly obtain it on asking : the king like- wise expressing a great desire that he would settle within his territories. Fursey and Erchenald then proceeded towards the house of this latter, where the baptism took place. There Fursey received many proofs of that estimation in which he was uni- versally held. See Colgan's "Acta Sanc- torum Hibernioe," xvi. Januarii. Vita S. Fursaji, lib. ii. , cap. vii. , pp. 84, 85.
33 The old writer states, that Fursey's s" He is also called Constable of France good offices brought consolation to all
and to his patrician, Erchenold, they caused a search to be made for him, in all those
places where most likely he might be found. Orders were given, that he should
be honourably received, and conducted to the royal palace. Here, our saint spoke on the duties of a temporal sovereign, for
some days. He declared, that a great and honourable reward awaited the king who
governed his subjects well in this world, and that the pains of hell were reserved for one transgressing those exalted duties as- signed to him by the Almighty. For the more elevated is the rank of bad kings, the more grievous should be their misfortunes.
"7 Tims named by Sigebert, in his chroni- cle.
"* By Paulus ^milius, he is so deno- minated, in his work, " De Gestis Franco- rum," lib. i.
"9 By Vespergensis.
by Paulus ^milius, and a Patrician, in the old legend of Perrone.
afflicted persons,
34 This St. Meldan had been the guardian
and spiritual father of our saint. Perhaps
3' In the old acts of our saint, lib. i. , cap.
276 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January i6.
the seventeenth century, the exact place in which their precious remains had been laid was unknown at Perrone, owing to lapse of time, or to the neglect of preceding generations. 3S In this chapel, St. Fursey was accustomed fre-
quently to spend whole nights in vigil and prayer. Such sweet communings with God, he felt could not be enjoyed in the society of men. Wherefore he wished to repose here after death.
In the old acts of our saint the writer tells us, that the Almighty was
pleased to manifest His power in a gift of miracles, which had been granted tothemeritsofthisapostolicman. s^ ForwhenFurseystruckhisstaffintothe dry soil, near the site of the monastery built at Lagny, a clear and beautiful fountain sprang up. This well flowed without cessation. Many instances occurred of persons being healed from diseases at its waters. 37 Many other blessings were bestowed on pilgrims, through graces conferred on the holy man, and through the omnipotent power of God, down to that time when the wTiter of the old acts lived. Some of those wonders the ^vriter promised to relate, when he should come to a description of miracles wTought by the Divine power, in favour of this saint so pleasing in God's sight.
Some occurred after St. Fursey had been translated to heaven. And in the seventeenth century, the well of Lagny not only served for monastic wants, but even for those of extems. It was a popular belief, that all persons affected with particular diseases should be healed on washing themselves in the water of this spring, having at the same time a devout trust in the saving powerofAlmightyGod. NottospeakofmanyotherwonderswToughtat Lagny, whilst our saint resided there, the old \\Titer of his acts recounts that signal interposition of Divine mercy on behalf of two palsied persons, who recovered their strength when he made a sign of the cross over them. In commemoration of this miracle, when Desmay wrote, an office was recited in Perrone church, containing an antiphon, commencing with these words, Duo energumeni. ^^
It would be more easy to conceive than to describe the great piety, charity, hospitality and desire of perfection which existed, in this school of all virtues, under St. Fursey's spiritual rule. On a certain day, having re- ceived an admonition from the angel of the Lord, that a holy servant of God, St. Hilduertus,39 the first disciple-*" of St. Pharaon,*' and afterwards Bishop of Melden, had been returning from a Roman pilgrimage, Fursey set out to meethim. Althoughbothsaintshadneverbeforeseeneachother,yetwhen they approached even at some distance, there was a mutual recognition.
While St. Fursey was advancing along the way, and when in sight, he was ac-
costed by St. Hildeuertus, who pronounced these words with a loud voice :
" May the Lord preserve you from all evil ; may He preserve your soul. "
To which St. " Fursey replied :
May
the Lord in and com- guard your going
the town of Melden in France may have been bemise," xvi. Januarii. Vita S. Furssei, called after this Irish saint, as it lay near lib. i. , cap. xxxvi. , p. 82. And ibid. . Vita
Lagny.
33 According to Desmay.
3* Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae,"
S. Fursaei, cap. xvii. , p. 295.
39 Wion, in his " Lignum Vitae," and
Menard, in the Benedictine Martyrology, xvi. Januarii. Vita S. Fursaei, lib. ii. , cap. treat about this saint, at the 26th of May.
ix. , p. 85.
37 "On voit au milieu de la
40 This miracle, recorded by Desmay,
de Lagny une belle fontaine dont I'eau est ex-
must have taken when St. Hilduertus place
place
cellente at coule abondamment, on dit que Hibernise," ix. Februarii. Vita S. Furssei,
Dieu I'accorda aux ferventes de Saint
n. 26,
*• p. 300.
In the r. otes of Baronius to the Roman
Martyrology at the 28th of October, St. Pharo is said to have lived to A. D. 686.
—
La Force's
" prieres Nouvelle Descrip-
Furcy. "
tion de la France," tome ii. , p. 329.
3" See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hi-
was a young man. See " Acta Sanctorum
January i6. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 277
ing out, now and for ever. " Such was the celebrity of Lagny, that the good repute of its sanctified religious filled the whole of France ; and the piety of the Galhc nobility would not allow its monks to want means necessary for their support. All the ornaments requisite for Divine worship were supplied ingreatnumber. Oftheseornaments,asinglevenerablereliconlyremained in the sixteenth century. This was a chasuble, in which the servant of God hadbeenaccustomedtocelebratetheDivineMysteries. '*^ Wemaywellcon- ceive, it was preserved with special veneration.
CHAPTER VIII.
ST. FURSEY ESTABLISHES A BRANCH OF HIS INSTITUTE AT PERRONE—THE FAME OF OUR SAINT BECOMES GREATLY EXTENDED—ST. EMILIAN AND A BAND OF IRISH MONKS JOIN HIM—ST. FURSEY MEDITATES A JOURNEY TO ENGLAND—HE TAKES ILL, AND DIES AT MACIERES OR MAZEROELLES—DUKE HAYMON BEHOLDS HIM IN AN APPARITION—CONTENTION FOR THE SAINT'S REMAINS—FURSEY IS BURIED AT PERRONE—THE YEAR AND DAY OF HIS DEATH—NOTICES IN THE CALENDARS —WORKS ATTRIBUTED TO HIM—HIS DISCIPLES—HONOURS PAID TO HIS MEMORY IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES—CONCLUSION.
The virtues and miracles of Fursey were duly reported to Erchinoald.
Moved by his love towards our saint, and by those manifestations of
Almighty power in Furse/s behalf at Lagny, the Patrician felt grateful to the
Omnipotent for having distinguished this particular part of France. He returned special thanks to Heaven, on occasion of a visit paid to our saint.
This lasted some days, during which time the governor disclosed the earnest wish of his heart. It was included in a request that our saint should return
to Perrone, where he might erect a magnificent religious establishment, near the castle, and thus sanctify the place with his constant presence. The
Patrician also declared, he would perpetually grant for use whateve/spot might suit him, and Erchinoald intended that his own body should be buried there after his death, if the Almighty so willed it. On hearing such wishes expressed by the Patrician, Fursey prepared to second them with great zeal and pleasure. He then and there confirmed' this Patrician, it is said, and sent him back to his habitation, rejoicing greatly for the blessings he received, and the successful issue of his suit. Having obtained our saint's assent to build a house at Perrone, for the religious at Lagny, Erchinoald had the further happiness of hearing from the lips of Fursey, that he wished to end his days at the former place.
The mayor of King Clovis then began a simultaneous erection of two
houses at Perrone. =^ One of these was built on the mountain of Cignes, near his own castle, and in connection with the chapel of the
^ tells that two ——most Patricium illico
Desmay us, caps are, "Qui confirmans,"
probably belonging to our saint having etc. Whether we are to infer, from this
religious
been preserved for nine centuries, with the greatest reverence, only a short time before he wrote had been destroyed through the fanaticism of the Calvinists. These impious men committed them to the flames, lest their remote antiquity should reproach the modern
innovations of —their own
'
passage, or not, that Fursey conferred the sacrament of confirmation on Erchinoald may admit of question. An affirmative of this supposition, if well established, would seem to determine the disputed point of our saint having been consecrated bishop.
^ to in his Life of St. According Desmay,
Fursey.
sect. Chap. viii. The words in the old acts
particular
2 78 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January i6.
Apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul. This latter was aften\'ards converted into a collegiate church. Another monastery was erected over his castle, at a place called Mount St. Quintin. 3 When the work had been completed, St. Fursey received an admonition to that effect from Erchinoald, with a request that some Benedictine monks should be sent thither. Wishing to gratify this pious desire, our saint set out for Perrone, having certain monks of Lagny accompanying him. It is said that St. Ultan, with some religious men, had been ordered by his brother to Perrone, and that both brothers met there. However, this latter statement of Desmay is quite improbable, foritseemsaltogetherirreconcilablewiththebestaccounts. Itisdoubtfulif Ultan visited France, during the lifetime of St. Fursey.
While he resided at Lagny, Fursey consecrated all his powers of soul
and body to the Almighty's service. Thus the fame of this invincible
athlete of Christ was greatly extolled, not only throughout France,* but also
among the Saxons. It was specially diffused among the Irish, who rejoiced in the piety of their illustrious countryman. Some left their own island, to
have personal cognizance of his missionary labours, and to share in them. Among these was St. yEmihan,5 who had been distinguished for a pious simplicity of character, and who is said to have been instructed by St.
Fursey, before this latter left Ireland. Emilian,*^ taking some religious
persons with him, resolved to seek again the beloved countenance of his
master, and the edification derivable from his increased sanctity. At length,
after wandering for some time with this devoted band of Irish monks, he
came to Lagny. Here they found that rumour had not exaggerated the
virtues of our saint. By Fursey they were joyfully received, and trained in
the practice of religious perfection. Some time afterwards, knowing by in-
spiration that the time of his death was approaching, St. Fursey resolved on
visiting and consoling his distant religious children. Wherefore, being
assured from a previous knowledge, and from his present dispositions, that St. . ^milian must prove a worthy successor at Lagny, our saint committed
the government of that abbey to him. 7 It is said, that while St. Fursey often enjoyed the society of his munificent patron, Eachinoald, he was obliged also to visit occasionally the pious Queen Baltide,^ who became a religious at Chelles, which was not far distant from his monastery.
The brothers of St. Fursey were yet in England, and he resolved to pay
them a visit, more for the purpose of contributing to that good, which they had effected in the field of his former labours, than from any desire of
ministering to his own gratification. 9
3 According to an old MS. , belonging to the monastery of Mount St. Quintin, St. Eligius, Bishop of Noyon, consecrated this church. His feast occurs on the 1st of December.
On his way thither, he arrived at the
clesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xvi. , sec. x. , p. 461, and n. 89, p. 462.
'See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nise," xvi. Januarii.
those unsought-for gifts and dignities offered for his acceptance, drawing a deep sigh, and lamenting the blind cupidity of the human race for transient things,
"
he thus addressed the king and his nobles :
for all to know, according to the words of Christ, who desires to be venerated in the persons of the poor, that those gifts, which the moth consumeth, and which the rust eateth away or destroyeth, cannot be appropriated by the soldiers and athletes of our Lord Jesus. Let such gifts be presented to men who wander in darkness, and who are captivated by the deceits and snares ofafleetingworld; who,blindedbycarnalpleasures,havenotyetdesired eternal felicity, nor have sighed for its attainment. However, although dwell- ing among you in this valley of tears, and hving in the flesh, we do not desire those riches, so far as human frailty will allow us to despise them.
But if it please the king and his nobles to give us a small spot, whereon to found a monastery, in which we may serve God, for whom we labour, so that we may be able to build it, at your cost; grant it for the salvation of your- selves and of your kindred, and for the benefit of your province. Thus, we may be able to recall some of those who are sitting in the shades of dark- ness and death. We may bring them to the true light, which is the way, the truth and the life. " These, and like words proceeded from the lips
^
By Saxony, however, we must under-
* It seems likely that an identity of name,
time, regal dignity and piety, may have caused the French Sigebert to be confounded
with the English Sigebert, unless, indeed, St. Fursey may have visited both princes, See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae," xvi. Januarii. Vita S. Fursaei, lib. ii. , cap. v. , and n. 5, p. 91. Ako ix. Fcbruarii, n. 19, p. 300.
stand that it lay in that part of Great Britain,
now known as England. Here were the
districts of the Eastern, Southern, and Wes-
tern Saxons as Camden shows in his " Bri-
tannia," p. 75.
3
year 652. See Alford's " Annales Ecclesise
This king is said to have died about the
Anglo-Saxonice," tomus ii. , § v. , pp. 258, 259.
Dearly beloved, it is expedient
January i6. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 273
of this holy man, as outpourings of the Holy Spirit. The king and his nobles unanimously agree to Furse/s petition. They selected a place, near the sea, it was covered with woods ; when all the inhabitants, according to their means
and opportunities, presented offerings, to the servants of God, for their im- mediate and future support. A church also was constructed, in a high style
of art, for the period, both externally and internally. To St. Fursey, some persons gave village property, others offered woodlands ; others again privi- leged him with fish-abounding rivers, while from other donors he received flocks and herds, comprising different kinds of animals. Some grant him
silk ornaments, and materials, woven in various designs, and wrought with gems and gold ; others tender gold and silver vessels, suitable for various offices of the church ; while some again assign their men and women serfs as heritages of the monastery : others resign themselves to the service of God, with all their possessions, having likewise assumed the religious habit, s
A life of our saint,^ supposes the holy man to have remained with Sige- bert. King of Austrasia. While Fursey was beloved by all, who had the honour of his acquaintance, the noble and saintly virgin Gertrude^ manifested a most extraordinary veneration towards him. ^ In her paternal provinces, Flanders, Brabant, Liege and Namur, she constituted Fursey, with his brothers Foillan and Ultan, companions and confidants in those religious enterprises or establishments, which she projected, to advance the progress of true piety. By permission and assistance of King Sigebert, she erected a monastery for these two latter holy men at Fossey,^ in the diocese of Liege. Most critical writers on our saint's acts think, that while intending a visit to Rome, he was honourably received by Clovis, King of France,^" and by the
PatricianArchenald,otherwisecalledErchinoald. " Thekinglearnedfrom Erchinoald, that St. Fursey desired to secure a fixed settlement, where he might collect together so many true servants of God, as could be induced to leave the society of worldlings. ^^ This governor received for answer, Fursey might select in any part of the king's provinces that spot which seemed most conducive for his purpose. ^3 Wherefore, after a careful inspection of many
5 The old writer of our saint's acts amply illustrates the remark of Sir Francis Pal-
iii. , March xvii.
s In those parts of their works already
"
England," where he remarks, that the garding this monastery, built by St. Ger-
grave, in his
History of Normandy and of
alluded to, Molanus and Mirseus treat re-
ancient monastic chroniclers sufficiently manifest their knowledge of sacred Scrip- ture, in frequent quotations from the inspired writings.
^
By Desmay.
7 She was daughter to Pepin of Landen,
first duke of Brabant, and mayor of the palace to the French Austrasian kings. See Rohrbacher's " Histoire Universelle de I'Eglise Catholique," tome X. , liv. xlix. , pp. 253, 254.
^ The religious feeling, entertained by this noble and pious lady for Saints Fursey and his brothers Foillan and Ultan, is alluded to in many passages of her acts and life. These are found, at the 17th of March, in the works of Molanus, Mirseus, Surius, Geldolphus and others, as also in the acts of our saint, and in those of his brothers, St. Foillan, at the 30th of October, and of St. Ultan, at the ist of May. A short notice regarding St. Gertrude occurs in the Rev. Alban Butler's work, "Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and other Principal Saints," vol.
trude, for the use of Irish monks. It was
endowed from her private patrimony. See her complete acts in the Bollandists' "Acta
Sanctorum Martii," tomus ii. , xvii. , Martii, pp. 590 to 602.
'° He was not the first monarch, bearing this name, as king of France, and who died about the year 512, but the second Clovis, who began his reign A D. 648, and died A. D. 663, according to ^milius, or A. D. 665,
"according to Gordonius. Mirseus in his Belgic Chronicle, places the death of Clovis II. , at the year 660.
" As mayor of the—palace, during the minority of Clovis II. about ten years —of age when St. Fursey came to France Erchinoald ruled the kingdoms of Neustria and Burgundy. He was Fursey's chief patron.
de I'Eglise Catholique," tome x. , liv. xlix. , p. 279.
'3 it is stated, in our saint's old acts, that as the patrician desired it, the king issued
Vol. I.
T
" See Rohrbacher's "Histoire Universelle
a 74 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January i6.
places, induced by the pleasing site, salubrity of climate, and commodious position of Latiniacum or Lagny, our saint chose this spot for the erection of a religious establishment. ' This site* was also approved of by three men of good judgment, who travelled with Fursey to this rising ground. 's Having thus obtained this tract of land, Fursey'^ built a monastery, named Latiniacum,'7afterwardsLagny. ^^ Thisplace,wateredbytheMame,*9near Chelles,^° is described as being covered with shady woods,^' and abounding in fruitful vineyards. '^ About the year 644,^3 Fursey is supposed to have founded his establishment here, where he lived in a spot, surrounded by varied and beauteous plains and meadows. Delightful in its situation, and diversified with so many natural advantages and extensive views, this place was chosen by the servant of God for his habitation. It was afterwards honoured by association with him. Here, also, on land acquired for the purpose did he erect three churches. One of these was dedicated to our Divine Saviour ; the second was erected to St. Peter, Prince of the Apos- tles ;^* the third, an unpretending structure, was afterwards dedicated in honour of Saint Fursey himself This latter was distinguished by many miracles, and for various salutary gifts there obtained, to the time of the writer of our saint's old acts. The fame of Lagny became world-wide owing to our saint's celebrity, at the time he dwelt there, and to the glory vouchsafed by the Almighty through the relics of this faithful servant's
When Fursey had spent some time with Sigebert, King of Austrasia, ac- cording to Desmay, at the earnest request of Clovis H. , he went to those provinces, ruled by the latter king. ^^ By Clovis II. he is said to have been received with great demonstrations of love and reverence. Such flattering
an edict in favour of the saint, and to pro- Cellea (lib. ii. , Epist 18), writes to the
cure a suitable spot for his monastery.
'Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae," ix. Februarii. Vita S. Furssei, cap. xvi. ,
pp. 294, 295.
»5 It had greater attractions for the saint,
than any place he had before visited.
'* Le Comte de Montalembert calls hi—m
"
Premiere abbe de Lagny-sur-Mame. " "Les Moines d'Occident," tome ii. , liv. ix. , chap, v. , § iv. , p. 600.
abbot of this monastery. See also, St. Bernard's works (Epist. 230). This monas- tery was repaired by Haribert, Duke of Campania, who was buried there on the
28ih of December, A. D. 993. It is about six leagues from Paris.
'3 See
Colgan's
nise," xvi. Januarii. Vita S. Fursaei, p. 27. Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical History of
Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xvi. , § ix. , p. 459.
28.
xxvi. , A. D. 644, p. 388.
'' The old acts
" Histoire
this
hanc a nostra incursione latere Deus voluerit. " Hence, we are to infer, that the name Latiniacum was given from its re-
livre Mabillon's " Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," vol. i. , lib. xiii. , §
"
say, regarding
name,
Fleury's xxxviii. , §
Ecclesiastique,"
qualiter
mote or retired position. ^*
''
'8 "
Claudius Robert, in the Gallia Chris-
tiana," when treating on the French abbeys, thus mentions this monastery of Lagny, in the diocese of Paris, belonging to the Bene- dictine Order: "Latiniacum, Lagney, Dice- cesis Parisiensis in Archidiaconatus Brise, ordinis Benedictini. "
'9 This river abounded in fish.
Saint Pierre est une fameuse Abbaye de Benedictins de la Congregation de Saint Maur, fondee dans le septieme siecl—e par
** Here the virtuous Queen Bathilde
lived in religious retirement. See Anquetil's
" Histoire de France. " Premiere Race dite XXXV
des Merovingiens, § v. , p. 53.
" The situation was retired, and the
temperature of the air was considered healthful.
" At the years 640, 648, this abbey is treated of by Sigebert, Gulielmus Nanguis, Baronius, Aymon (lib. I, cap. 18). Petrus
, p. **
" Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
Saint Furcy Gentil-homme Ecossois. "
La-
Force's " Nouvelle Description de la
France," tome ii. , p. 329. The Mauribt
Fathers have greatly enriched the Church by the learned ecclesiastical and historical works they have edited.
*5 Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae," xvi. Januarii. Vita S. Fursaei, lib. i. , cap.
82.
In the second book of our saint's older
acts, as published by Colgan, Fursey is said to have left Sigebert, King of the East
Angles, that he might escape men's notice, by retiring to a place, where he should be less noted. This intention, however, be- coming known to Clovis, King of France,
January i6. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
275
attentions, however, did not prevent him from reproving certain vices, which
were found to prevail in the court. He had the candour to admonish the
king, respecting his duties and those dangers that threatened him. Fursey
likewise exhorted the courtier bishops, with great earnestness, regarding
charges they had assumed in the Lord's vineyard, and the necessity imposed on them for labouring in his service. Not only for his zeal in giving warn-
ings, but chiefly owing to his own example, our saint was greatly esteemed by allpersons. EspeciallywashereverencedbyErchanoald,^? orasheiscalled Ercembaldus,^'^orErchinoaldus. ^9 Thisman,aMajor-domo^^°inthecourt of Clovis, presided with such moderation and justice, that he was looked upon as a common father to all who were subject to his administration. In- viting Fursey to his house, at a place named Perrone,3' to baptise his infant son, the saint complied with this request. 33 After the child's baptism, Fursey earnestly entreated the Patrician to liberate from a public prison of that city, six men, who had been condemned to death. On account of their atrocious crimes, Erchinoald declared, that it was not in his power to pardon them. Then Fursey besought the Almighty to take their case into favourable con- sideration. His prayer was not offered in vain, for he procured their libera- tion. Grateful for their release, these men went to return thanks to our saint. They found him sitting at table with Erchinoald. They humbly and peni- tently acknowledged him as the procurer of their liberty.
Erchinoald himself was moved by this scene. Falling at the feet of Fursey, he asked pardon for refusing at first to comply with the petition offered for their amnesty. 3' Our saint's fame and miracles were daily spread abroad, while he remained at Perrone. Various infirm persons were brought to him. All who besought the prayers of this holy man returned to their homes healed from several diseases.
At this time, we are told, about a certain chapel dedicated to the Apos- tles, Peter and Paul. It was situated on the top of a mountain, called Cignes, at Perrone. In Desmay's time, the church of St. Fursey stood on this same spot. Here, the holy man caused the relics of St. Beodan and of
St. Meldan,34 which he had brought with him from Ireland, to be deposited. For these saints, Fursey had always conceived the greatest veneration. In
40, this place is spoken of as "villa quae vocaturPerona. " TowhichColganappends a note, in which he observes ; that the writer calls distinguished cities by the name of villas.
^^ Such permission the king granted, on condition, that the saint should return to
him, as soon as possible. He added, if our saint saw or heard about anything which pleased him in the kingdom, he should most certainly obtain it on asking : the king like- wise expressing a great desire that he would settle within his territories. Fursey and Erchenald then proceeded towards the house of this latter, where the baptism took place. There Fursey received many proofs of that estimation in which he was uni- versally held. See Colgan's "Acta Sanc- torum Hibernioe," xvi. Januarii. Vita S. Fursaji, lib. ii. , cap. vii. , pp. 84, 85.
33 The old writer states, that Fursey's s" He is also called Constable of France good offices brought consolation to all
and to his patrician, Erchenold, they caused a search to be made for him, in all those
places where most likely he might be found. Orders were given, that he should
be honourably received, and conducted to the royal palace. Here, our saint spoke on the duties of a temporal sovereign, for
some days. He declared, that a great and honourable reward awaited the king who
governed his subjects well in this world, and that the pains of hell were reserved for one transgressing those exalted duties as- signed to him by the Almighty. For the more elevated is the rank of bad kings, the more grievous should be their misfortunes.
"7 Tims named by Sigebert, in his chroni- cle.
"* By Paulus ^milius, he is so deno- minated, in his work, " De Gestis Franco- rum," lib. i.
"9 By Vespergensis.
by Paulus ^milius, and a Patrician, in the old legend of Perrone.
afflicted persons,
34 This St. Meldan had been the guardian
and spiritual father of our saint. Perhaps
3' In the old acts of our saint, lib. i. , cap.
276 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January i6.
the seventeenth century, the exact place in which their precious remains had been laid was unknown at Perrone, owing to lapse of time, or to the neglect of preceding generations. 3S In this chapel, St. Fursey was accustomed fre-
quently to spend whole nights in vigil and prayer. Such sweet communings with God, he felt could not be enjoyed in the society of men. Wherefore he wished to repose here after death.
In the old acts of our saint the writer tells us, that the Almighty was
pleased to manifest His power in a gift of miracles, which had been granted tothemeritsofthisapostolicman. s^ ForwhenFurseystruckhisstaffintothe dry soil, near the site of the monastery built at Lagny, a clear and beautiful fountain sprang up. This well flowed without cessation. Many instances occurred of persons being healed from diseases at its waters. 37 Many other blessings were bestowed on pilgrims, through graces conferred on the holy man, and through the omnipotent power of God, down to that time when the wTiter of the old acts lived. Some of those wonders the ^vriter promised to relate, when he should come to a description of miracles wTought by the Divine power, in favour of this saint so pleasing in God's sight.
Some occurred after St. Fursey had been translated to heaven. And in the seventeenth century, the well of Lagny not only served for monastic wants, but even for those of extems. It was a popular belief, that all persons affected with particular diseases should be healed on washing themselves in the water of this spring, having at the same time a devout trust in the saving powerofAlmightyGod. NottospeakofmanyotherwonderswToughtat Lagny, whilst our saint resided there, the old \\Titer of his acts recounts that signal interposition of Divine mercy on behalf of two palsied persons, who recovered their strength when he made a sign of the cross over them. In commemoration of this miracle, when Desmay wrote, an office was recited in Perrone church, containing an antiphon, commencing with these words, Duo energumeni. ^^
It would be more easy to conceive than to describe the great piety, charity, hospitality and desire of perfection which existed, in this school of all virtues, under St. Fursey's spiritual rule. On a certain day, having re- ceived an admonition from the angel of the Lord, that a holy servant of God, St. Hilduertus,39 the first disciple-*" of St. Pharaon,*' and afterwards Bishop of Melden, had been returning from a Roman pilgrimage, Fursey set out to meethim. Althoughbothsaintshadneverbeforeseeneachother,yetwhen they approached even at some distance, there was a mutual recognition.
While St. Fursey was advancing along the way, and when in sight, he was ac-
costed by St. Hildeuertus, who pronounced these words with a loud voice :
" May the Lord preserve you from all evil ; may He preserve your soul. "
To which St. " Fursey replied :
May
the Lord in and com- guard your going
the town of Melden in France may have been bemise," xvi. Januarii. Vita S. Furssei, called after this Irish saint, as it lay near lib. i. , cap. xxxvi. , p. 82. And ibid. . Vita
Lagny.
33 According to Desmay.
3* Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibemiae,"
S. Fursaei, cap. xvii. , p. 295.
39 Wion, in his " Lignum Vitae," and
Menard, in the Benedictine Martyrology, xvi. Januarii. Vita S. Fursaei, lib. ii. , cap. treat about this saint, at the 26th of May.
ix. , p. 85.
37 "On voit au milieu de la
40 This miracle, recorded by Desmay,
de Lagny une belle fontaine dont I'eau est ex-
must have taken when St. Hilduertus place
place
cellente at coule abondamment, on dit que Hibernise," ix. Februarii. Vita S. Furssei,
Dieu I'accorda aux ferventes de Saint
n. 26,
*• p. 300.
In the r. otes of Baronius to the Roman
Martyrology at the 28th of October, St. Pharo is said to have lived to A. D. 686.
—
La Force's
" prieres Nouvelle Descrip-
Furcy. "
tion de la France," tome ii. , p. 329.
3" See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hi-
was a young man. See " Acta Sanctorum
January i6. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 277
ing out, now and for ever. " Such was the celebrity of Lagny, that the good repute of its sanctified religious filled the whole of France ; and the piety of the Galhc nobility would not allow its monks to want means necessary for their support. All the ornaments requisite for Divine worship were supplied ingreatnumber. Oftheseornaments,asinglevenerablereliconlyremained in the sixteenth century. This was a chasuble, in which the servant of God hadbeenaccustomedtocelebratetheDivineMysteries. '*^ Wemaywellcon- ceive, it was preserved with special veneration.
CHAPTER VIII.
ST. FURSEY ESTABLISHES A BRANCH OF HIS INSTITUTE AT PERRONE—THE FAME OF OUR SAINT BECOMES GREATLY EXTENDED—ST. EMILIAN AND A BAND OF IRISH MONKS JOIN HIM—ST. FURSEY MEDITATES A JOURNEY TO ENGLAND—HE TAKES ILL, AND DIES AT MACIERES OR MAZEROELLES—DUKE HAYMON BEHOLDS HIM IN AN APPARITION—CONTENTION FOR THE SAINT'S REMAINS—FURSEY IS BURIED AT PERRONE—THE YEAR AND DAY OF HIS DEATH—NOTICES IN THE CALENDARS —WORKS ATTRIBUTED TO HIM—HIS DISCIPLES—HONOURS PAID TO HIS MEMORY IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES—CONCLUSION.
The virtues and miracles of Fursey were duly reported to Erchinoald.
Moved by his love towards our saint, and by those manifestations of
Almighty power in Furse/s behalf at Lagny, the Patrician felt grateful to the
Omnipotent for having distinguished this particular part of France. He returned special thanks to Heaven, on occasion of a visit paid to our saint.
This lasted some days, during which time the governor disclosed the earnest wish of his heart. It was included in a request that our saint should return
to Perrone, where he might erect a magnificent religious establishment, near the castle, and thus sanctify the place with his constant presence. The
Patrician also declared, he would perpetually grant for use whateve/spot might suit him, and Erchinoald intended that his own body should be buried there after his death, if the Almighty so willed it. On hearing such wishes expressed by the Patrician, Fursey prepared to second them with great zeal and pleasure. He then and there confirmed' this Patrician, it is said, and sent him back to his habitation, rejoicing greatly for the blessings he received, and the successful issue of his suit. Having obtained our saint's assent to build a house at Perrone, for the religious at Lagny, Erchinoald had the further happiness of hearing from the lips of Fursey, that he wished to end his days at the former place.
The mayor of King Clovis then began a simultaneous erection of two
houses at Perrone. =^ One of these was built on the mountain of Cignes, near his own castle, and in connection with the chapel of the
^ tells that two ——most Patricium illico
Desmay us, caps are, "Qui confirmans,"
probably belonging to our saint having etc. Whether we are to infer, from this
religious
been preserved for nine centuries, with the greatest reverence, only a short time before he wrote had been destroyed through the fanaticism of the Calvinists. These impious men committed them to the flames, lest their remote antiquity should reproach the modern
innovations of —their own
'
passage, or not, that Fursey conferred the sacrament of confirmation on Erchinoald may admit of question. An affirmative of this supposition, if well established, would seem to determine the disputed point of our saint having been consecrated bishop.
^ to in his Life of St. According Desmay,
Fursey.
sect. Chap. viii. The words in the old acts
particular
2 78 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January i6.
Apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul. This latter was aften\'ards converted into a collegiate church. Another monastery was erected over his castle, at a place called Mount St. Quintin. 3 When the work had been completed, St. Fursey received an admonition to that effect from Erchinoald, with a request that some Benedictine monks should be sent thither. Wishing to gratify this pious desire, our saint set out for Perrone, having certain monks of Lagny accompanying him. It is said that St. Ultan, with some religious men, had been ordered by his brother to Perrone, and that both brothers met there. However, this latter statement of Desmay is quite improbable, foritseemsaltogetherirreconcilablewiththebestaccounts. Itisdoubtfulif Ultan visited France, during the lifetime of St. Fursey.
While he resided at Lagny, Fursey consecrated all his powers of soul
and body to the Almighty's service. Thus the fame of this invincible
athlete of Christ was greatly extolled, not only throughout France,* but also
among the Saxons. It was specially diffused among the Irish, who rejoiced in the piety of their illustrious countryman. Some left their own island, to
have personal cognizance of his missionary labours, and to share in them. Among these was St. yEmihan,5 who had been distinguished for a pious simplicity of character, and who is said to have been instructed by St.
Fursey, before this latter left Ireland. Emilian,*^ taking some religious
persons with him, resolved to seek again the beloved countenance of his
master, and the edification derivable from his increased sanctity. At length,
after wandering for some time with this devoted band of Irish monks, he
came to Lagny. Here they found that rumour had not exaggerated the
virtues of our saint. By Fursey they were joyfully received, and trained in
the practice of religious perfection. Some time afterwards, knowing by in-
spiration that the time of his death was approaching, St. Fursey resolved on
visiting and consoling his distant religious children. Wherefore, being
assured from a previous knowledge, and from his present dispositions, that St. . ^milian must prove a worthy successor at Lagny, our saint committed
the government of that abbey to him. 7 It is said, that while St. Fursey often enjoyed the society of his munificent patron, Eachinoald, he was obliged also to visit occasionally the pious Queen Baltide,^ who became a religious at Chelles, which was not far distant from his monastery.
The brothers of St. Fursey were yet in England, and he resolved to pay
them a visit, more for the purpose of contributing to that good, which they had effected in the field of his former labours, than from any desire of
ministering to his own gratification. 9
3 According to an old MS. , belonging to the monastery of Mount St. Quintin, St. Eligius, Bishop of Noyon, consecrated this church. His feast occurs on the 1st of December.
On his way thither, he arrived at the
clesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xvi. , sec. x. , p. 461, and n. 89, p. 462.
'See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nise," xvi. Januarii.
