Near the church of Gheel, a place is pointed out, where her impious and unnatural parent struck oft" the head of his
youthful
daughter, the holy martyr, St.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v5
The form of exorcism, with prayers for infirm persons and for the bk-ss- ing of rings, medals and beads, in honour of St.
Dympna and of St.
Gerebern, may be found, in the appendix to the Kev.
Mr.
Kuyl's larger work, pp.
125 to 128.
The possession of those sacred objects, already mentioned, and the recital of suitable devo- tions by the people, are believed to be effica- cious in protecting them from all enemies, visible and invisible.
Other privileges and indulgences are conceded to the devout possessors.
' In English : She assists many alllicted persons.
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
331
image of the crucifixion surmounts all. A statue of the Blessed Virgin is placed, on one side of the cross, while St. John the Evangelist's statue occupies the opposite position. Two angels stand on pedestals below, one of them is placed on either side of the altar. In the Rev. Mr. Kuyl's larger work, we find a well engraved diagram, representing the altar of the little choir, with its several compartments numbered ; but, the painted figures are not introduced into any of these divisions 4^—the scale of engraving being too circumscribed to admit of their correct representation.
In the chapel of the Blessed Virgin, within the left transept of the church, and vis-a-vis to the beautiful altar, there is a painting, representing the martyr- domofSt. DympnaandofSt. Gerebern. Thetrunkofthebodyandhead of this latter saint lie on the ground, after his execution, while blood is repre- sented, as flowing from the severed neck. There, St. Dympna is seen kneeling, and about to receive the stroke of her father's sworu, whilst angels appear in the clouds, bearing two miraculous coffins. Some of the king's satellites appear in this picture, as if grieved at the barbarous act of their superior.
In the right transept from the principal entrance is a side chapel of St. Dympna, which contains an altar magnificently sculptured in wood. -t^ There is a good painting over the altar, representing St. Dympna grasped by the hair, with one of her father's hands, whilst he brandishes a sword in the other to cut off her head. The features of St. Dympna are very beautiful ; her eyes, calmly uplifted to Heaven, convey an expression of meek resignation to the Divine will. Some figures beside her father manifest expressive looks of sympathy and terror, during tlie commission of this horrid act. In the fore-
ground, St. Gerebern lies prostrate, with a rope about his neck, while two executioners standing over him, are engaged stabbing the holy martyr with spear and poniard. Underneath is the inscription : " D. Maes inv. et fecit 1 68 1. " On the front wall, facing the altar, a large and good painting repre- sents the finding of the two white coffins of St. Dympna and of St. Gerebern. A number of figures are grouped around these relics. Other pictures and images are seen within this chapel. One of these pictures represents an in- sensate, who had been miraculously restored. A well sculptured wooden statue of St. Gerebern stands over a corbel, on the side of this chapel, and looking down the side aisle.
The under jaw of St. Gerebern, with some of his teeth, yet existing in a good state of preservation, is kept in a massive silver reliquary, within the press of the principal sacristy. Besides this ornament and treasure, the writer had also an opportunity of inspecting, within its case, the red stone found over the breast of St. Dympna, with her name inscribed on it, as already alluded to, in a former chapter. It is preserved, in a precious silver mon- strance. 44 There is an enlarged and a correct woodcut engraving ofthe stone, with its inscription, in the Rev. Mr. Kuyl's larger work. 4S In addition to those relics, a portion of the white stone coffin, said to have been formed by tlie hands of angels, is shown in a common wooden reliquary, and it is carefully preserved, in the principal sacristy of St. Dympna's church.
In the church of St. Dympna, there is a massive silver reliquary case, having a bas-relief hmgt of St. Gerebern within it, beautifully sculptured. A venerable looking head, with a flowing beard, adorns this image ; in the riglit
4' See, p. 126. These tablets and their writer,
images are fully described in subsequent pages, 129 to 132.
''^ During tlie brief visit paid to Gheel, the privilege of celebiating a votive Mass of St. Dympna on this altar was accorded to the
44 Engravings of these objects may be seen, at p. 157, of the Rev. Mr. Kuyl's larger work,
45 See page 58.
46 ^j jj^g (jj^g of my visit to Gheel, I was
332
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
hand is placed an olive branch, resting over the right shoulder ; in the left hand, a portion of bone—a veritable relic of the saint—is secured by crossed silk threads to the solid silver vestments. The image of St. Gerebem is covered with a brilliant crystal, having the following inscription around it: " Ossa Sancti Gereberni, Presbyteris et Martyris. " Underneath the large figure is engraved the scene of St. Gerebern's martyrdom ; a soldier appears on either side of him, one transfixing him with a spear, the other aiming with a sword to cut off his head. The saint is figured kneeling. On one side, in a small compartment, an angel carries the old tomb of St. Gerebern : on the other side, an angel bears a sword in one hand, and a laurel branch in the other. In a small solid silver reliquar}^ shaped like a shield, under a covering of crystal, is preserved a large portion of a bone belonging to St. Dympna. It is confined on gold tissue, within the case, by red silk thread, with the following inscription over it on paper, "S. Dimphnse, V. M. " All the other bones of St. Dympna, except those already removed in small portions for relics,*^ exist in the magnificent silver shrine, which is kept within an antique oak chest, on ordinary occasions, while it is placed behind the tran- sept altar and chapel of our saint, within the old sacristy. '*^
The most valuable and interesting object preserved in this church is that great silver shrine, in which the relics of St. Dympna are preserved. It is exquisitely wrought throughout, having, on its exterior, figures of the twelve apostles, in different compartments. The cover consists of a high pitched roof, surmounted by a small cupola, over which may be seen a figure of the crucifixion. Two smaller crosses rest on little globes over the gables of this roof. The images of St. Dympna and of St. Gerebern are represented on this shrine, which may be detached from a base, that is also ingeniously designed. It required the efforts of two strong men to remove the upper part from this stand, and afterwards to raise it on an adjoining tablet, Avhere its magnificent designandworkmanshipcouldbethemorereadilyobservedandadmired. Four eagles are represented on the four corners of this support, and underneath are places to secure the poles, which serve to bear the shrine in solemn proces- sion. "*^ Thispreciousobjectofartispreservedn-ithinanoldoakchest,open- ing at either end, to admit of an easy removal on the recurrence of St. Dympna's various festivals. In the old sacristy, behind the transept chapel, are to be found portions of a white stone coffin, regarded as veritable relics of those sarcophagi, in which the remains of St. Dympna or of St. Gerebern had been entombed.
: . The ancient and beautiful stone tablets, extending along the side aisle to the left of the church, are faithfully engraved and described in Mr. Kuyl's larger work. '«9 In the central compartment is a figure of Christ crucified, with the Virgin Mother on one side of the cross, and his beloved disciple on the other. Figures of the twelve apostles, with their several emblems, are seen in the other compartments. The church is paved throughout with white
permitted to obtain some small portions of the relicsofthewhitestonecoffinof St. Dympna, which were securely kept, although in a frag- mentary state, in the old sacristy, behind the transept chapel, dedicated to the holy maityr. I was informed, likewise, that the Most Rev. Dr. Moriarty, Bishop of Kerry, and an Irish priest from Glasgow, had pro- cured portions of the same coffin, during a pilgrimage that preceded mine to the shrine of St. Dympna.
«' The dean of Gheel, the cure of St. Dympna's church, was absent from the city,
during the short period of my stay, and the key of the great and precious shrine, con- taining the saint's relics, was in his posses- sion. One of his vicaires, the Rev. Mr. Kneaps, was particularly courteous and obliging in affording all requisite information and facilities for research. He told me, were the dean at home, he would have opened the great shrine for me.
^^ A correct engraving of this superb shrine may be seen, in the Rev. Mr. Kuyl's larger work, opposite p. ige 147.
« See page 120.
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
333
and black marble. At one side of St. Dympna's church, within the interior, there is a curious old wooden porch, carved, gilt and painted. It was presented by a member of the Mcrode family, in 1540, as the inscription testifies. Stations of the cross, carved in wood and painted, are remarkable works of art, placed all around the church, which also possesses a fine organ. s° Stained glass, still remaining in some of the windows, must have formerly produced a rich effect within this sacred edifice, when in a more perfect state of pre- servation.
In the year 1531, Robert de Croy, Bishop ofCambray, and his coadjutor, Adrien, visited Gheel. On the 5th of June, this latter bishop consecrated six altars within the church of St. Dympna, viz. : those of St. Gerebern, of the Holy Cross, and of St. Anthony, within the circuit around the great choir
; and those of St. Mary Magdalen, of St. Anne, and of the Holy Name of Jesus,
in the nave, and resting against its columns.
Between the bishop of Cambray and the Seigneur Merode of Gheel, diffi-
culties had arisen about the right of collation to this parish. Certain mem- bers of the Merode family addressed Robert de Croy, and entreated this bishop to allow a college of vicaries for the church of St. Dympna to be founded, to which the revenues of rector and chaplains then existing might beannexed. TheBishopassentedtothisrequest,andinadocumentgiven at the palace ofCambray, and dated May 28th, 1532, an act of foundation for the college was obtained. This latter institution comprised the rector of the HighSchool,ninepriestsandfourchoristers. Therectorthenlivingandfive beneficed chaplains were named vicars of the college \ while the other four priestswereallowedtobepresentedbytheseigneurofGheel. Theheadof this college took the title of Director, and the vicars were bound to residence. The bishop endowed the college with i\\c personnat and chaplaincy revenues of St. Dympna, of Westerloo, ot the Holy Virgin's chapel called Notre Dame de Pitie, and of the Hospital. Certain reservations were made for repair and maintenance of the church. The lord of Gheel added an income of eighty afterwards increased to one hundred—florins each year ; at the same time, re- quiring the celebration of two Masses each day, for himselfand family, with some deductions for distribution among the poor. To the director of this college and two churchwardens, laymen, the administration of its revenues was confided. Their account was submitted each year to the seigneur and to two vicars, selected by their confreres. The vicars elected their director, and he was confirmed in his dignity by the patron lord. At his installation, the director was sworn to administer faithfully the revenues of this college. Various other provisions were made for the public celebration of the divme office and choir, and for the suitable performance of all sacred ceremonies and services.
When Maximilian a Bergis had approved the conversion of this college of vicars into a chapter of canons, by letters, bearing date a. d. 1562, new divi- sions of dioceses took place in the Low Countries. Gheel and its churches ceased to form part of the diocese of Cambray, and were placed under the jurisdiction of the bishop of Bois-le-Duc.
During the invasion of Belgium by troops belonging to the states-general of the United Provinces, heavy contributions were levied on the corporation of Gheel, to support the expenses of war then raging. To meet these exactions, on the 20lh October, 1579, the magistrates and principal inhabi-
5° The carved wood-work of the pulpit in nave, with the Blessed Virgin standing on St. Dympna's church is very finely executed. one side, and St. John the Baptist on the op- There is a figure of the crucifixion over a posite margin. The whole group consists of front entablature, near the centre of the carved figures.
—
334
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
tants of the city resolved on selling part of the silver treasures belonging to St. Dympna's church. After having been concealed in several places, these valuables were found buried at Lierre, about this time. Thence they were conveyed to Antwerp, where 159 marcs and one ounce of pure silver were sold for 2,765 florins and 13 sous. The corporation acknowledged the receipt of this amount from St. Dympna's church, and promised to restore it. In the year 1585, the chapter of canons was obliged to carry on a lawsuit with the corporation, on account of their too frequent exactions. The chapter was at length declared exempt from future impositions, on agreeing to pay 100 florins tothecommune. Theseconditionswereaccepted,withconsentoftheBishop of Bois-le-Duc, by an instrument, dated February 21st, a. d. 1586. Sometime afterwards, a report having spread, that the troops of the United Provinces were approaching Gheel, the chapter of canons deemed it necessary to conceal their precious ornaments, and for this purpose, the archives, sacerdotal vest- ments, etc. , were removed to the abbey of Tongerloo.
On the 27th day of September, a. d. 1623, the relics of St. Dympna were visited by Nicholas Zoesius, bishop of Bois-le-Duc. Again, on the 29th of September, a. d. 1627, his successor, Michael Ophovius, made a visitation, in presence of Henry vanden Leemputte, licentiate of sacred theology, and of Ludwig Smeyers, licentiate of civil and canon law; while the canons of the cathedral church of Bois le Due, the canons of the church of St. Dympna, and the common councilmen of the city of Gheel, were also in attendance. When the sacred bones had been removed from their wooden covering, and had been closely examined, they were transferred to a new and precious case, fastened with three keys, each fashioned like the other. One of these was kept for use of the chapter of canons ; one for the ^diles, or masters of the church fabric; and the third for the municipal representatives of Gheel.
During tlie time of the French Revolution, the shrines, reliquaries and ornaments of St. Dympna's church were concealed or buried in the earth, until it was deemed safe to replace them. Soon after this period, the church and its property were confiscated by the Revolutionists. A sale having been effected, all the revenues necessary for supporting the collegiate members dis- appeared. The church itself, however, was secured for its legitimate purposes of Divine worship.
The celebrated Hadscot Hospital or Infirmary of St. Elizabeth, at Gheel, was founded by Henry Berthold. Letters of William, Bishop of Cambray, were extant. s' and bearing fcr date, the month of April, a. d. 1286, in which approbation is given to this foundation. Formerly, religious brothers, living in community, had charge of this institution. Then, it fell under charge of Franciscans of the Third Order; afterwards, Augustinian nuns, brought from Mechlin, were substituted.
Near the church of Gheel, a place is pointed out, where her impious and unnatural parent struck oft" the head of his youthful daughter, the holy martyr, St. Dympna. To celebrate her virtues, the place of her sepulture, and where iier relics were preserved, Baron John Merode liberally endowed the large, beautifully designed and magnificent church, to which he attached a vicarial college. Pope Paul III. furnished letters, bear- ing date a. d. 1537, in approval of this foundation. s^ Maximilian a Bergis,
S' In the time of Grammay.
S' In the middle of the choir of St. Dympna's church at Gheel, a splendid monu- ment, and second to nootherin the province, aswearetold, mightbeseen inthetimeof Grammay, and it is still in a fine state of pre- servation. It bears the following inscription,
under the heads of the Count and of his lady. It faces towards the nave of St. Dympna's Church, and it formsa prominent object of at- traction, for all visitors admitted to the interior, D. O. M. S.
Inclyto Baroni D. Joanni ditionum de Merode, Perwys Duffel Leefdael, VValem,
May is. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
335
Bishop of Cambray, a. d. 1562, gave permission to Baron Henry, successor to the former baron, to convert this ecclesiastical estabUshment into a chapter of canons. As persons afflicted with phrenesis, possessed persons, or those otherwise suffering from a variety of distempers, had frequently experienced the miraculous interposition of St. Dympna, when resorting to her shrine, a hospital for their reception, liberally endowed by this John and his prede- cessors, was maintained near the church. Lest servants or those in very humble circumstances might be deprived of such supernatural benefits, Baron John, who died a. d. 1497, and who was buried before the altar of the Blessed Virgin, left in his will an annual provision of more than seven hundred florins, as alms, for distribution at Gheel and at Westerloo. ss
The convent of Augustinian nuns embraces a large quadrangular court- yard, with dwellings, out-offices, and an enclosed garden, attached. The latter is neatly laid out with gravel walks and grass-plots intersecting it, whilst flowers, vegetables, shrubs, and fruit trees, diversify its extent, and render it exceedingly valuable as a recreation ground, and as a means of support for the community of sisters, who have charge of poor, old and infirm persons, living beneath the same roof with themselves. A small and neat chapel presents its choir-end to the principal crossing street ; while one side of that building formspartoftheboundarytoanarrowbacklaneinGheel. 54 Nearthischapel and facing the public street, there is a recess under the wall ; and within this alcove a group of two stone figures may be seen. One of these represents the father of St. Dympna drawing a sword to cut ofl" the head of his daughter, who appears kneeling, with her face averted. A demon is seen crouching beneath her feet and immediately behind the saint. A wrought iron cross rises in the background. ss This group and niche—on the premises of the Augustinian nuns—are separated from the main street by an iron railing. According to popular tradition, the martyrdom of St. Dympna took place on this spot, which lies at no great distance from her magnificent church.
Besides the wonderful cures wrought in the earlier ages, several more re- cent depositions of miracles, performed by the Almighty, through the advo- cacy and merits of this saint, are extracted by Henschenius, out of books belong- ing to the Church of Gheel. 5*5 First in order, we read, that the Burgomasters?
Geel, & VVesteilo domino, viro heroicis a cushion. A dog and lion rest at their feet,
plane virtutibus et mirifica pietate insigni, nimirum qui cum in coeteros omnes tam maxime erga suos domesticos et officiarios, imprimis autem ergo Christi egenos tanta fuit beneficentia, ut hos quidem in cuncta mobilia sua bona testamentaria dispositione haeredes instituerit, illis vero singulis juxta cujusque meritum de vitali pensione be- nigne providerit : executores ultimse ejus voluntatis perpetua ejus memoriae ergo fieri curarum. Vixit ann. 53, menses novem, dies 14, decessit 18 Janu. Anno. 1550. Praenobili item Matronae D. Annse de Gis- telles suavissimae tanti herois conjugi pari pietatis munere decoratas. Vixit Annos fere 30, obiit 27 Martii, Anno 1533. See "Ant- verpiae Antiquitates," cap. x. , p. 144. The Merode tomb of different coloured marbles, with heraldic designs painted along the sides, is surrounded with iron and grilled railings. The Count, in full armour, and his wife, in the robed costume of the period, are represented in a recumbent position, over the tomb, with their heads resting on
Four men-at-arms with bannerets in their hands, at the angles of the tomb, sustain its upper entablature. A faithful and an ele- gant engraving represents this tomb, with the heraldic shields, in the larger work of the Rev. Mr. Kuyl, p. 136. A minute de- scription of this monument is also given,
ss See Grammay's " Antverpise Antiquita- tes," cap. x. , pp. 142 to 144.
S4 During the period of his brief stay in this city, the writer was invited to visit the Augustinian convent, and he had an oppor- tunity of inspecting its interior arrange- ments, as also of observing the neatness and order, reigning throughout this religious Flemish establishment. _ The venerable and aged superioress, then in an infirm state of health, asalsoherpiouscommunity, expressed the gratification afforded to receive an Irish priest, v/ho had come so far to visit the shrine of St. Dympna.
=5 Awell-executedandcorrectengraving of this group forms the frontispiece, to the Rev. Mr. Kuyl's larger work, "Gheel ver-
336
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
and Assessors s^ of the municipality in Gheel, as an undoubted fact, certified that Tilmanin Bernarts, otherwise Craens, a citizen of Maaseyck, appeared before them, and deposed on oath, in the presence of witnesses, that de- ponent, with liis son James Bernarts, about fourteen years of age, on the 3rd of June, in the year 1604, came through devotion, and confidence in her inter- cession, to the infirmary of St. Dympna, in the city of Gheel, because his aforesaid son was altogether mute, lame, deaf, and blind. He followed the regimen and mode of treatment there observed, according to z. fonmila of the said holy virgin, martyr and patroness. On the eighth day, after observing that regulation, namely, on the loth of June following, about the hour for dinner, through the goodness and bounty of God, that boy was released from all his diseases, and he was no longer mute, deaf, lame or blind. The Bur- gomaster and Assessors testify, that on the same day, they witnessed this miracle, and spoke to that youth. S9
We find several similar succeeding attestations of miracles, attributed to St. Dympna's intercession, and taken from the same books. But, to contract such notices and yet to retain their substance, it will be expedient to divest them of legal technicalities and repetitions, found in the original depositions. James AVouters, who was born in the town of Goch, and who lived near Rheinberg, appeared before the Dean and Chapter of St. Dympna, in presence of Cor- nelius Van Couwegom, prefect of the municipality and district of Ghele. ^ His constitution and frame seemed to be quite reduced, and he declared it to be a certain fact, that for seven continuous years he had been possessed by wickedspirits. Hesoughttheministryofvariousexorcists,indifferentplaces, and with some degree of benefit. At length, this energumenus visited Ghele, whither he was brought in a little cart, and placed in the infirmary of St. Dympna, where he remained some days. When he had followed the accus-
maerd door den, eerdienst der Heilige Dimphna," etc.
5° From these records, we have the affidavits of various persons rendered into Latin.
singham, who flourished A. D. 1296, writes, " Majores Flandris, qui Scabini dicunlur in villis. " We find, they had civic jurisdiction in the trial of cases. In the French language, they were termed Escheviiis. " Cujus qui- dem vocis etymon a Theutonico arcessunt viri docti, ex Glossario Theotisco Lipsii : Scepeno, judex. Hodie, inquit idem Lip- sius : Scepenen, Scabini dicuntur. Kilianus : Schepen, Judex, Senator, Decurio, Juratus, \-ulgo Scabinus. Amerbachius a Schaffer, Scaflfen, vel Scaper, Germanico deducit. " —Sub-voce. Ibid.
57 In Latin, we find the term Drossardus
used by the Bollandist editor. Drossardus
or Drossatus means the prefect of a province
or district. In the Teutonic language, the
word is written Drossaet and Drossaert, in
the Saxon, lirostc. " Drossatus regni, apud
Ericum in Hist. Suecorum, lib. 3, pag. 81.
Idem, lib. 4, pag. 121 : Dapifer vel Drossa-
tus regni Mathias, etc. Gubernator Regni,
pag. 122. Princeps Senatus exponitur Jo.
Loccenio. Quern vide, lib. 2. Antiq. things now said, we, the Burgomaster and Sueco-Gothic. cap. 18, ut et Schefferum in
Upsalia, cap. 16. [* * Ihrium in Glossar. Suio-Gothic. zvce Drott, torn, i. , col. 386. "] Sub-voce. —" Glossarium Mediae et Infimoe Lalinitatis," conditum a Carolo Dufresne Domino Du Cangecumsupplementis integris Monachorum Ordinis S. Benedicti D. P. Carpenterii Adelungii, aliorum, suisque di- gessit G. A. L. Hcnschel. Parisiis, 1840, etseq. , 410.
5^ The Bollandist editor employs the word Scabini lo designate these officials. Scabini, Scabinii or Scabinei, were the terms for- merly employed to distinguish tlie Assessors of Judges or of Courts. The Scabini dis- charged judicial functions. Thomas Wal-
Assessors of the municipality of Gheel, affix this common seal of our council, and have taken care that it be countersigned by our sworn secretary, this 12th day of June, t604.
59 This deposition concludes, in these terms : "In testimony to the truth of those
" Signed,
Locus »|< Sigilli.
The seal itself is impressed on green wax, but faded from its original colour.
^ The notary, Ooms, and the following witnesse>, were present, viz. , Henry Kerck- hofs and Amandus Mens, sacristans of the church of . St. Dympn. i, Judocus Mertens, Anne Vande Wyer, and Maria Breugelmans, Infirmarians of St. Dympna's hospital.
"Cauwers. "
the church of St. Dympna, on the 19th day of December, A. D. 1619.
'"^ To the foregoing deposition, we find ap- pended : "Item prsedictus Jacobus Wouters, hodie viii. Junii anni mdcxx. rursus com- paruit in ecclesia S. Dympnre, et in gratia- rum actionem prsedicta liberationis ab omni malignorum spirituum vexatione, visitavit Reliquias prsedictas, et liberaledonariumob- tulit in pr^esentia D. Arnold! Bloem Coad- jutoris,3edilium ecclesiae et multorum alio-
found attested and signed by W. Ooms, no- rary, in the presence of the notary of St. Dympna's chapel, residing in the City of Gheel. The Rev. Ilerr Arnold Bloem, coadjutor of the Dean, Bartholemew vander Nieuwenhuisen, and many others, were also present in the choir of St. Dympna's church. This miracle, being deemed worthy of re- cord and preservation, was committed to writing in a public deed, on the 8th of July, 1620.
*•* Houtenesse is now a village of Holland, near the bank of the West Scheldt, and about seven miles north of Hulst, within the province of Zealand.
*s Also, through the direction of John van Hove, prefect, and of John Smolderen, at the instance and requisition of John Aerts and of Matthew Lanen, sacristans connected with St. Dympna's church, in the city of Gheel.
^^ His deposition was also embodied in the shape of a public deed, on the 22nd of May, A. D. 1626.
Y
rum, et me ut Notario ad id requisito. " the foregoing is added these words :
„^ , ^ J, Quod attestor Ooms.
To
*3 In confirmation of this deposition, Amandus Mens, caretaker of the church of St. Dympna, Arnold Goos, John Jansen and John Gilis, dwelling near the same church, affirmed that, to the best of their belief, Pe- tronella vander Hagen had been many and various times seen miserably possessed and harassed with a malignant spirit, and that she had been liberated after the Feast of
—
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
tomed modeof treatment, and when a solemn exorcism had taken place, with the usual ceremonies, Wouters found these evil spirits departed from him, on the ninth day. ^' Afterwards, he appeared to enjoy the full use of his facul- ties and to recover his powers of intellect. ^^
A respectable girl, named Petronella vander Hagen, about twenty-one years of age, was a native and resident of Antwerp. Being afflicted in like manner for three years, she visited St. Dympna's relics, at Gheel. By miracle, she was delivered from every trace of demoniac influences, a short time after the Feast of Pentecost, a. d. 1619, as she aftirmed. ^3 Thenceforward, being fully and perfectly relieved from all her previous disagreeable sensations, she no longer experienced a feeling of evil possession. A man, named Paul Ver- cuilen, the son of Hubert, and about thirty years of age, declared upon oath, that he resided in the parish of Houtenesse,^'^ formerly within the district and jurisdiction of Hulst city in Flanders. Paul Vercuilen certified, that in the year 1624, about the feast of St. Mark, he was afflicted with epilepsy, frenzy, and vexation, caused by an evil spirit, so that it was found necessary to bind him hand and foot witli strong and firm cords. But, notwithstanding these precautions, such were his violent efforts, that a preternatural energy, arising from insanity, frenzy, and the persecution of a malignant spirit, urged him to break those bandages, whilst his hands and arms bore the evidences of his exertions and violence. After the end of a three months' agony, by persua- sion of his parish pastor, and of his friends, ^5 it was thought advisable to bring him to the city of Gheel, that by the grace of God and through the interces- sion of the holy virgin and martyr, St. Dympna, he might there find deliver- ance from his miseries. In this city, he remained for three weeks ; and, during that time, he asserted, no words could express what vexation and persecution, what ravings and excruciating tortures, were endured from peculiar malignant influences. At length, he was entirely liberated from this misery and restored to health ; so that he no longer experienced any traces of his malady, nor any return to his harassing and disquieted state. He obtained the perfect use ofhis senses and memory. ^^
*' The witnesses, who were present, Pentecost, A. D. 1619. This affirmation, wit- allowed the notary to insert testimony to the nesses declared they were ready to substan- foregoing effect, on the public records, in tiate on oath. All of which evidence is
337
33^ LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
John Boem, residing in the village of Waterloo, had been a person of weak mind, with disordered senses. Being induced by his friends to visit St. Dympna's church, in the municipality of Gheel, a.
' In English : She assists many alllicted persons.
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
331
image of the crucifixion surmounts all. A statue of the Blessed Virgin is placed, on one side of the cross, while St. John the Evangelist's statue occupies the opposite position. Two angels stand on pedestals below, one of them is placed on either side of the altar. In the Rev. Mr. Kuyl's larger work, we find a well engraved diagram, representing the altar of the little choir, with its several compartments numbered ; but, the painted figures are not introduced into any of these divisions 4^—the scale of engraving being too circumscribed to admit of their correct representation.
In the chapel of the Blessed Virgin, within the left transept of the church, and vis-a-vis to the beautiful altar, there is a painting, representing the martyr- domofSt. DympnaandofSt. Gerebern. Thetrunkofthebodyandhead of this latter saint lie on the ground, after his execution, while blood is repre- sented, as flowing from the severed neck. There, St. Dympna is seen kneeling, and about to receive the stroke of her father's sworu, whilst angels appear in the clouds, bearing two miraculous coffins. Some of the king's satellites appear in this picture, as if grieved at the barbarous act of their superior.
In the right transept from the principal entrance is a side chapel of St. Dympna, which contains an altar magnificently sculptured in wood. -t^ There is a good painting over the altar, representing St. Dympna grasped by the hair, with one of her father's hands, whilst he brandishes a sword in the other to cut off her head. The features of St. Dympna are very beautiful ; her eyes, calmly uplifted to Heaven, convey an expression of meek resignation to the Divine will. Some figures beside her father manifest expressive looks of sympathy and terror, during tlie commission of this horrid act. In the fore-
ground, St. Gerebern lies prostrate, with a rope about his neck, while two executioners standing over him, are engaged stabbing the holy martyr with spear and poniard. Underneath is the inscription : " D. Maes inv. et fecit 1 68 1. " On the front wall, facing the altar, a large and good painting repre- sents the finding of the two white coffins of St. Dympna and of St. Gerebern. A number of figures are grouped around these relics. Other pictures and images are seen within this chapel. One of these pictures represents an in- sensate, who had been miraculously restored. A well sculptured wooden statue of St. Gerebern stands over a corbel, on the side of this chapel, and looking down the side aisle.
The under jaw of St. Gerebern, with some of his teeth, yet existing in a good state of preservation, is kept in a massive silver reliquary, within the press of the principal sacristy. Besides this ornament and treasure, the writer had also an opportunity of inspecting, within its case, the red stone found over the breast of St. Dympna, with her name inscribed on it, as already alluded to, in a former chapter. It is preserved, in a precious silver mon- strance. 44 There is an enlarged and a correct woodcut engraving ofthe stone, with its inscription, in the Rev. Mr. Kuyl's larger work. 4S In addition to those relics, a portion of the white stone coffin, said to have been formed by tlie hands of angels, is shown in a common wooden reliquary, and it is carefully preserved, in the principal sacristy of St. Dympna's church.
In the church of St. Dympna, there is a massive silver reliquary case, having a bas-relief hmgt of St. Gerebern within it, beautifully sculptured. A venerable looking head, with a flowing beard, adorns this image ; in the riglit
4' See, p. 126. These tablets and their writer,
images are fully described in subsequent pages, 129 to 132.
''^ During tlie brief visit paid to Gheel, the privilege of celebiating a votive Mass of St. Dympna on this altar was accorded to the
44 Engravings of these objects may be seen, at p. 157, of the Rev. Mr. Kuyl's larger work,
45 See page 58.
46 ^j jj^g (jj^g of my visit to Gheel, I was
332
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
hand is placed an olive branch, resting over the right shoulder ; in the left hand, a portion of bone—a veritable relic of the saint—is secured by crossed silk threads to the solid silver vestments. The image of St. Gerebem is covered with a brilliant crystal, having the following inscription around it: " Ossa Sancti Gereberni, Presbyteris et Martyris. " Underneath the large figure is engraved the scene of St. Gerebern's martyrdom ; a soldier appears on either side of him, one transfixing him with a spear, the other aiming with a sword to cut off his head. The saint is figured kneeling. On one side, in a small compartment, an angel carries the old tomb of St. Gerebern : on the other side, an angel bears a sword in one hand, and a laurel branch in the other. In a small solid silver reliquar}^ shaped like a shield, under a covering of crystal, is preserved a large portion of a bone belonging to St. Dympna. It is confined on gold tissue, within the case, by red silk thread, with the following inscription over it on paper, "S. Dimphnse, V. M. " All the other bones of St. Dympna, except those already removed in small portions for relics,*^ exist in the magnificent silver shrine, which is kept within an antique oak chest, on ordinary occasions, while it is placed behind the tran- sept altar and chapel of our saint, within the old sacristy. '*^
The most valuable and interesting object preserved in this church is that great silver shrine, in which the relics of St. Dympna are preserved. It is exquisitely wrought throughout, having, on its exterior, figures of the twelve apostles, in different compartments. The cover consists of a high pitched roof, surmounted by a small cupola, over which may be seen a figure of the crucifixion. Two smaller crosses rest on little globes over the gables of this roof. The images of St. Dympna and of St. Gerebern are represented on this shrine, which may be detached from a base, that is also ingeniously designed. It required the efforts of two strong men to remove the upper part from this stand, and afterwards to raise it on an adjoining tablet, Avhere its magnificent designandworkmanshipcouldbethemorereadilyobservedandadmired. Four eagles are represented on the four corners of this support, and underneath are places to secure the poles, which serve to bear the shrine in solemn proces- sion. "*^ Thispreciousobjectofartispreservedn-ithinanoldoakchest,open- ing at either end, to admit of an easy removal on the recurrence of St. Dympna's various festivals. In the old sacristy, behind the transept chapel, are to be found portions of a white stone coffin, regarded as veritable relics of those sarcophagi, in which the remains of St. Dympna or of St. Gerebern had been entombed.
: . The ancient and beautiful stone tablets, extending along the side aisle to the left of the church, are faithfully engraved and described in Mr. Kuyl's larger work. '«9 In the central compartment is a figure of Christ crucified, with the Virgin Mother on one side of the cross, and his beloved disciple on the other. Figures of the twelve apostles, with their several emblems, are seen in the other compartments. The church is paved throughout with white
permitted to obtain some small portions of the relicsofthewhitestonecoffinof St. Dympna, which were securely kept, although in a frag- mentary state, in the old sacristy, behind the transept chapel, dedicated to the holy maityr. I was informed, likewise, that the Most Rev. Dr. Moriarty, Bishop of Kerry, and an Irish priest from Glasgow, had pro- cured portions of the same coffin, during a pilgrimage that preceded mine to the shrine of St. Dympna.
«' The dean of Gheel, the cure of St. Dympna's church, was absent from the city,
during the short period of my stay, and the key of the great and precious shrine, con- taining the saint's relics, was in his posses- sion. One of his vicaires, the Rev. Mr. Kneaps, was particularly courteous and obliging in affording all requisite information and facilities for research. He told me, were the dean at home, he would have opened the great shrine for me.
^^ A correct engraving of this superb shrine may be seen, in the Rev. Mr. Kuyl's larger work, opposite p. ige 147.
« See page 120.
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
333
and black marble. At one side of St. Dympna's church, within the interior, there is a curious old wooden porch, carved, gilt and painted. It was presented by a member of the Mcrode family, in 1540, as the inscription testifies. Stations of the cross, carved in wood and painted, are remarkable works of art, placed all around the church, which also possesses a fine organ. s° Stained glass, still remaining in some of the windows, must have formerly produced a rich effect within this sacred edifice, when in a more perfect state of pre- servation.
In the year 1531, Robert de Croy, Bishop ofCambray, and his coadjutor, Adrien, visited Gheel. On the 5th of June, this latter bishop consecrated six altars within the church of St. Dympna, viz. : those of St. Gerebern, of the Holy Cross, and of St. Anthony, within the circuit around the great choir
; and those of St. Mary Magdalen, of St. Anne, and of the Holy Name of Jesus,
in the nave, and resting against its columns.
Between the bishop of Cambray and the Seigneur Merode of Gheel, diffi-
culties had arisen about the right of collation to this parish. Certain mem- bers of the Merode family addressed Robert de Croy, and entreated this bishop to allow a college of vicaries for the church of St. Dympna to be founded, to which the revenues of rector and chaplains then existing might beannexed. TheBishopassentedtothisrequest,andinadocumentgiven at the palace ofCambray, and dated May 28th, 1532, an act of foundation for the college was obtained. This latter institution comprised the rector of the HighSchool,ninepriestsandfourchoristers. Therectorthenlivingandfive beneficed chaplains were named vicars of the college \ while the other four priestswereallowedtobepresentedbytheseigneurofGheel. Theheadof this college took the title of Director, and the vicars were bound to residence. The bishop endowed the college with i\\c personnat and chaplaincy revenues of St. Dympna, of Westerloo, ot the Holy Virgin's chapel called Notre Dame de Pitie, and of the Hospital. Certain reservations were made for repair and maintenance of the church. The lord of Gheel added an income of eighty afterwards increased to one hundred—florins each year ; at the same time, re- quiring the celebration of two Masses each day, for himselfand family, with some deductions for distribution among the poor. To the director of this college and two churchwardens, laymen, the administration of its revenues was confided. Their account was submitted each year to the seigneur and to two vicars, selected by their confreres. The vicars elected their director, and he was confirmed in his dignity by the patron lord. At his installation, the director was sworn to administer faithfully the revenues of this college. Various other provisions were made for the public celebration of the divme office and choir, and for the suitable performance of all sacred ceremonies and services.
When Maximilian a Bergis had approved the conversion of this college of vicars into a chapter of canons, by letters, bearing date a. d. 1562, new divi- sions of dioceses took place in the Low Countries. Gheel and its churches ceased to form part of the diocese of Cambray, and were placed under the jurisdiction of the bishop of Bois-le-Duc.
During the invasion of Belgium by troops belonging to the states-general of the United Provinces, heavy contributions were levied on the corporation of Gheel, to support the expenses of war then raging. To meet these exactions, on the 20lh October, 1579, the magistrates and principal inhabi-
5° The carved wood-work of the pulpit in nave, with the Blessed Virgin standing on St. Dympna's church is very finely executed. one side, and St. John the Baptist on the op- There is a figure of the crucifixion over a posite margin. The whole group consists of front entablature, near the centre of the carved figures.
—
334
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
tants of the city resolved on selling part of the silver treasures belonging to St. Dympna's church. After having been concealed in several places, these valuables were found buried at Lierre, about this time. Thence they were conveyed to Antwerp, where 159 marcs and one ounce of pure silver were sold for 2,765 florins and 13 sous. The corporation acknowledged the receipt of this amount from St. Dympna's church, and promised to restore it. In the year 1585, the chapter of canons was obliged to carry on a lawsuit with the corporation, on account of their too frequent exactions. The chapter was at length declared exempt from future impositions, on agreeing to pay 100 florins tothecommune. Theseconditionswereaccepted,withconsentoftheBishop of Bois-le-Duc, by an instrument, dated February 21st, a. d. 1586. Sometime afterwards, a report having spread, that the troops of the United Provinces were approaching Gheel, the chapter of canons deemed it necessary to conceal their precious ornaments, and for this purpose, the archives, sacerdotal vest- ments, etc. , were removed to the abbey of Tongerloo.
On the 27th day of September, a. d. 1623, the relics of St. Dympna were visited by Nicholas Zoesius, bishop of Bois-le-Duc. Again, on the 29th of September, a. d. 1627, his successor, Michael Ophovius, made a visitation, in presence of Henry vanden Leemputte, licentiate of sacred theology, and of Ludwig Smeyers, licentiate of civil and canon law; while the canons of the cathedral church of Bois le Due, the canons of the church of St. Dympna, and the common councilmen of the city of Gheel, were also in attendance. When the sacred bones had been removed from their wooden covering, and had been closely examined, they were transferred to a new and precious case, fastened with three keys, each fashioned like the other. One of these was kept for use of the chapter of canons ; one for the ^diles, or masters of the church fabric; and the third for the municipal representatives of Gheel.
During tlie time of the French Revolution, the shrines, reliquaries and ornaments of St. Dympna's church were concealed or buried in the earth, until it was deemed safe to replace them. Soon after this period, the church and its property were confiscated by the Revolutionists. A sale having been effected, all the revenues necessary for supporting the collegiate members dis- appeared. The church itself, however, was secured for its legitimate purposes of Divine worship.
The celebrated Hadscot Hospital or Infirmary of St. Elizabeth, at Gheel, was founded by Henry Berthold. Letters of William, Bishop of Cambray, were extant. s' and bearing fcr date, the month of April, a. d. 1286, in which approbation is given to this foundation. Formerly, religious brothers, living in community, had charge of this institution. Then, it fell under charge of Franciscans of the Third Order; afterwards, Augustinian nuns, brought from Mechlin, were substituted.
Near the church of Gheel, a place is pointed out, where her impious and unnatural parent struck oft" the head of his youthful daughter, the holy martyr, St. Dympna. To celebrate her virtues, the place of her sepulture, and where iier relics were preserved, Baron John Merode liberally endowed the large, beautifully designed and magnificent church, to which he attached a vicarial college. Pope Paul III. furnished letters, bear- ing date a. d. 1537, in approval of this foundation. s^ Maximilian a Bergis,
S' In the time of Grammay.
S' In the middle of the choir of St. Dympna's church at Gheel, a splendid monu- ment, and second to nootherin the province, aswearetold, mightbeseen inthetimeof Grammay, and it is still in a fine state of pre- servation. It bears the following inscription,
under the heads of the Count and of his lady. It faces towards the nave of St. Dympna's Church, and it formsa prominent object of at- traction, for all visitors admitted to the interior, D. O. M. S.
Inclyto Baroni D. Joanni ditionum de Merode, Perwys Duffel Leefdael, VValem,
May is. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
335
Bishop of Cambray, a. d. 1562, gave permission to Baron Henry, successor to the former baron, to convert this ecclesiastical estabUshment into a chapter of canons. As persons afflicted with phrenesis, possessed persons, or those otherwise suffering from a variety of distempers, had frequently experienced the miraculous interposition of St. Dympna, when resorting to her shrine, a hospital for their reception, liberally endowed by this John and his prede- cessors, was maintained near the church. Lest servants or those in very humble circumstances might be deprived of such supernatural benefits, Baron John, who died a. d. 1497, and who was buried before the altar of the Blessed Virgin, left in his will an annual provision of more than seven hundred florins, as alms, for distribution at Gheel and at Westerloo. ss
The convent of Augustinian nuns embraces a large quadrangular court- yard, with dwellings, out-offices, and an enclosed garden, attached. The latter is neatly laid out with gravel walks and grass-plots intersecting it, whilst flowers, vegetables, shrubs, and fruit trees, diversify its extent, and render it exceedingly valuable as a recreation ground, and as a means of support for the community of sisters, who have charge of poor, old and infirm persons, living beneath the same roof with themselves. A small and neat chapel presents its choir-end to the principal crossing street ; while one side of that building formspartoftheboundarytoanarrowbacklaneinGheel. 54 Nearthischapel and facing the public street, there is a recess under the wall ; and within this alcove a group of two stone figures may be seen. One of these represents the father of St. Dympna drawing a sword to cut ofl" the head of his daughter, who appears kneeling, with her face averted. A demon is seen crouching beneath her feet and immediately behind the saint. A wrought iron cross rises in the background. ss This group and niche—on the premises of the Augustinian nuns—are separated from the main street by an iron railing. According to popular tradition, the martyrdom of St. Dympna took place on this spot, which lies at no great distance from her magnificent church.
Besides the wonderful cures wrought in the earlier ages, several more re- cent depositions of miracles, performed by the Almighty, through the advo- cacy and merits of this saint, are extracted by Henschenius, out of books belong- ing to the Church of Gheel. 5*5 First in order, we read, that the Burgomasters?
Geel, & VVesteilo domino, viro heroicis a cushion. A dog and lion rest at their feet,
plane virtutibus et mirifica pietate insigni, nimirum qui cum in coeteros omnes tam maxime erga suos domesticos et officiarios, imprimis autem ergo Christi egenos tanta fuit beneficentia, ut hos quidem in cuncta mobilia sua bona testamentaria dispositione haeredes instituerit, illis vero singulis juxta cujusque meritum de vitali pensione be- nigne providerit : executores ultimse ejus voluntatis perpetua ejus memoriae ergo fieri curarum. Vixit ann. 53, menses novem, dies 14, decessit 18 Janu. Anno. 1550. Praenobili item Matronae D. Annse de Gis- telles suavissimae tanti herois conjugi pari pietatis munere decoratas. Vixit Annos fere 30, obiit 27 Martii, Anno 1533. See "Ant- verpiae Antiquitates," cap. x. , p. 144. The Merode tomb of different coloured marbles, with heraldic designs painted along the sides, is surrounded with iron and grilled railings. The Count, in full armour, and his wife, in the robed costume of the period, are represented in a recumbent position, over the tomb, with their heads resting on
Four men-at-arms with bannerets in their hands, at the angles of the tomb, sustain its upper entablature. A faithful and an ele- gant engraving represents this tomb, with the heraldic shields, in the larger work of the Rev. Mr. Kuyl, p. 136. A minute de- scription of this monument is also given,
ss See Grammay's " Antverpise Antiquita- tes," cap. x. , pp. 142 to 144.
S4 During the period of his brief stay in this city, the writer was invited to visit the Augustinian convent, and he had an oppor- tunity of inspecting its interior arrange- ments, as also of observing the neatness and order, reigning throughout this religious Flemish establishment. _ The venerable and aged superioress, then in an infirm state of health, asalsoherpiouscommunity, expressed the gratification afforded to receive an Irish priest, v/ho had come so far to visit the shrine of St. Dympna.
=5 Awell-executedandcorrectengraving of this group forms the frontispiece, to the Rev. Mr. Kuyl's larger work, "Gheel ver-
336
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
and Assessors s^ of the municipality in Gheel, as an undoubted fact, certified that Tilmanin Bernarts, otherwise Craens, a citizen of Maaseyck, appeared before them, and deposed on oath, in the presence of witnesses, that de- ponent, with liis son James Bernarts, about fourteen years of age, on the 3rd of June, in the year 1604, came through devotion, and confidence in her inter- cession, to the infirmary of St. Dympna, in the city of Gheel, because his aforesaid son was altogether mute, lame, deaf, and blind. He followed the regimen and mode of treatment there observed, according to z. fonmila of the said holy virgin, martyr and patroness. On the eighth day, after observing that regulation, namely, on the loth of June following, about the hour for dinner, through the goodness and bounty of God, that boy was released from all his diseases, and he was no longer mute, deaf, lame or blind. The Bur- gomaster and Assessors testify, that on the same day, they witnessed this miracle, and spoke to that youth. S9
We find several similar succeeding attestations of miracles, attributed to St. Dympna's intercession, and taken from the same books. But, to contract such notices and yet to retain their substance, it will be expedient to divest them of legal technicalities and repetitions, found in the original depositions. James AVouters, who was born in the town of Goch, and who lived near Rheinberg, appeared before the Dean and Chapter of St. Dympna, in presence of Cor- nelius Van Couwegom, prefect of the municipality and district of Ghele. ^ His constitution and frame seemed to be quite reduced, and he declared it to be a certain fact, that for seven continuous years he had been possessed by wickedspirits. Hesoughttheministryofvariousexorcists,indifferentplaces, and with some degree of benefit. At length, this energumenus visited Ghele, whither he was brought in a little cart, and placed in the infirmary of St. Dympna, where he remained some days. When he had followed the accus-
maerd door den, eerdienst der Heilige Dimphna," etc.
5° From these records, we have the affidavits of various persons rendered into Latin.
singham, who flourished A. D. 1296, writes, " Majores Flandris, qui Scabini dicunlur in villis. " We find, they had civic jurisdiction in the trial of cases. In the French language, they were termed Escheviiis. " Cujus qui- dem vocis etymon a Theutonico arcessunt viri docti, ex Glossario Theotisco Lipsii : Scepeno, judex. Hodie, inquit idem Lip- sius : Scepenen, Scabini dicuntur. Kilianus : Schepen, Judex, Senator, Decurio, Juratus, \-ulgo Scabinus. Amerbachius a Schaffer, Scaflfen, vel Scaper, Germanico deducit. " —Sub-voce. Ibid.
57 In Latin, we find the term Drossardus
used by the Bollandist editor. Drossardus
or Drossatus means the prefect of a province
or district. In the Teutonic language, the
word is written Drossaet and Drossaert, in
the Saxon, lirostc. " Drossatus regni, apud
Ericum in Hist. Suecorum, lib. 3, pag. 81.
Idem, lib. 4, pag. 121 : Dapifer vel Drossa-
tus regni Mathias, etc. Gubernator Regni,
pag. 122. Princeps Senatus exponitur Jo.
Loccenio. Quern vide, lib. 2. Antiq. things now said, we, the Burgomaster and Sueco-Gothic. cap. 18, ut et Schefferum in
Upsalia, cap. 16. [* * Ihrium in Glossar. Suio-Gothic. zvce Drott, torn, i. , col. 386. "] Sub-voce. —" Glossarium Mediae et Infimoe Lalinitatis," conditum a Carolo Dufresne Domino Du Cangecumsupplementis integris Monachorum Ordinis S. Benedicti D. P. Carpenterii Adelungii, aliorum, suisque di- gessit G. A. L. Hcnschel. Parisiis, 1840, etseq. , 410.
5^ The Bollandist editor employs the word Scabini lo designate these officials. Scabini, Scabinii or Scabinei, were the terms for- merly employed to distinguish tlie Assessors of Judges or of Courts. The Scabini dis- charged judicial functions. Thomas Wal-
Assessors of the municipality of Gheel, affix this common seal of our council, and have taken care that it be countersigned by our sworn secretary, this 12th day of June, t604.
59 This deposition concludes, in these terms : "In testimony to the truth of those
" Signed,
Locus »|< Sigilli.
The seal itself is impressed on green wax, but faded from its original colour.
^ The notary, Ooms, and the following witnesse>, were present, viz. , Henry Kerck- hofs and Amandus Mens, sacristans of the church of . St. Dympn. i, Judocus Mertens, Anne Vande Wyer, and Maria Breugelmans, Infirmarians of St. Dympna's hospital.
"Cauwers. "
the church of St. Dympna, on the 19th day of December, A. D. 1619.
'"^ To the foregoing deposition, we find ap- pended : "Item prsedictus Jacobus Wouters, hodie viii. Junii anni mdcxx. rursus com- paruit in ecclesia S. Dympnre, et in gratia- rum actionem prsedicta liberationis ab omni malignorum spirituum vexatione, visitavit Reliquias prsedictas, et liberaledonariumob- tulit in pr^esentia D. Arnold! Bloem Coad- jutoris,3edilium ecclesiae et multorum alio-
found attested and signed by W. Ooms, no- rary, in the presence of the notary of St. Dympna's chapel, residing in the City of Gheel. The Rev. Ilerr Arnold Bloem, coadjutor of the Dean, Bartholemew vander Nieuwenhuisen, and many others, were also present in the choir of St. Dympna's church. This miracle, being deemed worthy of re- cord and preservation, was committed to writing in a public deed, on the 8th of July, 1620.
*•* Houtenesse is now a village of Holland, near the bank of the West Scheldt, and about seven miles north of Hulst, within the province of Zealand.
*s Also, through the direction of John van Hove, prefect, and of John Smolderen, at the instance and requisition of John Aerts and of Matthew Lanen, sacristans connected with St. Dympna's church, in the city of Gheel.
^^ His deposition was also embodied in the shape of a public deed, on the 22nd of May, A. D. 1626.
Y
rum, et me ut Notario ad id requisito. " the foregoing is added these words :
„^ , ^ J, Quod attestor Ooms.
To
*3 In confirmation of this deposition, Amandus Mens, caretaker of the church of St. Dympna, Arnold Goos, John Jansen and John Gilis, dwelling near the same church, affirmed that, to the best of their belief, Pe- tronella vander Hagen had been many and various times seen miserably possessed and harassed with a malignant spirit, and that she had been liberated after the Feast of
—
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
tomed modeof treatment, and when a solemn exorcism had taken place, with the usual ceremonies, Wouters found these evil spirits departed from him, on the ninth day. ^' Afterwards, he appeared to enjoy the full use of his facul- ties and to recover his powers of intellect. ^^
A respectable girl, named Petronella vander Hagen, about twenty-one years of age, was a native and resident of Antwerp. Being afflicted in like manner for three years, she visited St. Dympna's relics, at Gheel. By miracle, she was delivered from every trace of demoniac influences, a short time after the Feast of Pentecost, a. d. 1619, as she aftirmed. ^3 Thenceforward, being fully and perfectly relieved from all her previous disagreeable sensations, she no longer experienced a feeling of evil possession. A man, named Paul Ver- cuilen, the son of Hubert, and about thirty years of age, declared upon oath, that he resided in the parish of Houtenesse,^'^ formerly within the district and jurisdiction of Hulst city in Flanders. Paul Vercuilen certified, that in the year 1624, about the feast of St. Mark, he was afflicted with epilepsy, frenzy, and vexation, caused by an evil spirit, so that it was found necessary to bind him hand and foot witli strong and firm cords. But, notwithstanding these precautions, such were his violent efforts, that a preternatural energy, arising from insanity, frenzy, and the persecution of a malignant spirit, urged him to break those bandages, whilst his hands and arms bore the evidences of his exertions and violence. After the end of a three months' agony, by persua- sion of his parish pastor, and of his friends, ^5 it was thought advisable to bring him to the city of Gheel, that by the grace of God and through the interces- sion of the holy virgin and martyr, St. Dympna, he might there find deliver- ance from his miseries. In this city, he remained for three weeks ; and, during that time, he asserted, no words could express what vexation and persecution, what ravings and excruciating tortures, were endured from peculiar malignant influences. At length, he was entirely liberated from this misery and restored to health ; so that he no longer experienced any traces of his malady, nor any return to his harassing and disquieted state. He obtained the perfect use ofhis senses and memory. ^^
*' The witnesses, who were present, Pentecost, A. D. 1619. This affirmation, wit- allowed the notary to insert testimony to the nesses declared they were ready to substan- foregoing effect, on the public records, in tiate on oath. All of which evidence is
337
33^ LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
John Boem, residing in the village of Waterloo, had been a person of weak mind, with disordered senses. Being induced by his friends to visit St. Dympna's church, in the municipality of Gheel, a.
