Underneath is the
inscription
: " D.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v5
Dympna's church sent all its portable treasures to Lierre.
These treasures consisted of the massive silver shrine, containing the mortals remains of St.
Dympna, and weighing sixty-one pounds and a half, besides four silver gilt chalices, a silver crucifix, a silver bust of St.
Appoline, chandeliers, censers, holy-water vessels, cruets, bells, and reliquaries, of the same precious material.
Such precau- tions had been happily taken; for, in the year 1567, the Vandals entered Gheel,andwreckeditschurches.
Theybrokedownthestatuesofthetwelve apostles, which were placed in Gothic niches, on the tower of St.
Dympna's church.
The image of a crucifix, with statues of the Blessed Virgin and of St.
John, which stood at the great choir, suffered desecration at their hands.
The whole of that beautifully carved wood-work, connected with the high altar of St.
Dympna, and all the images around it, were executed in 1778.
The conception of this emblematic design is attributed to the painter, Herreyns.
In 1 781, the high altar, greatly admired for its fine artistic effect, was painted by Lacosta, whose name, with the date of decoration, is found inscribed on one of its panels.
A curious and an elevated structure, terminating in a spire, and an object of frequent occurrence in most of the Flemish churches, is called the Tower of the Blessed Sacrament. It maybe noticed, on the left side of St. Dympna's high altar, facing the choir. It has never changed its present position, and it is probably of as ancient a date as the choir around. A grill in front, under which the Blessed Sacrament was formerly preserved, and a rude stone carving, representing the last supper, as also a bronze lamp hanging in front, complete the accessories.
At the right entrance to the great choir, which contains finely carved oak stalls, formerly used by the canons, a beautifully sculptured image of St. Dympna may be seen, in an alcove, and covered with a glass case. She holds in her right hand a sword. This image is clothed—but in very questionable taste—with an elegant white dress, trimmed with gold lace; a part of the cos- tume consists of lace ruffles and a collar. A cherry-coloured silk robe falls loosely over the under garments; a rich lace scarf depends over the silk man- tilla, and parts from under a crown of artificial flowers, placed on the head of this statue. The left hand holds a bunch of flowers ; and worsted embroidery, in coloured threads, appears over the under dress. Two cierges rest before this image, with a brass basin to receive the offerings of St. Dympna's faithful clients. A corresponding image of the Blessed Virgin may be seen, on the other side of this choir. A chapel of our Blessed Lady occupies the left tran- sept within this church.
The high altar and its superstructure, within the great choir, are truly majestic and elaborate specimens of wooden sculpture. They are divided into many compartments, richly gilt and painted in a variety of colours. In
=' These altars are enumerated, in the Rev. several religious bequests to St. Dympna's Mr. Kuyl's work. In it, likewise, as in the Church are found. The dates for various " Notice Historique " of the Abbe Stroobant, successive additions to it are also recorded.
328
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
the upper part are represented angels, and the figure of a dove, to symbohze the Holy Ghost, Under it are the words : " Passam Excelsus decorat justitise thronus. " Underneath is represented the statue of St. Dynipna, with beau- tiful drapery. The figure is of more than life size, and elegantly carved. Two angels hold a wreath, a sword, and a palm-branch, over the figure of the saint, standing on a chained demon. Angels flit around her, and a full life-sized figure, immediately under this statue, represents a winged ange', pointing with the right finger towards St. Dympna, whilst a scroll, on blue ground with gilt letters, unfolds these words: " Accidentibus auxilium. " A beautiful group on the right side, still lower down, represents an angel bearing a shield, with
*' Ecce virgo dat auxilium. " This address appears directed to a group of figures, in frontof the angel, and consisting of a chained insane man, a female figure, as also two children. On the left side of this altar, there is another group, comprising a lame man leaning against a crutch, two possessed persons, and a blind infant. These figures rest on a level with the former group. On a blank shield, immediately near, is represented a bas re- lief ^'^\\x^ ofSt. Gerebern. Three angels sustain the shield, and one angel points downwards to the figure with his right finger, whilst in the left hand a gilt sword is held over the body of the holy martyr. On either side of the figured dove, a large statue, representing the angel of justice, holding a gilt scales in the right and a sword in the left hand, may be seen on one side
; whilst on the other, the angel of mercy appears holding a cross in the right and a branch in the left hand. All these 'figures are painted white and of natural size. The figure of St. Dympna stands over an immense and ex- quisitely designed pedestal, which forms a tabernacle for the high altar. This tabernacle is richly gilt, carved and decorated. The wood-work around the altar is most carefully joined, as also wrought, and painted, with skill and taste, so as to resemble differently coloured marbles. Tlie high altar is shaped like a sarcophagus. Two massive polished and tall brass candlesticks rest on stands, at either side of the three ascending steps to the larger platform of the altar. Four black marble steps ascend to the lesser but more elevated plat-
form.
The elegantly gilt and painted wooden coffre, under which possessed per-
sons are accustomed to pass with bare feet and on their knees, is enclosed in a glass case, through which seven pictorial tablets may be seen. ^^ It is placed behind the high altar. On one end of this coffre are two compartments em- bracing, first, as a subject, the baptism of St. Dympna, in one division; and secondly, in the other, the death of St. Dympna's mother. Opposite the altar, and looking towards the little choir, are three different compartments, con- taining as a first subject, in one division, St. Dympna expostulating with her father; the second i)ainting represents the flight of St. Dympna, St. Gerebern and their two companions, with the king following them in the distance; the
third division discovers St. Dympna and St. Gerebern seated in pious con- versation beneath some trees, whilst the court jester and his wife are engaged in putting up the frame-work of a small hut. On the other end of the coffre are two compartments: in the first division may be seen the king and his. attendants arriving at Antwerp; and, in the second panel, we behold St. Dym])na praying, whilst St. Gerebern a])pears walking near the hut, in the interior of the wood, and the si)ies are pointing out both these saints to the
king, who is seen in the foreground. ^9 Tlie coffre. , on which all these designs are represented, contains the wiiite stone sarcoi)iiagus of St. Dympna, together
•^ An engraved illustration of this portion will be found in the Rev. Mr. Kuyl's larger of the church, with the practice alluded to, work, p. 128.
the inscription
:
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
329
with some pieces of broken stone of the same material,3o and supposed to have formed part of St. Gerebern's coffin.
On the outside of two panelled wings, over St. Dympna's altar, and within the little choir, are to be seen four different paintings. The left wing repre- sents, in the first compartment, a bishop holding a shrine ; and, in the second division, her father appears in the act of decollating St. Dympna, with a de- mon and one of the king's attendants behind him. On the face of the right wing, and in the first compartment, two executioners are figured, in the act of beheading St. Gerebern, whilst in the second compartment, a bishop is exhibited dispensing alms to a poor person.
Over the altar, within the small choir chapel and behind the principal altar of the great choir, are two beautiful paintings, on the outside of wooden cases: one picture represents St. Dympna holding a chain, attached to a demon lying at her feet; the other depicts St. Gerebern, holding a book in theleftandleaningonaswordwiththerighthand. Thesetwofoldedcases also open and extend on either side of the altar. Within these cases are seen,
elegantly gilt and vividly coloured representations, in detached wooden figures, of a bishop and ecclesiastics, making a visit to our saint's shrine, in one divi-
with an old castle, represented in an upper compartment, on one side
of the folding door. On the other side, appear ecclesiastics and afflicted
persons, engaged in a religious ceremony before St. Dympna's shrine, in the
lower division while in the upper compartment, a church is represented.
;
Under these groups, magnificent compartments are exhibited, filled with other figures, when the folding doors, which rest immediately over the altar, are opened. In each compartment are two scenes, illustrating the principal eventsintheactsofSt. Dympna. Thelargergroupsanddivisionslieunder- neath, and the smaller ones over, within each division. Beginning with the first compartment, on the left side, we find the birth of St. Dympna repre- sented, in the upper section—the mother is in a bed, and presenting the infant to her attendant maids ; in the lower section, St, Dympna is depicted covered with a white robe and immersed above the knees in a baptismal font, while St. Gerebern stands beside her, and with one hand, he pours water on theyouthfulneophyte'shead. Heholdsabook,intheotherhand,whileher father and other attendants are present. Under these two sections is found thisLatininscription: "HicDimpnaChristonascitur. "3' Inthesecondcompart- ment, and upper section, the father holds a council with his advisers to seek another wife ; beneath, in larger figures, is represented the death of St. Dympna's mother, the daughter and king with their attendants standing beside the bed and bewailing the queen's departure. St. Dympna appears standing beside St. Gerebern. Underneath is the inscription, " Sancto tuenda tradi- tur. "32 The foregoing groups appear, on the left interior wing of the folding doorwhenopened. Inthethirdfixedcompartment,overthealtarandinthe upper section, St. Dympna, with her domestics, receiving religious instruc-
tion from St. Gerebern, may be seen ; whilst in the under section, a group of deformed demons appear behind the king, and in front St. Dympna and St. Gerebern are represented upbraiding him. The inscription is : "Recusat inces- tum patris. "33 In the fourth comparlment and upper section. Saints Dympna
^9 Around this painted coffre may be read ^t j^ English : Here Dympna is born in the following Latin inscription : " Quod Christ.
sion
;
jacet hie intus, qui transis, pronus adora. Tumb3e Sanctorum Dympnse sunt at Gere- berni.
3° It receives the technical name of " lapis ligustricus. "
^- In English ; She is placed under guar- dianship of the holy man.
33 in Englisli : She resists the incestuous father,
^-i InEnglish Thechastevirginbecomes
:
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LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
and Gerebern are figured on a pilgrimage, with their two faithful companions ; and, in the under section, all of these four voyagers are placed in a boat, skim- ming over the waves, with the towers and houses of Antwerp rising in the dis- tance. Theinscription is: "Patriampudicadeserit. 34" In the fifth compartment and upper section, St. Dympna is seen paying her bill to the people in the inn, at Westerloo ; whilst in the under section, his messengers bring the father an account of having found her at Zammal. The inscription is : " Inventa patri proditur. "35 In the sixth compartment and upper section, at the place of our saint's retreat, herself and her companions are discovered ; and, in the lower section, her father grasps the long flowing hair of the saint with his left hand, bending her head downwards, while the sword, wielded in his right hand, descends upon the extended neck of the kneeling virgin. Beside her, St. Gerebern is also kneeling, with a bandage over his eyes, and an executioner drawing a two-handed sword down upon his neck. A demon, in the back- ground, presides over this execution. The inscription is : "Cadunt pudoris vic- timae. "3^ In the seventh compartment and upper section, the hut where that happy family lived at Zammal 37 is seen ; and, in the section under, angels are engaged placing St. Dympna's body in her tomb, whilst in the foreground lies the body of St. Gerebern waiting interment. An angel holds a lighted taper over their heads, which are attached to both bodies, with a bloody circle, crim- soned around the neck of each saint. The inscription is : "Tumulant rehquias angeli. "3^ In the eighth compartment and upper section of the right wing of the folding door, a discovery of the relics in their cave is depicted ; and, in the lower section, a religious procession is represented, with St. Dympna's shrine borne on the shoulders of ecclesiastics. The inscription is : " Coluntur ossa martyris. "3y In the ninth compartment and upper section, is represented as a subject the attempt to remove St. Dympna's relics in the waggon. Under- neath it may be seen a group of possessed persons. The holy virgin and martyr stands behind, ordering the demon to depart. He is observed, flying fromtheheadofawoman,whilesheis intheactofreceivingcommunion from a priest. -*" The inscription is : "Succurrit aegris plurimis. "'*' All the fore- going groups are elegantly and elaborately sculptured ; while St. Dympna is representedingildedrobesanddecoratedwithregalornaments. Abovethe altar is a figure, representing the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, while an
an exile.
35 In English : Being found, she is be-
trayed to her father.
3* In English: The victims of chastity are
martyred.
3' Zammal, near Westerloo, is represented
on the Kaert van Gheel, as being removed at some distance from the place, where St. Dympna is traditionally said to have suffered martyrdom. If the tradition be correct, it would seem that St. Dympna and St. Gere- bern had removed from the immediate vicinity of their rustic habitation, at the time they were discovered and put to death by the king.
3^* In English: Angels entomb their re-
mains.
39 In English : The bones of the martyr
are venerated.
*• According to an ancient rite that pre-
vailed at Gheel, the priest was not accus- tomed to take the ablutions *fter com- munion, but either to pour them into the
piscina, near the altar, or give them to the insane, when Mass had been concluded, This will serve to explain some references to the practice already mentioned, in accounts of persons who had been restored to the use of reason, either in a natural or supernatural manner, after having performed the prescribed exercises and partaken of the ablution drink. 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.
—
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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.
A curious and an elevated structure, terminating in a spire, and an object of frequent occurrence in most of the Flemish churches, is called the Tower of the Blessed Sacrament. It maybe noticed, on the left side of St. Dympna's high altar, facing the choir. It has never changed its present position, and it is probably of as ancient a date as the choir around. A grill in front, under which the Blessed Sacrament was formerly preserved, and a rude stone carving, representing the last supper, as also a bronze lamp hanging in front, complete the accessories.
At the right entrance to the great choir, which contains finely carved oak stalls, formerly used by the canons, a beautifully sculptured image of St. Dympna may be seen, in an alcove, and covered with a glass case. She holds in her right hand a sword. This image is clothed—but in very questionable taste—with an elegant white dress, trimmed with gold lace; a part of the cos- tume consists of lace ruffles and a collar. A cherry-coloured silk robe falls loosely over the under garments; a rich lace scarf depends over the silk man- tilla, and parts from under a crown of artificial flowers, placed on the head of this statue. The left hand holds a bunch of flowers ; and worsted embroidery, in coloured threads, appears over the under dress. Two cierges rest before this image, with a brass basin to receive the offerings of St. Dympna's faithful clients. A corresponding image of the Blessed Virgin may be seen, on the other side of this choir. A chapel of our Blessed Lady occupies the left tran- sept within this church.
The high altar and its superstructure, within the great choir, are truly majestic and elaborate specimens of wooden sculpture. They are divided into many compartments, richly gilt and painted in a variety of colours. In
=' These altars are enumerated, in the Rev. several religious bequests to St. Dympna's Mr. Kuyl's work. In it, likewise, as in the Church are found. The dates for various " Notice Historique " of the Abbe Stroobant, successive additions to it are also recorded.
328
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
the upper part are represented angels, and the figure of a dove, to symbohze the Holy Ghost, Under it are the words : " Passam Excelsus decorat justitise thronus. " Underneath is represented the statue of St. Dynipna, with beau- tiful drapery. The figure is of more than life size, and elegantly carved. Two angels hold a wreath, a sword, and a palm-branch, over the figure of the saint, standing on a chained demon. Angels flit around her, and a full life-sized figure, immediately under this statue, represents a winged ange', pointing with the right finger towards St. Dympna, whilst a scroll, on blue ground with gilt letters, unfolds these words: " Accidentibus auxilium. " A beautiful group on the right side, still lower down, represents an angel bearing a shield, with
*' Ecce virgo dat auxilium. " This address appears directed to a group of figures, in frontof the angel, and consisting of a chained insane man, a female figure, as also two children. On the left side of this altar, there is another group, comprising a lame man leaning against a crutch, two possessed persons, and a blind infant. These figures rest on a level with the former group. On a blank shield, immediately near, is represented a bas re- lief ^'^\\x^ ofSt. Gerebern. Three angels sustain the shield, and one angel points downwards to the figure with his right finger, whilst in the left hand a gilt sword is held over the body of the holy martyr. On either side of the figured dove, a large statue, representing the angel of justice, holding a gilt scales in the right and a sword in the left hand, may be seen on one side
; whilst on the other, the angel of mercy appears holding a cross in the right and a branch in the left hand. All these 'figures are painted white and of natural size. The figure of St. Dympna stands over an immense and ex- quisitely designed pedestal, which forms a tabernacle for the high altar. This tabernacle is richly gilt, carved and decorated. The wood-work around the altar is most carefully joined, as also wrought, and painted, with skill and taste, so as to resemble differently coloured marbles. Tlie high altar is shaped like a sarcophagus. Two massive polished and tall brass candlesticks rest on stands, at either side of the three ascending steps to the larger platform of the altar. Four black marble steps ascend to the lesser but more elevated plat-
form.
The elegantly gilt and painted wooden coffre, under which possessed per-
sons are accustomed to pass with bare feet and on their knees, is enclosed in a glass case, through which seven pictorial tablets may be seen. ^^ It is placed behind the high altar. On one end of this coffre are two compartments em- bracing, first, as a subject, the baptism of St. Dympna, in one division; and secondly, in the other, the death of St. Dympna's mother. Opposite the altar, and looking towards the little choir, are three different compartments, con- taining as a first subject, in one division, St. Dympna expostulating with her father; the second i)ainting represents the flight of St. Dympna, St. Gerebern and their two companions, with the king following them in the distance; the
third division discovers St. Dympna and St. Gerebern seated in pious con- versation beneath some trees, whilst the court jester and his wife are engaged in putting up the frame-work of a small hut. On the other end of the coffre are two compartments: in the first division may be seen the king and his. attendants arriving at Antwerp; and, in the second panel, we behold St. Dym])na praying, whilst St. Gerebern a])pears walking near the hut, in the interior of the wood, and the si)ies are pointing out both these saints to the
king, who is seen in the foreground. ^9 Tlie coffre. , on which all these designs are represented, contains the wiiite stone sarcoi)iiagus of St. Dympna, together
•^ An engraved illustration of this portion will be found in the Rev. Mr. Kuyl's larger of the church, with the practice alluded to, work, p. 128.
the inscription
:
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
329
with some pieces of broken stone of the same material,3o and supposed to have formed part of St. Gerebern's coffin.
On the outside of two panelled wings, over St. Dympna's altar, and within the little choir, are to be seen four different paintings. The left wing repre- sents, in the first compartment, a bishop holding a shrine ; and, in the second division, her father appears in the act of decollating St. Dympna, with a de- mon and one of the king's attendants behind him. On the face of the right wing, and in the first compartment, two executioners are figured, in the act of beheading St. Gerebern, whilst in the second compartment, a bishop is exhibited dispensing alms to a poor person.
Over the altar, within the small choir chapel and behind the principal altar of the great choir, are two beautiful paintings, on the outside of wooden cases: one picture represents St. Dympna holding a chain, attached to a demon lying at her feet; the other depicts St. Gerebern, holding a book in theleftandleaningonaswordwiththerighthand. Thesetwofoldedcases also open and extend on either side of the altar. Within these cases are seen,
elegantly gilt and vividly coloured representations, in detached wooden figures, of a bishop and ecclesiastics, making a visit to our saint's shrine, in one divi-
with an old castle, represented in an upper compartment, on one side
of the folding door. On the other side, appear ecclesiastics and afflicted
persons, engaged in a religious ceremony before St. Dympna's shrine, in the
lower division while in the upper compartment, a church is represented.
;
Under these groups, magnificent compartments are exhibited, filled with other figures, when the folding doors, which rest immediately over the altar, are opened. In each compartment are two scenes, illustrating the principal eventsintheactsofSt. Dympna. Thelargergroupsanddivisionslieunder- neath, and the smaller ones over, within each division. Beginning with the first compartment, on the left side, we find the birth of St. Dympna repre- sented, in the upper section—the mother is in a bed, and presenting the infant to her attendant maids ; in the lower section, St, Dympna is depicted covered with a white robe and immersed above the knees in a baptismal font, while St. Gerebern stands beside her, and with one hand, he pours water on theyouthfulneophyte'shead. Heholdsabook,intheotherhand,whileher father and other attendants are present. Under these two sections is found thisLatininscription: "HicDimpnaChristonascitur. "3' Inthesecondcompart- ment, and upper section, the father holds a council with his advisers to seek another wife ; beneath, in larger figures, is represented the death of St. Dympna's mother, the daughter and king with their attendants standing beside the bed and bewailing the queen's departure. St. Dympna appears standing beside St. Gerebern. Underneath is the inscription, " Sancto tuenda tradi- tur. "32 The foregoing groups appear, on the left interior wing of the folding doorwhenopened. Inthethirdfixedcompartment,overthealtarandinthe upper section, St. Dympna, with her domestics, receiving religious instruc-
tion from St. Gerebern, may be seen ; whilst in the under section, a group of deformed demons appear behind the king, and in front St. Dympna and St. Gerebern are represented upbraiding him. The inscription is : "Recusat inces- tum patris. "33 In the fourth comparlment and upper section. Saints Dympna
^9 Around this painted coffre may be read ^t j^ English : Here Dympna is born in the following Latin inscription : " Quod Christ.
sion
;
jacet hie intus, qui transis, pronus adora. Tumb3e Sanctorum Dympnse sunt at Gere- berni.
3° It receives the technical name of " lapis ligustricus. "
^- In English ; She is placed under guar- dianship of the holy man.
33 in Englisli : She resists the incestuous father,
^-i InEnglish Thechastevirginbecomes
:
330
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
and Gerebern are figured on a pilgrimage, with their two faithful companions ; and, in the under section, all of these four voyagers are placed in a boat, skim- ming over the waves, with the towers and houses of Antwerp rising in the dis- tance. Theinscription is: "Patriampudicadeserit. 34" In the fifth compartment and upper section, St. Dympna is seen paying her bill to the people in the inn, at Westerloo ; whilst in the under section, his messengers bring the father an account of having found her at Zammal. The inscription is : " Inventa patri proditur. "35 In the sixth compartment and upper section, at the place of our saint's retreat, herself and her companions are discovered ; and, in the lower section, her father grasps the long flowing hair of the saint with his left hand, bending her head downwards, while the sword, wielded in his right hand, descends upon the extended neck of the kneeling virgin. Beside her, St. Gerebern is also kneeling, with a bandage over his eyes, and an executioner drawing a two-handed sword down upon his neck. A demon, in the back- ground, presides over this execution. The inscription is : "Cadunt pudoris vic- timae. "3^ In the seventh compartment and upper section, the hut where that happy family lived at Zammal 37 is seen ; and, in the section under, angels are engaged placing St. Dympna's body in her tomb, whilst in the foreground lies the body of St. Gerebern waiting interment. An angel holds a lighted taper over their heads, which are attached to both bodies, with a bloody circle, crim- soned around the neck of each saint. The inscription is : "Tumulant rehquias angeli. "3^ In the eighth compartment and upper section of the right wing of the folding door, a discovery of the relics in their cave is depicted ; and, in the lower section, a religious procession is represented, with St. Dympna's shrine borne on the shoulders of ecclesiastics. The inscription is : " Coluntur ossa martyris. "3y In the ninth compartment and upper section, is represented as a subject the attempt to remove St. Dympna's relics in the waggon. Under- neath it may be seen a group of possessed persons. The holy virgin and martyr stands behind, ordering the demon to depart. He is observed, flying fromtheheadofawoman,whilesheis intheactofreceivingcommunion from a priest. -*" The inscription is : "Succurrit aegris plurimis. "'*' All the fore- going groups are elegantly and elaborately sculptured ; while St. Dympna is representedingildedrobesanddecoratedwithregalornaments. Abovethe altar is a figure, representing the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, while an
an exile.
35 In English : Being found, she is be-
trayed to her father.
3* In English: The victims of chastity are
martyred.
3' Zammal, near Westerloo, is represented
on the Kaert van Gheel, as being removed at some distance from the place, where St. Dympna is traditionally said to have suffered martyrdom. If the tradition be correct, it would seem that St. Dympna and St. Gere- bern had removed from the immediate vicinity of their rustic habitation, at the time they were discovered and put to death by the king.
3^* In English: Angels entomb their re-
mains.
39 In English : The bones of the martyr
are venerated.
*• According to an ancient rite that pre-
vailed at Gheel, the priest was not accus- tomed to take the ablutions *fter com- munion, but either to pour them into the
piscina, near the altar, or give them to the insane, when Mass had been concluded, This will serve to explain some references to the practice already mentioned, in accounts of persons who had been restored to the use of reason, either in a natural or supernatural manner, after having performed the prescribed exercises and partaken of the ablution drink. 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.
