The afflicted woman was
accordingly
laid down, before the body of our holy saint, while her weeping friends poured forth prayers to Dympna.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v5
439 to 488.
In Molanus' Usuardus, we find the fol-
lowing notices of St. Dympna : —"May 15. In Brabantia, villa qure Ghclc nuncupatur, sanctae Dympna; virginis ct martyris. ILec ' propter fidcm ct amorem castitatis, dccol- lata est a proprio genitoic, rege Ilyberniw
Dympna, virgo et martyr, filia fuit regis Hy- berniie gentillis, qui mortua uxore sua ipsam voluit habere uxorem. Sed ipsa propter fidem, et castitatis amorem, clam fugit per Antverpiam, in villam Ghele, ubi tandem invcnta, a proprio genitore decollata e. -t, cum Gereberno presliytero, circa annum scxcentesinium. Festum ejus celebrant Canonici Glielenses die decimo quinto Maii. Locus est disecesis Buscoducensis, in Kem- jiinia Brabantii^ : ubi obessi a dremonibus per ejus merita liberantur. Qua etiam de causa pingilur tenens demonem alligatum. Vulgo Digna dicitur, ut videtur durior pro-
nunciatio. "
s in an old printed legend of her Acts, it
is written, " decollati circa annum l>omini sexingcntcssinium. " But, we are obliged to conjecture, whether the writer must be understood as intending to use " scptingen- tcsimus " or " sexcentesimus annus. "
;
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
313
perpetual and heavenly felicity. The providence of God so decreed, that the bodies of these holy martyrs, although remaining unburied for some time, should be preserved, from the devouring beasts and birds. At length, some inhabitants, belonging to the adjoining country, knowing how gloriously the champions of Christ had contended in their last agony, and moved with pity for their unjust murder, had the bodies of St. Dympna and of St. Gerebern placed in a cave,^ with some degree of reverence and decency. Such was the custom of interment in that part of the country, at the time this martyrdom
took place.
But, after a lapse of many years, the clergy and people of the country
around Gheel assembled together, through a desire of honouring God, in ex- huming the bodies of those holy martyrs, who had so gloriously perished by the sword of an infidel. It was resolved, as tradition yet pointed out their place of sepulture, that the light should no longer rest within tliat hidden cave, where their remains had been first deposited. And, indeed, those pious persons of every rank and age were richly rewarded, by the wonderful miracles, which it pleased Christ to operate through His servants' intercession. The very first effort made to disemtomb their relics was attended by the exhibition of a wonderful sight, surpassing the comprehension, as it did the previous experi- ence, of those who were spectators. These were in utter astonishment, when the workmen removed an obstructing heap of earth with their implements. The labourers discovered two most hti:\v\i\W\\ sa7-cophagi^ whiter than the drift- ing snow, and carved from stone, as if by the hands of angel sculptors. colour itself was aptly considered to be typical of the virginal purity of our saints, and it was more remarkable, because in that part of the country the stone formation presented a colour black as the very soot of chimneys. With- out much difficulty, and in a manner to excite the admiration of all present, these monuments were drawn from their place of concealment, and carefully scrutinized by the attending crowd. No trace of a fracture or joint could be found in them ; so that it seemed, as if the bodies of our saints had been en- closed, within one great mass of concrete stone. The multitude felt joyful beyond measure, having had the happiness of witnessing such a wonderful sight, as had not before blessed the gaze of mortals ; but yet, they regretted this circumstance, which seemed to prevent them from feasting their eyes
with a view of the beatified remains enclosed. The people gave praise to God, in admiration of His almighty power, and shed tears of devout emotion, while conferring with each other, on the possibility of exposing the sainted relics, witliout breaking or damaging their beautiful stone encasements. '' An Omni- potent Ruler had designed, in His own good time, the train of events by which the faith and piety of His people might be rewarded; and, a balm of fragrant odour was afterwards diffused among the faithful, who flocked from distant parts to pray before the shrines of these holy martyrs, and who after- wards returned to their homes, in the increased enjoyment of corporal health and spiritual consolation.
Before proceeding to write the second part of his tract, givmg a history of the miracles of St. Dympna, Canon Peter offers an interesting prologue, explaining
* It was probably formed in the earth, and served as a grave, for the Martyrs.
tati divinse quas ubi vult iiideficiens opera-
tur, tarn evidens attribuere miraculum actiones gratiarum communiter cum gaudio referentes Domino nostro Jesu Christo, qui vivit et regnat per omnia SKCula sseculorum.
7 After giving the foregoing description,
Canon Peter abruptly ends the first part of St.
Dympna's and of St. Gereliern's Acts with
the following sentence: "Quod cernentes 'Amen. "—"Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii. , ad occulum, discutiendo diutius, rationishu- xv. Maii. Acta SS. Dymnnse et Gereberni, mans nuUatenus iiigenio factum esse, potes- cap. iii. , p. 486.
The
;
314
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
his motives for adding this narrative, as the complement of his assumed task. It would be much more desirable, he says, to finish a work, which, in the opinion of a person esteemed for wisdom, must conduce to a worthy issue, than to leave it imperfect, by negligently yielding to reprehensible idleness. Justly might envious and carping people point a finger of scorn to the inert workman, and cry out: "Behold one who laid the foundations of a building, and could not finish it. " As Bishop Guido urged the inception of his task, so Canon Peter felt bonnd to complete his account of the saint's miracles, through the same influence, lest in the ordinary course of passing events, theirrecollectionshouldaltogetherfadefrommemory. Byapreceptofthe Old Law, the priests were obliged to offer the tail of a victim in sacrifice,^ and the holy Josejjh wore a garment reaching to his heels,9 which, according to St. Gregory, must have the mystic signification of i)erfectinga good work, and of bringing it to a happy consummation. When resolving to put on record a few things, from the many which might be recorded, we should always recol- lect, that the evidences of a laudable life and of a just conversation must not besought from the glitter of appearance, but in good and holy works. Many votaries of this world do not practise the latter, but even speciously feigning to do so, they are adverse to the just and righteous. Whilst the apostle Peter walked with dry feet over the azure billows of a tempestuous sea,'° his co- labourer in doctrine and fellow-sufferer in death, St. Paul, was shipwrecked on the ocean. " Yet, as a wicked generation demanded signs, there was a just reason for relating some few of those miracles, which were so numerous. Coming to the knowledge of the writer, from a chain of ancient tradition, a volume of large size could scarcely contain a full and perfect account of them. It is a laudable and useful undertaking to commit the trials and triumphs of the saints to writing : for by this practice, the glory of God becomes more known and widely diffused, the majesty of Jesus Christ is glorified in these wonders, and the faithful are commonly induced to aspire after perfection. As the Sicilian tyrants experienced no greater torment, than the expressive looks of those, who felt disaffected to their rule ; so might the Canon Peter find him- self exposed to unbearable reproach and unjust comment, if, when informed by others, he did not relate even what escaped his own observation. St. Mark and St. Luke, who are deserving of honour for writing their Gospels, recorded much of what they had only heard and not seen. Canon Peter deprecates condemnation from his studious and cultivated readers, if he deliver in plain and prosaic language, the principal facts of this narrative, as he did not aim at surprising by eloquence ; and having neither mastered the rules of rhetoric, as laid down by Donatus and Priscian, nor imbibed the full spirit and elegant colouring of Ciceronian elociuence, he thought indulgence might well be claimed, if he failed not in his efforts to instruct, rather than to please. After these preliminary observations, he presents the reader with an account of what occurred, in reference to the relics and special intercession of our illustrious saint, at Gheel; and the following statements will include the sub- stance ofhis interesting narrative.
Having religiously deposed the recovered relics of our holy virgin, St. Dympna, and those of the blessed Gerebern, a knowledge of the miracles, which it pleased Almighty God to accomplish through their intercession, was widely diffused amongst distant nations and people. From that time forward, we are assured, whatever i)etitioncr approached their shrines, in single- ness of heart and purity of faith, was healed from any infirmity of mind or
' Leviticus, iii. , 9. '° MaUhew, xiv. , 29. 9 Genesis, xli. ,42. " Acts, xxvii.
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
315
body wliich afflicted him, and that a salutary effect always resulted from the prayer of his petition. The fame of these miracles reached the people of Santen,atownsituatedontheRiverRhine. Someinhabitantsofthisplace, through a blind impulse of zeal and piety, had resolved in conclave, that the relics of our saints should be obtained for their town, if possible. Nor were they overscrupulous, as to whether their object should be accomplished surreptitiously or by open force. They considered that a thousand blessings should enrich their town and neighbourhood, if they could only procure those relics, which people from different parts of the world venerated and held in such love and respect.
Wherefore, having assembled a large force of brave and strong men, the Santen people marched towards the site of Gheel, then a rural village or fort. Pretending they came for the sole purpose of offering devotions before the shrines of St. Dympna and of St. Gerebern, during their hours of prayer, these pilgrims carefully informed themselves about the position and opportunities presented,duringthefewdayskeptinvigilneartheshrines. Havingawaited a favourable opportunity, waggons were procured, and the precious bodies of the saints, in their stone coffins, were laid thereon, while the guardians of these holy relics had their attention directed towards other matters. To secure impunity, in consequence of their action, the overjoyed depredators began a hasty retreat, in the direction of their homes. But, an alarm was soon communicated to all the inhabitants of the surrounding country, who hastily assembled with arms in their hands. In a state of the greatest excitement, the plunderers were then pursued. The alarmed bearers of our saints' bodies, having heard the tumult surging from behind, felt that they must contend withaninfuriatedandalargebodyofmen. Thetwostonecoffins,borneby them,werespeedilyremovedfromtheirwaggons. Havingbeendeposited on the ground, that coffin which contained the remains of St. Gerebern was broken in pieces; while that one which contained the precious relics of St, Dympna remained entire. The plunderers continued their flight, having se-
cured the remains of St. Gerebern, and having left his broken coffin behind them. When approaching the town of Santen, a message was sent before them, to the inhabitants of that place. The townspeople came forth to con- gratulate the fortunate fugitives, on their safe arrival; although the latter felt much fatigued, after their long journey, and owing to the fear of failing in their hazardous adventure. Immediately all the people set out in a solemn procession, to meet the sacred relics, bearing with them waxen tapers, thuri- bles, and a processional cross. Chaunting hymns and canticles, the rejoicing multitude brought the-newly acquired treasure to their church, where the remains of St. Gerebern were deposited, with all due honour and respect.
Meantime, those pursuers, who followed the fugitives from Gheel, came to that spot, where the broken tomb of St. Gerebern was found, together with the unprofaned relics of St. Dympna, which yet remained within their stone coffin. Feeling some degree of consolation, in having recovered the body of this holy virgin, the Gheel people prepared to bring it back to their church. But, to their great surprise, it was f^ound to remain immovable, and fastened as it were to the ground, notwithstanding the great force employed, when en- deavouring to raise it. In this dilemma, the multitude was ignorant of what course should be adopted ; for, it was found, that even the strength of horses availed little, in their effort to procure a removal of St. Dympna's sarcopha-
gus. Soon afterwards, an aged woman living in that neighbourhood heard a voice, speaking to her in ravishing accents during the night, while she was asleep : " Arise early on to-morrow, yoke the young calf, which remains in your byre to the waggon, and desire your son to remove the coffin of St.
3i6 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
Dympna. " When tliis woman awoke, she wondered much at the words thus heard. She arose, however, at an early liour on the following morning. Hav- ing called her son, this woman told him all the particulars of what had occur- red during her sleep. She urged the young man to fulfil, wliat appeared to be an accomplishment of lieavenly intimation, as to the issue of her vision. When the son had been told this by his mother, believing her to be demented, he entreated she would be silent on that subject. He told her, the people must hold both of them in derision, if her advice had been followed. But, his mother, full of confidence in the issue, immediately yoked to the Avaggon a young calf, whose horns and hoofs had not yet grown. When the son could not be induced to obey her instructions, she drove the animal towards that place, where several astonished rustics stood around the coffin. Both young and old, considering the woman to be idiotic or simple, followed her with sneering observations ; whilst, at the same time, they had a curiosity to wit- ness the result of her supposed foolish efforts. When she came to the spot, where all the exertions of men and horses had been vainly tried, invoking the Divine blessing, the woman told them about her vision of the preceding night. She besought them also to wait, imtil the body of the holy virgin should be placed on the waggon, which might bear it to the proper place of its destination. Some of the people burst into laughter, supposing the good woman to have a sort of mania about her strange proposal. At length, with great diffidence, they assented to her request, and then found the body could beremoved,withouttheslightestdifficulty. Whentheirwaggonproceededon its way, the wondering multitude accompanied it to the church, with every demonstration of rejoicing and of profound reverence. They saw an animal, apparently little fitted for such a great load as the heavy stone coffin, advan- cing with ease along the road. Accusing themselves of being unworthy, on account of their sins, to bear the blessed remains of their holy virgin and patroness, the multitude unanimously gave thanks to God, who often chooses the weak things of this world to confound the strong.
After some time had elapsed, St. Dynipna's original church, which was of small dimensions, and not larger in size than an humble hut," obtained such importance and renown, that the magistrates, nobles, and wealthy citizens of Gheel, resolved on building anew and magnificent structure, in honour of our saint. They unanimously decreed, likewise, that means should be provided, for furni-shing a splendid golden reliquary, to received the venerated remains of their holy virgin and martyr. They considered it should be unworthy their religious feeling, good taste, and public spirit, if they suffered her body to lie enclosed in a stone chest, when the whole country echoed with reports of miracles, wrought through her intercession. As our saint was a vessel of
election, most precious in the siglit of God; so the inhabitants of Gheel thought it must become them, to collect gold, silver and precious stones, and to form from these materials a propitiatory vessel of most pure gold, '3 in which the holy remains might thenceforth repose with greater honour. Having spiritedly accomplished this object, their next course was to ask the Bishop of Cambray to arrange a grand ceremonial, for the translation of St. Dynipna's relics. This request was graciously and cordially complied with ; and, the prelate gave necessary directions for such a ceremony as they required, by appointing both the day and hour for its jierformance. That venerable bishop, clothed in full pontificals, a great number of abbots, clerics, nobles, with the populace of both sexes, and of every age, rank, and condition, attended on
" This account must forcibly remind the of many primitive Irish churches, the ruins reader to recollect the contracted dimensions of which yet exist.
May I S. J LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 317
this occasion. The body of St. Dynipna was taken from her stone cofifin, and placed in a golden shrine, wrought by skilful artists. Thus, the Jewish legis- lator, Moses, set up the brazen serpent on a pole, in the desert, so that those persons, who had been bitten by fiery serpents, when looking on that image, might be healed from their wounds. '^ It would seem, that Canon Peter, after diligent search through the popular books of history in his day, and even among these less known, could not record the date of this grand cele- bration, nor give the names of those distinguished persons, who participated in that ceremony. But, he was able to aver with certainty, that when the beautiful stone sarcophagus, having previously no joint or fracture, was broken, the remains of this venerable virgin and martyr of Christ were found within it. When the bishop of that diocese approached with religious rever- ence and awe to raise the relics, he found a red tile resting over the breast of our saint, and bearing the following inscript'on : " Here lies the holy virgin and martyr, Dympna. "^s It seemed mystically to indicate that bright robe of chastity, which adorned the virgin, so that her body should issue from the white marble sarcophagus, and that the colour of a martyr should be desig- nated by the red tile, which covered her breast. This translation of her re- mains took place, on the 15th of May, according to popular tradition, and some centuries after her martyrdom. '^
In point of fact, a sort of necessity required the people of Gheel, to place the remains of their patron saint, in a golden case. It is probable, the doubt, expressed by a particular individual, was also entertained by many incredu- lous persons. For we are told, while the people bore that coffin containing our saint's relics, a certain unlettered and sceptical man uttered these words of doubt and reproach, before the pious multitude : " Oh ! what folly hath taken possession of you, to carry this coffin, while you are ignorant whether ornotitcontainsthehonouredrelicsofSt. Dympna? " Whenthesewords were heard, the porters felt somewhat distrustful, and having set down her sacred remains, they stood there for some time. Then, having endeavoured once more to raise the precious burden on their shoulders, the body of our holy virgin, as if fastened to the ground, remained perfectly immovable. Even with an increased number of strong men, the bearers could not move it, though they almost exhausted themselves with fatigue, in making the effort. When they had laboured for a long time in vain, one of them vexed at this delay remarked, that it must have occurred, on account of the want of faith already expressed. These words of pious reproof induced all who were pre- sent, to betake themselves to the arms of prayer. Falling on their knees, they humbly besought our holy virgin and rjiartyr, that she would allow them todepartwiththeirdearly-prizedtreasure. Havingfinishedthisprayer,they arose and put their hands to the coffin ; when, to their renewed surprise, they found, what had resisted their first efforts was capable of being moved to any place, without a feeling of the slightest weight or inconvenience. This circumstance made it apparent to all, that faith, found united with persever- ingprayer,canbringstrengthtotheweak. Thus,Eliseusstruckwithblind- ness a whole army of the Syrian king, when their monarch had sent them withhorsesandchariotstoarresttheholyprophet. ^7 Asermonwaspreached before the rejoicing multitude, when the relics of St. Dympna were brought in procession without her church.
'3 See Exodus, xxv. , 17.
'* Numbers, xxi. , 9.
'S Canon Peter gives it thus in Latin:
'* This day was that of St. Gerebern's and of her martyrdom. See Father Stephen White's " Apologia pro Hibernia," cap. iv. ,
"Hie jacet sancta Virgo et Martyr, p. 42.
Dympna. "
'' IV. Kings, vi.
3i8 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
It seems, that the Church of St. Dympna had been anciently roofed with \YOod—probably shingled—and that a certain pious man, who was accustomed to the business of plastering, and who lived by manual labour on other days of the week, was accustomed to spend his Sundays in repairing the roof of this structure, when its materials were worn widi age, or when it was pervious to the rain. He always devoted particular care, to stopping the chinks and crannies, without earthly fee or reward, and only induced by his own devout feelings towards the holy Dympna, who had been so signally favoured as the servant of God. This good man trusted to obtain mercy and salvation, being the faithful client of our glorious martyr. However, on a certain Sabbath- day, when he had climbed the roof to proceed with his usual labours of re- paration, it so happened, that he cut off his own thumb, with an iron instru- ment he had been using. When diis separated member rolled from the roof to the ground, that poor man invoked devoutly the name and aid of his holy patroness. Immediately, in the most miraculous manner, the missing thumb was restored to its former position ; and pain being altogether removed, not
even a trace of the wound remained on the plasterer's hand.
A certain waggon-maker,'^ named Henry Suagher, often prayed to St. Dympna during his working hours. This man was unjustly arrested, guarded and committed to prison, where he was cruelly chained to a wall by a cliain hanging from his neck. Deprived of any hope througli human relief, he began to conceive the idea of liberation, by addressing St. Dympna with pious tears and supplications. While persisting in these prayers and lamen- tations, the glorious Virgin Dympna appeared and wonderfully consoled him ; for, having broken the chain and opened the door of his prison, she directed the captive to escape. Thus was the man delivered from the power of his cruel masters, and he ever gratefully preserved a recollection of the blessings
of liberty bestowed on him by his glorious deliverer, the virgin and martyr of God,St. Dympna.
A certain woman, supposed to have been possessed by a wicked spirit, terrified all her friends and neighbours, by her screams and threatening actions. Charitably-disposed persons believed the just Creator would not suffer this miserable woman to perish everlastingly, for her mischievous pro- pensities and horrid outcries ; but, they supposed, that He would accept her temporal sufferings, as a means of atonement, to relieve her from future evil influences. Her friends, taking counsel together, and entertaining a great devotion towards St. Dympna, resolved to bring this poor creature to the shrine, where it was believed no wicked spirit could long prevail by his malici- ous arts.
The afflicted woman was accordingly laid down, before the body of our holy saint, while her weeping friends poured forth prayers to Dympna. To their great joy and admiration, the possessed woman recovered the use of her senses, and with great delight she was conducted home, perfectly restored to health and to tiie exercise of her mental faculties.
Canon Peter thought it desirable, to proclaim another of these wonders wrought by God through the intercession of His holy servant, St. Dympna, in the case of a certain nun, who was twice afflicted with a disease, called the sacredfire. '^'^ This was a wasting kind of disease, separating and rotting away
'* Latinized in the text, Carpentator. At this word, Ilensclicnius tell. , us, that in the title to the chapter, where the account given in the text is contained, he found the head- ing, " Carpentarius. " The history of our saint's miracles, by Canon Peter, is con- tained in eleven cbajiters, the titles of which are omitted by Ilenschcnius as being un-
necessary,
"' The writer tells us, that this peculiar
form of disease " sacer ignis," is also known amongst the first physicians as the " ignis Persicus," the "ignis infernalis," and by the Greeks the word esttr—or . is the editor Hensclienius corrects his author, " A((Tr7jp Cnrtv, torris, lilio,"—is applied to denote it.
May 15. ] LIVES OP THE IRISH SAINTS.
319
flesh from the bones, under a hvidly-coloured skin. After running on for some time, a great and burning pain is felt, which brings the unfortunate sufferer to the very jaws of death. Yet, even when death is most desired by the patient, it is deferred until the limbs are wasted away, when it seizes on the vitals. The holy nun already spoken of suffered from this most dreadful malady, so that her body was reduced to a deplorable state of weakness. Hav- ing a great devotion for St. Dympna, she visited the shrine of this holy virgin and martyr, and through the Divine clemency, that consuming fire ceased, and her health was restored. On returning to her dwelling, after some time, the nun apprehended a return of this disease, as a painful burning heat was felt in that part of her body, which had been at first indisposed. Again, with devout confidence, this religious sought the shrine of her holy patroness, and after a long time spent in earnest prayer, the nun returned home perfectly cured. Not long after this occurrence, a boy was attacked with the sacredfire. His friends brought him near the body of St. Dympna. At the moment when he arrived, a priest happened to be engaged preaching to the people.
Certain pious men, on seeing the wretched state of this child, offered their prayers for his recovery of health, through the intercession of St. Dympna. The sacred fire was extinguished immediately, and the boy was restored to the full enjoy-
ment of health.
Few persons seem to recollect, that the sacred Scriptures warn parents to
have a care of their children, and that these should be well and religiously educated in their youth,^° so that they may not be seduced afterwards into error and crime. The venerable Sarah, wife of the patriarch Abraham, did not neglect this admonition, when she saw Ismael, son of Agar, playing with her only beloved son, Isaac ; but, with a just severity, and being lauded by the Almighty for this act, she banished the strange boy from her house. '^' Hence, parents should draw a moral lesson, which should teach them to counteract the first germs of evil in their children, lest these dear pledges should be involved afterwards in many crimes, and should be punished with grave chastisements. Two young boys happened to be playmates. them,beingdeprivedofreason,wasengagedinsomewildsports. Thatboy possessing the use of reason offered his companion something unfit to drink, and as a punishment, he was immediately afflicted with a similar mental in- firmity. The parents of this latter boy were inconsolable with grief, at what had happened to their son ; but, they at length resolved on visiting the shrine of St. Dympna, to implore her assistance. Our saint never denied her succour to the afflicted ; for, well could she say, with the, holy and suffering Job : " Mercy hath grown with me from my infancy. "^^ The illustrious martyr and virgin asked of her dear Spouse, Jesus Christ, the cure of this afflicted boy, to promotethegreatergloryofGod. Weneednotwonderatthechildreceiv- ing the use of his mental faculties, when her Divine Savour heard the prayers of our saint, who had so vehemently loved Him during life, that for love, she not only bore all affliction, but even suffered death itself.
Having related the foregoing miracles, from many that were doubtless cur- rent in his time, Canon Peter adds one more remarkable, he says, than the rest. A little child, whilst incautiously running along, fell into water, where hewasdrowned. Whenhisparentsheardofthisaccident,theysorrowfully drew the dead body of their boy from the water. But, they had faith in St.
Canon Peter also remarks on this disease: " Verius tamen dixerit, quihsec prrescripta, genera illius ignis appellaverit : ester vero si pervasi corpus circumcinxerit,^ statim oc-
cidit. "
*° I. Timothy, v. , 8.
" Genesis, xx. , 9, 10, n, 12. "Job. xxxi. , 18.
One of
: —A
320 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
Dympna's advocacy, and therefore they entreated her to restore their child to life, through her gracious intercession and patronage. This prayer was offered with sighs and tears, whilst a great multitude of people surrounded them. To the great delight and admiration of all present, the illustrious patroness of Gheel was not unmindful of her clients, and tlie infant was once more restored alive to the embraces of his loving parents. ^3
CHAPTER IV.
SUBSEQUENT MEMORIALS OF ST. DYMPXA—EXCURSION TO GHEEL—HISTORICAL NOTICES OF THIS CITY—ANCIENT REGISTERS AND MSS. —FORMER CELEIiRITY OF GHEEL ITS GENERAL APPEARANCE—RELIGIOUS FOUNDATIONS—PARISH CHURCH OF ST. AMAND—ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION OF ST. DYMPNa'S CHURCH—CHAPELS AND ALTARS—THE CALVINISTS DESTROY OBJECTS OF ART IN OUR SAINT's CHURCH— THE HIGH ALTAR AND ITS ACCESSORIES—THE COFFER BEHIND THIS ALTAR— DESCRIPTION OF ST. DYMPNA'S ALTAR \VITHIN THE LITTLE CHOIR—CURIOUS WOODEN SCULPTURES—MARTYRDOM OF ST. DYMPNA AND OF ST. GEREBERN REPRESENTED IN THE BLESSED VIRGIN'S CHAPEL—CHAPEL OF ST. DYMPNA RELICS OF ST DYMPNA AND OF ST. GEREBERN—THE GREAT SILVER SHRINE OF ST. DYMPNA—OTHER ARTISTIC OBJECTS WITHIN HER CHURCH—CONSECRATION OF SIX ALTARS IN 153I—FOUNDATION OF THE COLLEGE OF VICARS—ERECTION OF THE CHAPTER OF CANONS—LOSSES SUSTAINED BY THEIR CHURCH—VISIT BY THE BISHOP OF BOIS-LE-DUC TO GHEEL—SALE AND PURCHASE OF ST. DYMPNA'S CHURCH AFTER THE FRENCH REVOLUTION—THE HADSCOT HOSPITAL AND AUGUS- TINIAN CONVENT, AT GHEEL—VARIOUS MIRACULOUS CURES.
After the time when Canon Peter wrote his account of our saint, some cen- turies appear to have passed, witliout special record or memorials of St. Dympna. However, Popes John the Twenty-second, who ruled over the Church, from a. d. 13 i6 to 1334, John the Twenty-third, from a. d. 1410 to 141 5, and Eugenius the Fourth, from a. d. 143 i to 1447, testify in Apostolic Documents to her miracles. ' References are made, especially to her etfica- cious power, in liberating possessed persons from evil influences. ^"
During the middle ages, and even to a comparatively recent period, before the nature of epilepsy and insanity had been thoroughly investigated, those afflicted with such physical and mental infirmities were oftentimes popularly supposed to have been possessed by an evil spirit. The incoherent ravings or blasphemies, uttered by the insane, and the dreadful bodily contortions of epileptics, tended to strengthen this opinion, in many instances. Our saint has always been regarded as the special patroness and liberator of demented, disabled, and demoniac persons. Frequent pilgrimages have been made to her shrine, in order to obtain desiredrelief of body and of mind. We can hardly question the efificacy of her intercession being manifested, by signs and won- ders, frequently wrought among the people, who had selected her as their special patroness.
'3 Thus ends Canon Peter's narrative of cui cum Deo Patre et Spiritu Sancto sit laus, miracles, and he concludes his tract with honor et potestas. Per infinita swculoruni this sentence: " Hrec autem paucula de sxcula. Amen. "—"Acta Sanctorum," multitudine signorum, qua; Dominus Deus
noster per sanctissimam Dympnam operari dignatus est, piout potuimus, decerpsimus, ad honorem ipsius, qui saiictos suos non solum ylorilicat in coelestibus, etiam in prce- senti ncquam seculohonorificarcnon cessat
tomus iii. , Maii xv. , pp. 486 to 489.
Chapter iv. —' "
Plures etiam Romani Pontifices," says Henschenius, " ibidem a m;ilit;nis spiritibuset d. vmouibus vexatos in- tcrccssione . S. Dympn. v liberari, tcstaii in suis Bullis sunt; atque inter illos Joannes
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 321
An Irish Catholic pilgrim to the shrine of St. Dympna, who desires acquaintance with primitive Flemish manners and customs, after having visited the fine cities and routes usually frequented by the herd of Belgian tourists, can easily accomplish his object without any considerable delay or inconvenience, while combining information and amusement with philanthro- pic feeling or interest, as also with national predilections or religious emotions. Antwerp is never omitted from his memoratida, for a resting place in the tourist's itinerary ; and, by starting at an early yet suitable hour from this city, the morning train to Turnhout will leave the traveller at Herenthals station. There, a well-appointed omnibus is to be found, waiting to receive its contin- gent of passengers, baggage, and mail packets, destined for the quaint old cityofGheel. Offataspankingpacestartthevigorousroadsters,overthe paved highway, bounded on either side with a broad and much frequented path for foot passengers, whilst extending under long and regular lines of oak and elm trees. No elevation, deserving the name of a hill, can be seen rising
over the level plain, that lies between the cities of Antwerp and of Gheel. It is true, at certain points along the road, from Herenthals to the latter munici- pality, a few broken embankments of light sand-hills diversify this scene, on
but, they soon disappear, amidst the dark pine woods, moors, and marshes, that spread over this tract of country. This wild and dreary district, known as the Campine, extends through portions of the pro-
vinces of Antwerp, Limbourgand South Brabant, as also, into the kingdom of Holland. 3 All this natural waste is not, however, unproductive and monoto- nous. Hedgerows along the road side are neatly trimmed ; white cottages, withtheirred-tiledroofs,gleamunderthewarmsunshineofsummer;4 fields wave with heavy crops of wheat, oats, rye and other vegetable esculents patches of verdure contrast with bare yellow sandbanks and heath-covered moorlands ; while from morning dawn to dewy eve, the moving human figures of all ages and of both sexes, through rich corn fields, proclaim the steady and tireless industry of these Campinois. At various intervals, signposts, indices, and figures, mark the direction and distances of neighbouring cities, by kilo- metres. The country immediately around the old city of Gheel s is teeming with fertility, and in the harvest time, it is loaded with the finest crops, cover- ing a deep, rich, sandy, loam soil.
The fame of St. Dympna's veneration and miracles had so far extended, and such a concourse of people came on pilgrimages, that some ages after her time,^ Gheel grew to be a considerable town. Through the bounty and pa- tronage of the Dukes of Brabant, it was erected into a baronial district, and had annexed to it as dependencies some villages. In the twelfth century, it
XXII. , Joannes XXIIL, et Eugenius IV. , therein conveyed, and those inferences
the left hand side
;
annis respective MCCCXXX. , MCCCCXII. , et Mccccxxxi.
^ See De Burgo's " Officia Propria Sane-
torum Hibernige," Noct. ii. , Lect. vi. ,
p. 57,
3 For an interesting, well-written and
generally accurate description of another trip, taken by way of Malines, Contich and Herenthals to Gheel, the reader is referred to an article, entitled "The Shrine of St. Dympna,''whichformerlyappearedinDuffy's " Hibernian Sixpenny Magazine," No. 20, August, 1863, pp. 144 to 153. The author- ship of this article is unknown, to the pre- sent writer; but, later observations and in- quiry fully confirm the correct information
Vol. v. —No. 6.
drawn, regarding the soil and scenery, with the material, moral and religious state of Gheel, and of its immediate neighbour- hood.
4 These observations were made by the writer, during his excursion to and from Gheel, on the 27th and 28th of July, 1863.
5 According to the Rev. Mr. Kuyl, Gheel means a fertile place. The name is not de- rived from the yellow colour of the sands around it, as Grammay incorrectly states. The earth around Gheel is of a very dark colour.
* According to an enumeration, made some years before 1863, Gheel and its immediate
x
;
:
322 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
had grown into a city, with its dependencies, Bel, Zammel, Milleghem, Eyn- thout, Veerle, Oevel, Oosterloo, Zoerle-Parwys, Echelpoel, etc. Then it belonged to the powerful family of the Bertholds, patron lords of Malines. The numerous miracles, wrought through the intercession of St. Dympna, in- ducedamemberofthisnoblehouse,toerectachurchinherhonour. 7 Itis said, that Gheel obtained the privilege of becoming a municipal city, through the favour of Henry, Duke of Brabant. ^ Three dukes, bearing this title, flourished in the thirteenth century. The Emperor Charles V. , renewed its im- munities, which had been abolished, or which had been forgotten, during the course of passing ages. There were three principal families, possessing great
power and influence over Gheel, viz. : the Bertholds, descended from the BaronsofMechlin,aslikewisetheHornanandMerodehouses. 9 Thislatter family '° was in the ascendant at Gheel, when Grammay wrote. " This family at present resides, in a magnificent chateau, near Westerloo, and not far re- moved from Gheel. The tourist may procure an extensive and a picturesque view of the surrounding country, from the tower of that proud castle. The Merodes have ceased to exercise proprietorial influence in Gheel, since the period of the French Revolution.
This populous city, formerly of Brabant, but at present included within the province of Antwerp, is situated about two or three leagues distance, from the town of Herentals. There are still extant at Gheel several large paper folio and manuscript tomes, which admirably serve to illustrate the mediaeval and subsequent history of that interesting city. These are intituled, " Archie- ven der Kerkvan S. Dympna tot Gheel. "" The first of these volumes contains 431 pages, consisting of documents, extending from a. d. 1270 to 1646, with a tableofcontentsprefixed. Thecharactersinitarelegiblyandelegantlywritten. The second volume is not paged, but it comprises 122 different articles or docu- ments ; it contains, also, a long stitched book, loosely laid within thecover. This latter appears to be a sort of calendar, for private use, and it was interspersed with notes. The third register contains ninety-one different tracts, unpaged, but extending from a. d. 1538 to 1628, as may be seen in the index. '3
The fourth volume has, from No. 22 to 167, documents unpaged, and ex-
tending from the year 1559 to 1644.
environscontainedapopulationof li,502per- sons. The population has doubtless in- creased considerably since that date.
7 See Stroobant's^ "Notice Histoiique sur le Chapitre Collegial de Sainte Dympne, a Gheel, "p. 10.
* Grammay thus commences his descrip- tion of the Barony and District of Gheel : '* Hactenus Urbesct Territoriadcscripsimus aliquatenus nunc aut olim obnoxia Marchire Aniwerpiensi, nunc capitibus tnbus daturi loca ilia quae olim fuere Bei tholdorum Mech- linise dominantium ut sunt Baronatus Gelce, ComitatusHcochstrati, DynastiaTurnhouti a Gela itaque incipiam. Baronatus hie est ex 18. antiquioribus Brabantix, Territorium ex amplissimis, municipium ex antiquissimis. Municipium dico, hoc etenim vocabulo lo- cum dignati jam inde a quatuor seculis Henricus Dux, el libertates vitio tcmporum obiiteratas aut oblitas renovavit Casar Caro- lus. "—" Anlverpite Antiquitates," cap. x. , P- 141-
9 The genealogical pedigree of these dis- tinguishcd families is drawn, by Miireus, in
The fifth commences, at a. d. 1646, it
" Donationum Belgicanim," lib. i. , cap. 128.
'" The wife of the celebrated Comte de Montalembert was a daughter of this noble house.
"He adds: " Ita niuiirum Catharina Bertholdia, Henrici et Beatricis Wesemalix filia, nupta Hornano Parwy. -^ii Domino, Dominium secum traxit : cujus abnepote Henrico sine liberis defuncto, heres Elisa- betha soror, Joanni Rotzelario, Domino in Vorsselaer, Rethi et Lichtert (qui pagi exinde Baronibus accesserunt) Gelam altulit. Horum denique nepotibus vita functis sine prole, devoluta est hereditas ad Merodios, ex Aleide Hornana Henrici supradicti sorore procreatos. "—Grammayus " De Antiquitati- bus Anlverpiae," lib. ii. , cap. x. , pp. 145, 146.
'• In English, Archives of St. Dympna's Church at Gheel.
'^ To which these words are appended, Colligite—fragmenta nc pereant. C. Stroo- bant, Vicarius in Lembecq, 1S52.
'^ This book was in possession of the Rev.
^
Amandus, at Gheel, in 1863.
In Molanus' Usuardus, we find the fol-
lowing notices of St. Dympna : —"May 15. In Brabantia, villa qure Ghclc nuncupatur, sanctae Dympna; virginis ct martyris. ILec ' propter fidcm ct amorem castitatis, dccol- lata est a proprio genitoic, rege Ilyberniw
Dympna, virgo et martyr, filia fuit regis Hy- berniie gentillis, qui mortua uxore sua ipsam voluit habere uxorem. Sed ipsa propter fidem, et castitatis amorem, clam fugit per Antverpiam, in villam Ghele, ubi tandem invcnta, a proprio genitore decollata e. -t, cum Gereberno presliytero, circa annum scxcentesinium. Festum ejus celebrant Canonici Glielenses die decimo quinto Maii. Locus est disecesis Buscoducensis, in Kem- jiinia Brabantii^ : ubi obessi a dremonibus per ejus merita liberantur. Qua etiam de causa pingilur tenens demonem alligatum. Vulgo Digna dicitur, ut videtur durior pro-
nunciatio. "
s in an old printed legend of her Acts, it
is written, " decollati circa annum l>omini sexingcntcssinium. " But, we are obliged to conjecture, whether the writer must be understood as intending to use " scptingen- tcsimus " or " sexcentesimus annus. "
;
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
313
perpetual and heavenly felicity. The providence of God so decreed, that the bodies of these holy martyrs, although remaining unburied for some time, should be preserved, from the devouring beasts and birds. At length, some inhabitants, belonging to the adjoining country, knowing how gloriously the champions of Christ had contended in their last agony, and moved with pity for their unjust murder, had the bodies of St. Dympna and of St. Gerebern placed in a cave,^ with some degree of reverence and decency. Such was the custom of interment in that part of the country, at the time this martyrdom
took place.
But, after a lapse of many years, the clergy and people of the country
around Gheel assembled together, through a desire of honouring God, in ex- huming the bodies of those holy martyrs, who had so gloriously perished by the sword of an infidel. It was resolved, as tradition yet pointed out their place of sepulture, that the light should no longer rest within tliat hidden cave, where their remains had been first deposited. And, indeed, those pious persons of every rank and age were richly rewarded, by the wonderful miracles, which it pleased Christ to operate through His servants' intercession. The very first effort made to disemtomb their relics was attended by the exhibition of a wonderful sight, surpassing the comprehension, as it did the previous experi- ence, of those who were spectators. These were in utter astonishment, when the workmen removed an obstructing heap of earth with their implements. The labourers discovered two most hti:\v\i\W\\ sa7-cophagi^ whiter than the drift- ing snow, and carved from stone, as if by the hands of angel sculptors. colour itself was aptly considered to be typical of the virginal purity of our saints, and it was more remarkable, because in that part of the country the stone formation presented a colour black as the very soot of chimneys. With- out much difficulty, and in a manner to excite the admiration of all present, these monuments were drawn from their place of concealment, and carefully scrutinized by the attending crowd. No trace of a fracture or joint could be found in them ; so that it seemed, as if the bodies of our saints had been en- closed, within one great mass of concrete stone. The multitude felt joyful beyond measure, having had the happiness of witnessing such a wonderful sight, as had not before blessed the gaze of mortals ; but yet, they regretted this circumstance, which seemed to prevent them from feasting their eyes
with a view of the beatified remains enclosed. The people gave praise to God, in admiration of His almighty power, and shed tears of devout emotion, while conferring with each other, on the possibility of exposing the sainted relics, witliout breaking or damaging their beautiful stone encasements. '' An Omni- potent Ruler had designed, in His own good time, the train of events by which the faith and piety of His people might be rewarded; and, a balm of fragrant odour was afterwards diffused among the faithful, who flocked from distant parts to pray before the shrines of these holy martyrs, and who after- wards returned to their homes, in the increased enjoyment of corporal health and spiritual consolation.
Before proceeding to write the second part of his tract, givmg a history of the miracles of St. Dympna, Canon Peter offers an interesting prologue, explaining
* It was probably formed in the earth, and served as a grave, for the Martyrs.
tati divinse quas ubi vult iiideficiens opera-
tur, tarn evidens attribuere miraculum actiones gratiarum communiter cum gaudio referentes Domino nostro Jesu Christo, qui vivit et regnat per omnia SKCula sseculorum.
7 After giving the foregoing description,
Canon Peter abruptly ends the first part of St.
Dympna's and of St. Gereliern's Acts with
the following sentence: "Quod cernentes 'Amen. "—"Acta Sanctorum," tomus iii. , ad occulum, discutiendo diutius, rationishu- xv. Maii. Acta SS. Dymnnse et Gereberni, mans nuUatenus iiigenio factum esse, potes- cap. iii. , p. 486.
The
;
314
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
his motives for adding this narrative, as the complement of his assumed task. It would be much more desirable, he says, to finish a work, which, in the opinion of a person esteemed for wisdom, must conduce to a worthy issue, than to leave it imperfect, by negligently yielding to reprehensible idleness. Justly might envious and carping people point a finger of scorn to the inert workman, and cry out: "Behold one who laid the foundations of a building, and could not finish it. " As Bishop Guido urged the inception of his task, so Canon Peter felt bonnd to complete his account of the saint's miracles, through the same influence, lest in the ordinary course of passing events, theirrecollectionshouldaltogetherfadefrommemory. Byapreceptofthe Old Law, the priests were obliged to offer the tail of a victim in sacrifice,^ and the holy Josejjh wore a garment reaching to his heels,9 which, according to St. Gregory, must have the mystic signification of i)erfectinga good work, and of bringing it to a happy consummation. When resolving to put on record a few things, from the many which might be recorded, we should always recol- lect, that the evidences of a laudable life and of a just conversation must not besought from the glitter of appearance, but in good and holy works. Many votaries of this world do not practise the latter, but even speciously feigning to do so, they are adverse to the just and righteous. Whilst the apostle Peter walked with dry feet over the azure billows of a tempestuous sea,'° his co- labourer in doctrine and fellow-sufferer in death, St. Paul, was shipwrecked on the ocean. " Yet, as a wicked generation demanded signs, there was a just reason for relating some few of those miracles, which were so numerous. Coming to the knowledge of the writer, from a chain of ancient tradition, a volume of large size could scarcely contain a full and perfect account of them. It is a laudable and useful undertaking to commit the trials and triumphs of the saints to writing : for by this practice, the glory of God becomes more known and widely diffused, the majesty of Jesus Christ is glorified in these wonders, and the faithful are commonly induced to aspire after perfection. As the Sicilian tyrants experienced no greater torment, than the expressive looks of those, who felt disaffected to their rule ; so might the Canon Peter find him- self exposed to unbearable reproach and unjust comment, if, when informed by others, he did not relate even what escaped his own observation. St. Mark and St. Luke, who are deserving of honour for writing their Gospels, recorded much of what they had only heard and not seen. Canon Peter deprecates condemnation from his studious and cultivated readers, if he deliver in plain and prosaic language, the principal facts of this narrative, as he did not aim at surprising by eloquence ; and having neither mastered the rules of rhetoric, as laid down by Donatus and Priscian, nor imbibed the full spirit and elegant colouring of Ciceronian elociuence, he thought indulgence might well be claimed, if he failed not in his efforts to instruct, rather than to please. After these preliminary observations, he presents the reader with an account of what occurred, in reference to the relics and special intercession of our illustrious saint, at Gheel; and the following statements will include the sub- stance ofhis interesting narrative.
Having religiously deposed the recovered relics of our holy virgin, St. Dympna, and those of the blessed Gerebern, a knowledge of the miracles, which it pleased Almighty God to accomplish through their intercession, was widely diffused amongst distant nations and people. From that time forward, we are assured, whatever i)etitioncr approached their shrines, in single- ness of heart and purity of faith, was healed from any infirmity of mind or
' Leviticus, iii. , 9. '° MaUhew, xiv. , 29. 9 Genesis, xli. ,42. " Acts, xxvii.
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
315
body wliich afflicted him, and that a salutary effect always resulted from the prayer of his petition. The fame of these miracles reached the people of Santen,atownsituatedontheRiverRhine. Someinhabitantsofthisplace, through a blind impulse of zeal and piety, had resolved in conclave, that the relics of our saints should be obtained for their town, if possible. Nor were they overscrupulous, as to whether their object should be accomplished surreptitiously or by open force. They considered that a thousand blessings should enrich their town and neighbourhood, if they could only procure those relics, which people from different parts of the world venerated and held in such love and respect.
Wherefore, having assembled a large force of brave and strong men, the Santen people marched towards the site of Gheel, then a rural village or fort. Pretending they came for the sole purpose of offering devotions before the shrines of St. Dympna and of St. Gerebern, during their hours of prayer, these pilgrims carefully informed themselves about the position and opportunities presented,duringthefewdayskeptinvigilneartheshrines. Havingawaited a favourable opportunity, waggons were procured, and the precious bodies of the saints, in their stone coffins, were laid thereon, while the guardians of these holy relics had their attention directed towards other matters. To secure impunity, in consequence of their action, the overjoyed depredators began a hasty retreat, in the direction of their homes. But, an alarm was soon communicated to all the inhabitants of the surrounding country, who hastily assembled with arms in their hands. In a state of the greatest excitement, the plunderers were then pursued. The alarmed bearers of our saints' bodies, having heard the tumult surging from behind, felt that they must contend withaninfuriatedandalargebodyofmen. Thetwostonecoffins,borneby them,werespeedilyremovedfromtheirwaggons. Havingbeendeposited on the ground, that coffin which contained the remains of St. Gerebern was broken in pieces; while that one which contained the precious relics of St, Dympna remained entire. The plunderers continued their flight, having se-
cured the remains of St. Gerebern, and having left his broken coffin behind them. When approaching the town of Santen, a message was sent before them, to the inhabitants of that place. The townspeople came forth to con- gratulate the fortunate fugitives, on their safe arrival; although the latter felt much fatigued, after their long journey, and owing to the fear of failing in their hazardous adventure. Immediately all the people set out in a solemn procession, to meet the sacred relics, bearing with them waxen tapers, thuri- bles, and a processional cross. Chaunting hymns and canticles, the rejoicing multitude brought the-newly acquired treasure to their church, where the remains of St. Gerebern were deposited, with all due honour and respect.
Meantime, those pursuers, who followed the fugitives from Gheel, came to that spot, where the broken tomb of St. Gerebern was found, together with the unprofaned relics of St. Dympna, which yet remained within their stone coffin. Feeling some degree of consolation, in having recovered the body of this holy virgin, the Gheel people prepared to bring it back to their church. But, to their great surprise, it was f^ound to remain immovable, and fastened as it were to the ground, notwithstanding the great force employed, when en- deavouring to raise it. In this dilemma, the multitude was ignorant of what course should be adopted ; for, it was found, that even the strength of horses availed little, in their effort to procure a removal of St. Dympna's sarcopha-
gus. Soon afterwards, an aged woman living in that neighbourhood heard a voice, speaking to her in ravishing accents during the night, while she was asleep : " Arise early on to-morrow, yoke the young calf, which remains in your byre to the waggon, and desire your son to remove the coffin of St.
3i6 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
Dympna. " When tliis woman awoke, she wondered much at the words thus heard. She arose, however, at an early liour on the following morning. Hav- ing called her son, this woman told him all the particulars of what had occur- red during her sleep. She urged the young man to fulfil, wliat appeared to be an accomplishment of lieavenly intimation, as to the issue of her vision. When the son had been told this by his mother, believing her to be demented, he entreated she would be silent on that subject. He told her, the people must hold both of them in derision, if her advice had been followed. But, his mother, full of confidence in the issue, immediately yoked to the Avaggon a young calf, whose horns and hoofs had not yet grown. When the son could not be induced to obey her instructions, she drove the animal towards that place, where several astonished rustics stood around the coffin. Both young and old, considering the woman to be idiotic or simple, followed her with sneering observations ; whilst, at the same time, they had a curiosity to wit- ness the result of her supposed foolish efforts. When she came to the spot, where all the exertions of men and horses had been vainly tried, invoking the Divine blessing, the woman told them about her vision of the preceding night. She besought them also to wait, imtil the body of the holy virgin should be placed on the waggon, which might bear it to the proper place of its destination. Some of the people burst into laughter, supposing the good woman to have a sort of mania about her strange proposal. At length, with great diffidence, they assented to her request, and then found the body could beremoved,withouttheslightestdifficulty. Whentheirwaggonproceededon its way, the wondering multitude accompanied it to the church, with every demonstration of rejoicing and of profound reverence. They saw an animal, apparently little fitted for such a great load as the heavy stone coffin, advan- cing with ease along the road. Accusing themselves of being unworthy, on account of their sins, to bear the blessed remains of their holy virgin and patroness, the multitude unanimously gave thanks to God, who often chooses the weak things of this world to confound the strong.
After some time had elapsed, St. Dynipna's original church, which was of small dimensions, and not larger in size than an humble hut," obtained such importance and renown, that the magistrates, nobles, and wealthy citizens of Gheel, resolved on building anew and magnificent structure, in honour of our saint. They unanimously decreed, likewise, that means should be provided, for furni-shing a splendid golden reliquary, to received the venerated remains of their holy virgin and martyr. They considered it should be unworthy their religious feeling, good taste, and public spirit, if they suffered her body to lie enclosed in a stone chest, when the whole country echoed with reports of miracles, wrought through her intercession. As our saint was a vessel of
election, most precious in the siglit of God; so the inhabitants of Gheel thought it must become them, to collect gold, silver and precious stones, and to form from these materials a propitiatory vessel of most pure gold, '3 in which the holy remains might thenceforth repose with greater honour. Having spiritedly accomplished this object, their next course was to ask the Bishop of Cambray to arrange a grand ceremonial, for the translation of St. Dynipna's relics. This request was graciously and cordially complied with ; and, the prelate gave necessary directions for such a ceremony as they required, by appointing both the day and hour for its jierformance. That venerable bishop, clothed in full pontificals, a great number of abbots, clerics, nobles, with the populace of both sexes, and of every age, rank, and condition, attended on
" This account must forcibly remind the of many primitive Irish churches, the ruins reader to recollect the contracted dimensions of which yet exist.
May I S. J LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 317
this occasion. The body of St. Dynipna was taken from her stone cofifin, and placed in a golden shrine, wrought by skilful artists. Thus, the Jewish legis- lator, Moses, set up the brazen serpent on a pole, in the desert, so that those persons, who had been bitten by fiery serpents, when looking on that image, might be healed from their wounds. '^ It would seem, that Canon Peter, after diligent search through the popular books of history in his day, and even among these less known, could not record the date of this grand cele- bration, nor give the names of those distinguished persons, who participated in that ceremony. But, he was able to aver with certainty, that when the beautiful stone sarcophagus, having previously no joint or fracture, was broken, the remains of this venerable virgin and martyr of Christ were found within it. When the bishop of that diocese approached with religious rever- ence and awe to raise the relics, he found a red tile resting over the breast of our saint, and bearing the following inscript'on : " Here lies the holy virgin and martyr, Dympna. "^s It seemed mystically to indicate that bright robe of chastity, which adorned the virgin, so that her body should issue from the white marble sarcophagus, and that the colour of a martyr should be desig- nated by the red tile, which covered her breast. This translation of her re- mains took place, on the 15th of May, according to popular tradition, and some centuries after her martyrdom. '^
In point of fact, a sort of necessity required the people of Gheel, to place the remains of their patron saint, in a golden case. It is probable, the doubt, expressed by a particular individual, was also entertained by many incredu- lous persons. For we are told, while the people bore that coffin containing our saint's relics, a certain unlettered and sceptical man uttered these words of doubt and reproach, before the pious multitude : " Oh ! what folly hath taken possession of you, to carry this coffin, while you are ignorant whether ornotitcontainsthehonouredrelicsofSt. Dympna? " Whenthesewords were heard, the porters felt somewhat distrustful, and having set down her sacred remains, they stood there for some time. Then, having endeavoured once more to raise the precious burden on their shoulders, the body of our holy virgin, as if fastened to the ground, remained perfectly immovable. Even with an increased number of strong men, the bearers could not move it, though they almost exhausted themselves with fatigue, in making the effort. When they had laboured for a long time in vain, one of them vexed at this delay remarked, that it must have occurred, on account of the want of faith already expressed. These words of pious reproof induced all who were pre- sent, to betake themselves to the arms of prayer. Falling on their knees, they humbly besought our holy virgin and rjiartyr, that she would allow them todepartwiththeirdearly-prizedtreasure. Havingfinishedthisprayer,they arose and put their hands to the coffin ; when, to their renewed surprise, they found, what had resisted their first efforts was capable of being moved to any place, without a feeling of the slightest weight or inconvenience. This circumstance made it apparent to all, that faith, found united with persever- ingprayer,canbringstrengthtotheweak. Thus,Eliseusstruckwithblind- ness a whole army of the Syrian king, when their monarch had sent them withhorsesandchariotstoarresttheholyprophet. ^7 Asermonwaspreached before the rejoicing multitude, when the relics of St. Dympna were brought in procession without her church.
'3 See Exodus, xxv. , 17.
'* Numbers, xxi. , 9.
'S Canon Peter gives it thus in Latin:
'* This day was that of St. Gerebern's and of her martyrdom. See Father Stephen White's " Apologia pro Hibernia," cap. iv. ,
"Hie jacet sancta Virgo et Martyr, p. 42.
Dympna. "
'' IV. Kings, vi.
3i8 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
It seems, that the Church of St. Dympna had been anciently roofed with \YOod—probably shingled—and that a certain pious man, who was accustomed to the business of plastering, and who lived by manual labour on other days of the week, was accustomed to spend his Sundays in repairing the roof of this structure, when its materials were worn widi age, or when it was pervious to the rain. He always devoted particular care, to stopping the chinks and crannies, without earthly fee or reward, and only induced by his own devout feelings towards the holy Dympna, who had been so signally favoured as the servant of God. This good man trusted to obtain mercy and salvation, being the faithful client of our glorious martyr. However, on a certain Sabbath- day, when he had climbed the roof to proceed with his usual labours of re- paration, it so happened, that he cut off his own thumb, with an iron instru- ment he had been using. When diis separated member rolled from the roof to the ground, that poor man invoked devoutly the name and aid of his holy patroness. Immediately, in the most miraculous manner, the missing thumb was restored to its former position ; and pain being altogether removed, not
even a trace of the wound remained on the plasterer's hand.
A certain waggon-maker,'^ named Henry Suagher, often prayed to St. Dympna during his working hours. This man was unjustly arrested, guarded and committed to prison, where he was cruelly chained to a wall by a cliain hanging from his neck. Deprived of any hope througli human relief, he began to conceive the idea of liberation, by addressing St. Dympna with pious tears and supplications. While persisting in these prayers and lamen- tations, the glorious Virgin Dympna appeared and wonderfully consoled him ; for, having broken the chain and opened the door of his prison, she directed the captive to escape. Thus was the man delivered from the power of his cruel masters, and he ever gratefully preserved a recollection of the blessings
of liberty bestowed on him by his glorious deliverer, the virgin and martyr of God,St. Dympna.
A certain woman, supposed to have been possessed by a wicked spirit, terrified all her friends and neighbours, by her screams and threatening actions. Charitably-disposed persons believed the just Creator would not suffer this miserable woman to perish everlastingly, for her mischievous pro- pensities and horrid outcries ; but, they supposed, that He would accept her temporal sufferings, as a means of atonement, to relieve her from future evil influences. Her friends, taking counsel together, and entertaining a great devotion towards St. Dympna, resolved to bring this poor creature to the shrine, where it was believed no wicked spirit could long prevail by his malici- ous arts.
The afflicted woman was accordingly laid down, before the body of our holy saint, while her weeping friends poured forth prayers to Dympna. To their great joy and admiration, the possessed woman recovered the use of her senses, and with great delight she was conducted home, perfectly restored to health and to tiie exercise of her mental faculties.
Canon Peter thought it desirable, to proclaim another of these wonders wrought by God through the intercession of His holy servant, St. Dympna, in the case of a certain nun, who was twice afflicted with a disease, called the sacredfire. '^'^ This was a wasting kind of disease, separating and rotting away
'* Latinized in the text, Carpentator. At this word, Ilensclicnius tell. , us, that in the title to the chapter, where the account given in the text is contained, he found the head- ing, " Carpentarius. " The history of our saint's miracles, by Canon Peter, is con- tained in eleven cbajiters, the titles of which are omitted by Ilenschcnius as being un-
necessary,
"' The writer tells us, that this peculiar
form of disease " sacer ignis," is also known amongst the first physicians as the " ignis Persicus," the "ignis infernalis," and by the Greeks the word esttr—or . is the editor Hensclienius corrects his author, " A((Tr7jp Cnrtv, torris, lilio,"—is applied to denote it.
May 15. ] LIVES OP THE IRISH SAINTS.
319
flesh from the bones, under a hvidly-coloured skin. After running on for some time, a great and burning pain is felt, which brings the unfortunate sufferer to the very jaws of death. Yet, even when death is most desired by the patient, it is deferred until the limbs are wasted away, when it seizes on the vitals. The holy nun already spoken of suffered from this most dreadful malady, so that her body was reduced to a deplorable state of weakness. Hav- ing a great devotion for St. Dympna, she visited the shrine of this holy virgin and martyr, and through the Divine clemency, that consuming fire ceased, and her health was restored. On returning to her dwelling, after some time, the nun apprehended a return of this disease, as a painful burning heat was felt in that part of her body, which had been at first indisposed. Again, with devout confidence, this religious sought the shrine of her holy patroness, and after a long time spent in earnest prayer, the nun returned home perfectly cured. Not long after this occurrence, a boy was attacked with the sacredfire. His friends brought him near the body of St. Dympna. At the moment when he arrived, a priest happened to be engaged preaching to the people.
Certain pious men, on seeing the wretched state of this child, offered their prayers for his recovery of health, through the intercession of St. Dympna. The sacred fire was extinguished immediately, and the boy was restored to the full enjoy-
ment of health.
Few persons seem to recollect, that the sacred Scriptures warn parents to
have a care of their children, and that these should be well and religiously educated in their youth,^° so that they may not be seduced afterwards into error and crime. The venerable Sarah, wife of the patriarch Abraham, did not neglect this admonition, when she saw Ismael, son of Agar, playing with her only beloved son, Isaac ; but, with a just severity, and being lauded by the Almighty for this act, she banished the strange boy from her house. '^' Hence, parents should draw a moral lesson, which should teach them to counteract the first germs of evil in their children, lest these dear pledges should be involved afterwards in many crimes, and should be punished with grave chastisements. Two young boys happened to be playmates. them,beingdeprivedofreason,wasengagedinsomewildsports. Thatboy possessing the use of reason offered his companion something unfit to drink, and as a punishment, he was immediately afflicted with a similar mental in- firmity. The parents of this latter boy were inconsolable with grief, at what had happened to their son ; but, they at length resolved on visiting the shrine of St. Dympna, to implore her assistance. Our saint never denied her succour to the afflicted ; for, well could she say, with the, holy and suffering Job : " Mercy hath grown with me from my infancy. "^^ The illustrious martyr and virgin asked of her dear Spouse, Jesus Christ, the cure of this afflicted boy, to promotethegreatergloryofGod. Weneednotwonderatthechildreceiv- ing the use of his mental faculties, when her Divine Savour heard the prayers of our saint, who had so vehemently loved Him during life, that for love, she not only bore all affliction, but even suffered death itself.
Having related the foregoing miracles, from many that were doubtless cur- rent in his time, Canon Peter adds one more remarkable, he says, than the rest. A little child, whilst incautiously running along, fell into water, where hewasdrowned. Whenhisparentsheardofthisaccident,theysorrowfully drew the dead body of their boy from the water. But, they had faith in St.
Canon Peter also remarks on this disease: " Verius tamen dixerit, quihsec prrescripta, genera illius ignis appellaverit : ester vero si pervasi corpus circumcinxerit,^ statim oc-
cidit. "
*° I. Timothy, v. , 8.
" Genesis, xx. , 9, 10, n, 12. "Job. xxxi. , 18.
One of
: —A
320 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
Dympna's advocacy, and therefore they entreated her to restore their child to life, through her gracious intercession and patronage. This prayer was offered with sighs and tears, whilst a great multitude of people surrounded them. To the great delight and admiration of all present, the illustrious patroness of Gheel was not unmindful of her clients, and tlie infant was once more restored alive to the embraces of his loving parents. ^3
CHAPTER IV.
SUBSEQUENT MEMORIALS OF ST. DYMPXA—EXCURSION TO GHEEL—HISTORICAL NOTICES OF THIS CITY—ANCIENT REGISTERS AND MSS. —FORMER CELEIiRITY OF GHEEL ITS GENERAL APPEARANCE—RELIGIOUS FOUNDATIONS—PARISH CHURCH OF ST. AMAND—ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION OF ST. DYMPNa'S CHURCH—CHAPELS AND ALTARS—THE CALVINISTS DESTROY OBJECTS OF ART IN OUR SAINT's CHURCH— THE HIGH ALTAR AND ITS ACCESSORIES—THE COFFER BEHIND THIS ALTAR— DESCRIPTION OF ST. DYMPNA'S ALTAR \VITHIN THE LITTLE CHOIR—CURIOUS WOODEN SCULPTURES—MARTYRDOM OF ST. DYMPNA AND OF ST. GEREBERN REPRESENTED IN THE BLESSED VIRGIN'S CHAPEL—CHAPEL OF ST. DYMPNA RELICS OF ST DYMPNA AND OF ST. GEREBERN—THE GREAT SILVER SHRINE OF ST. DYMPNA—OTHER ARTISTIC OBJECTS WITHIN HER CHURCH—CONSECRATION OF SIX ALTARS IN 153I—FOUNDATION OF THE COLLEGE OF VICARS—ERECTION OF THE CHAPTER OF CANONS—LOSSES SUSTAINED BY THEIR CHURCH—VISIT BY THE BISHOP OF BOIS-LE-DUC TO GHEEL—SALE AND PURCHASE OF ST. DYMPNA'S CHURCH AFTER THE FRENCH REVOLUTION—THE HADSCOT HOSPITAL AND AUGUS- TINIAN CONVENT, AT GHEEL—VARIOUS MIRACULOUS CURES.
After the time when Canon Peter wrote his account of our saint, some cen- turies appear to have passed, witliout special record or memorials of St. Dympna. However, Popes John the Twenty-second, who ruled over the Church, from a. d. 13 i6 to 1334, John the Twenty-third, from a. d. 1410 to 141 5, and Eugenius the Fourth, from a. d. 143 i to 1447, testify in Apostolic Documents to her miracles. ' References are made, especially to her etfica- cious power, in liberating possessed persons from evil influences. ^"
During the middle ages, and even to a comparatively recent period, before the nature of epilepsy and insanity had been thoroughly investigated, those afflicted with such physical and mental infirmities were oftentimes popularly supposed to have been possessed by an evil spirit. The incoherent ravings or blasphemies, uttered by the insane, and the dreadful bodily contortions of epileptics, tended to strengthen this opinion, in many instances. Our saint has always been regarded as the special patroness and liberator of demented, disabled, and demoniac persons. Frequent pilgrimages have been made to her shrine, in order to obtain desiredrelief of body and of mind. We can hardly question the efificacy of her intercession being manifested, by signs and won- ders, frequently wrought among the people, who had selected her as their special patroness.
'3 Thus ends Canon Peter's narrative of cui cum Deo Patre et Spiritu Sancto sit laus, miracles, and he concludes his tract with honor et potestas. Per infinita swculoruni this sentence: " Hrec autem paucula de sxcula. Amen. "—"Acta Sanctorum," multitudine signorum, qua; Dominus Deus
noster per sanctissimam Dympnam operari dignatus est, piout potuimus, decerpsimus, ad honorem ipsius, qui saiictos suos non solum ylorilicat in coelestibus, etiam in prce- senti ncquam seculohonorificarcnon cessat
tomus iii. , Maii xv. , pp. 486 to 489.
Chapter iv. —' "
Plures etiam Romani Pontifices," says Henschenius, " ibidem a m;ilit;nis spiritibuset d. vmouibus vexatos in- tcrccssione . S. Dympn. v liberari, tcstaii in suis Bullis sunt; atque inter illos Joannes
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 321
An Irish Catholic pilgrim to the shrine of St. Dympna, who desires acquaintance with primitive Flemish manners and customs, after having visited the fine cities and routes usually frequented by the herd of Belgian tourists, can easily accomplish his object without any considerable delay or inconvenience, while combining information and amusement with philanthro- pic feeling or interest, as also with national predilections or religious emotions. Antwerp is never omitted from his memoratida, for a resting place in the tourist's itinerary ; and, by starting at an early yet suitable hour from this city, the morning train to Turnhout will leave the traveller at Herenthals station. There, a well-appointed omnibus is to be found, waiting to receive its contin- gent of passengers, baggage, and mail packets, destined for the quaint old cityofGheel. Offataspankingpacestartthevigorousroadsters,overthe paved highway, bounded on either side with a broad and much frequented path for foot passengers, whilst extending under long and regular lines of oak and elm trees. No elevation, deserving the name of a hill, can be seen rising
over the level plain, that lies between the cities of Antwerp and of Gheel. It is true, at certain points along the road, from Herenthals to the latter munici- pality, a few broken embankments of light sand-hills diversify this scene, on
but, they soon disappear, amidst the dark pine woods, moors, and marshes, that spread over this tract of country. This wild and dreary district, known as the Campine, extends through portions of the pro-
vinces of Antwerp, Limbourgand South Brabant, as also, into the kingdom of Holland. 3 All this natural waste is not, however, unproductive and monoto- nous. Hedgerows along the road side are neatly trimmed ; white cottages, withtheirred-tiledroofs,gleamunderthewarmsunshineofsummer;4 fields wave with heavy crops of wheat, oats, rye and other vegetable esculents patches of verdure contrast with bare yellow sandbanks and heath-covered moorlands ; while from morning dawn to dewy eve, the moving human figures of all ages and of both sexes, through rich corn fields, proclaim the steady and tireless industry of these Campinois. At various intervals, signposts, indices, and figures, mark the direction and distances of neighbouring cities, by kilo- metres. The country immediately around the old city of Gheel s is teeming with fertility, and in the harvest time, it is loaded with the finest crops, cover- ing a deep, rich, sandy, loam soil.
The fame of St. Dympna's veneration and miracles had so far extended, and such a concourse of people came on pilgrimages, that some ages after her time,^ Gheel grew to be a considerable town. Through the bounty and pa- tronage of the Dukes of Brabant, it was erected into a baronial district, and had annexed to it as dependencies some villages. In the twelfth century, it
XXII. , Joannes XXIIL, et Eugenius IV. , therein conveyed, and those inferences
the left hand side
;
annis respective MCCCXXX. , MCCCCXII. , et Mccccxxxi.
^ See De Burgo's " Officia Propria Sane-
torum Hibernige," Noct. ii. , Lect. vi. ,
p. 57,
3 For an interesting, well-written and
generally accurate description of another trip, taken by way of Malines, Contich and Herenthals to Gheel, the reader is referred to an article, entitled "The Shrine of St. Dympna,''whichformerlyappearedinDuffy's " Hibernian Sixpenny Magazine," No. 20, August, 1863, pp. 144 to 153. The author- ship of this article is unknown, to the pre- sent writer; but, later observations and in- quiry fully confirm the correct information
Vol. v. —No. 6.
drawn, regarding the soil and scenery, with the material, moral and religious state of Gheel, and of its immediate neighbour- hood.
4 These observations were made by the writer, during his excursion to and from Gheel, on the 27th and 28th of July, 1863.
5 According to the Rev. Mr. Kuyl, Gheel means a fertile place. The name is not de- rived from the yellow colour of the sands around it, as Grammay incorrectly states. The earth around Gheel is of a very dark colour.
* According to an enumeration, made some years before 1863, Gheel and its immediate
x
;
:
322 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
had grown into a city, with its dependencies, Bel, Zammel, Milleghem, Eyn- thout, Veerle, Oevel, Oosterloo, Zoerle-Parwys, Echelpoel, etc. Then it belonged to the powerful family of the Bertholds, patron lords of Malines. The numerous miracles, wrought through the intercession of St. Dympna, in- ducedamemberofthisnoblehouse,toerectachurchinherhonour. 7 Itis said, that Gheel obtained the privilege of becoming a municipal city, through the favour of Henry, Duke of Brabant. ^ Three dukes, bearing this title, flourished in the thirteenth century. The Emperor Charles V. , renewed its im- munities, which had been abolished, or which had been forgotten, during the course of passing ages. There were three principal families, possessing great
power and influence over Gheel, viz. : the Bertholds, descended from the BaronsofMechlin,aslikewisetheHornanandMerodehouses. 9 Thislatter family '° was in the ascendant at Gheel, when Grammay wrote. " This family at present resides, in a magnificent chateau, near Westerloo, and not far re- moved from Gheel. The tourist may procure an extensive and a picturesque view of the surrounding country, from the tower of that proud castle. The Merodes have ceased to exercise proprietorial influence in Gheel, since the period of the French Revolution.
This populous city, formerly of Brabant, but at present included within the province of Antwerp, is situated about two or three leagues distance, from the town of Herentals. There are still extant at Gheel several large paper folio and manuscript tomes, which admirably serve to illustrate the mediaeval and subsequent history of that interesting city. These are intituled, " Archie- ven der Kerkvan S. Dympna tot Gheel. "" The first of these volumes contains 431 pages, consisting of documents, extending from a. d. 1270 to 1646, with a tableofcontentsprefixed. Thecharactersinitarelegiblyandelegantlywritten. The second volume is not paged, but it comprises 122 different articles or docu- ments ; it contains, also, a long stitched book, loosely laid within thecover. This latter appears to be a sort of calendar, for private use, and it was interspersed with notes. The third register contains ninety-one different tracts, unpaged, but extending from a. d. 1538 to 1628, as may be seen in the index. '3
The fourth volume has, from No. 22 to 167, documents unpaged, and ex-
tending from the year 1559 to 1644.
environscontainedapopulationof li,502per- sons. The population has doubtless in- creased considerably since that date.
7 See Stroobant's^ "Notice Histoiique sur le Chapitre Collegial de Sainte Dympne, a Gheel, "p. 10.
* Grammay thus commences his descrip- tion of the Barony and District of Gheel : '* Hactenus Urbesct Territoriadcscripsimus aliquatenus nunc aut olim obnoxia Marchire Aniwerpiensi, nunc capitibus tnbus daturi loca ilia quae olim fuere Bei tholdorum Mech- linise dominantium ut sunt Baronatus Gelce, ComitatusHcochstrati, DynastiaTurnhouti a Gela itaque incipiam. Baronatus hie est ex 18. antiquioribus Brabantix, Territorium ex amplissimis, municipium ex antiquissimis. Municipium dico, hoc etenim vocabulo lo- cum dignati jam inde a quatuor seculis Henricus Dux, el libertates vitio tcmporum obiiteratas aut oblitas renovavit Casar Caro- lus. "—" Anlverpite Antiquitates," cap. x. , P- 141-
9 The genealogical pedigree of these dis- tinguishcd families is drawn, by Miireus, in
The fifth commences, at a. d. 1646, it
" Donationum Belgicanim," lib. i. , cap. 128.
'" The wife of the celebrated Comte de Montalembert was a daughter of this noble house.
"He adds: " Ita niuiirum Catharina Bertholdia, Henrici et Beatricis Wesemalix filia, nupta Hornano Parwy. -^ii Domino, Dominium secum traxit : cujus abnepote Henrico sine liberis defuncto, heres Elisa- betha soror, Joanni Rotzelario, Domino in Vorsselaer, Rethi et Lichtert (qui pagi exinde Baronibus accesserunt) Gelam altulit. Horum denique nepotibus vita functis sine prole, devoluta est hereditas ad Merodios, ex Aleide Hornana Henrici supradicti sorore procreatos. "—Grammayus " De Antiquitati- bus Anlverpiae," lib. ii. , cap. x. , pp. 145, 146.
'• In English, Archives of St. Dympna's Church at Gheel.
'^ To which these words are appended, Colligite—fragmenta nc pereant. C. Stroo- bant, Vicarius in Lembecq, 1S52.
'^ This book was in possession of the Rev.
^
Amandus, at Gheel, in 1863.
