The purity of both pleased God so much, that the world's
regeneration
was justly attributed to these holy personages ; because, while the Almighty contem- plated the ruin originated by a man and a woman, he likewise beheld that pre- servation of the human family, accomplished by a man, who lived five hun- dred years separated from woman; while from a woman, who by the most singular prerogative remained a virgin, yet became mother of the Incarnate Word, redemption was achieved.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v5
irtyrum,
*' Thus at the 15th of May: "S. Dympna
virgin docliter to ye king of irland marteri-
seid be hir ahvin father vnder Ico ye 3. "-
Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scottish (jereberni Presbyteri, et Dympna filix
Saints," p. 152.
*" Thus, at May xv. : "In monasterio
S. Filaiii occultatio Dympn. x virginis, quae patris sui regis Hirlandix, idolatrix, et in-
Regis Hibernice. Qui a Rege patre Vir- ginis persecuti, simul pro Christo cresis capi- tibus occuhucrunt. Quorum Genebernus ad Troiam Rhenensem, qua; Xanthis dicitur,
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
363
additions to the " Carthusian Martyrology," printed at Brussels, we find the feast of the virgin St, Dympna's translation at Gheel, on the 27th of October. The Acts of this holy Virgin and Martyr have been dramatized,^' and have been frequently represented in such form at the convent schools of Bel- gium.
Among the emblems of St. Dympna, we find an old engraving, exhibiting the holy virgin and martyr, with a sword in her hand, piercing the devil^s^ one, also, in which she is represented as being beheaded by the king her father ;53 one in which she appears leading the devil bound ;54 and again she is figured kneeling at mass, whilst her father is murdering the priest. ss A modern engraving represents the saint, bearing in the right hand a sword, which rests on the grotesque head of a demon, who is bound beneath her feet,
on a tiled floor. On the left hand rests an open book, on which her eyes are cast, as if reading. A flowing robe is fastened across the saint's breast, by a clasp, and the garment falls in heavy folds, over the inner dress. A band confines ihe long flowing hair over her forehead, and a ^/^rw/^ surrounds her head. A piece of tapestry is placed behind the saint. On either side of her, but in the back ground, appear in miniature two separate groups. One group represents the holy virgin kneeling, with her hands joined in prayer, while the king, her father, wields a double-handed scimitar, with which he aims a stroke at her neck ; on the other side, St. Gerebern appears kneeling, while a soldier is in the act of transfixing his body with a spear. The initials of both saints, S. D. and S. G. , appear on two different shields, with crowns and rosettes, on the upper corners of the engraving. s^ which from the inscription, it would seem, was executed at Antwerp. 57
Nearly all the editions of van Craeywinckel's work, hitherto published in the Low Countries, contain, as a frontispiece, rude engravings of St. Dympna, holding the devil chained beside her, while bearing in one hand a sword, and in the other a branch of palm. She wears a crown on the head, and flowing robes, to denote her regal dignity. In the background, a small chapel and a
translatus est. Corpus vero S. Dympnas Dymphna and Gerebern, Angels and the
Virginis apud prajfatam villam Ghele, niullis miraculis corruscando, quiescit. "
t* In the Appendix to the Rev. Mr. Kuyl's larger work, p. 123, the Mass, collects, antiphons, etc. , for this feast, are in- dicated.
45 " Prsedicta autem corporis venerandae virginis translatio facta est decima quinta die Maij, quo ejus festum celebratur. Decol- lata vero fuit ejusdemmensis die tricessimo. " —" De Probaiis Sanctorum Historiis," tomus iii. , xv. Mali, p. 347.
5° The same writer says, that the body of St. Dympna was preserved, shut up in a triple coffin. When visited by the Bishop of Metz, a stone, with her name inscribed on it, was found placed upon the breast of this holy virgin,
King with his soldiers, &c.
5= See Very Rev. F. C. Husenbeth's " Em-
blems of Saints, by which they are distin- guished in works of Art," p. 50. London, i860,
ssCallot's "Les Images de tousles Saints. " Paris, 1636.
54 >< jjig j^tt^il^ute (jg,. Heiligen. " Han- over, 1843. In an extract, transcribed from Ribadeneira's Vies des Saints, we are in- formed, that amongst other miracles wrought by God, through this saint, exorcising the Devil from possessed persons is considered most remarkable : " Voila pourquoi, on I'a peinte tenant un diable enchaine. " Tome v. , Mai 15, p. 219. To the patriotic and distinguished Irish writer, R. R. Madden, Esq. , . M. R. I. A. , I am indebted for this ex- tract, and for other communications, in refer- ence- to St. Dymphna, written by religious ladies in Belgium and forwarded at his re-
5' We have now before us an Operetta, in
the Flemish language, intituled, " Sinte
Dimphna's Marteldood," or "Martyrdom of
St. Dymphna. " It is in Three Acts, and quest to Ireland.
with Six Scenes. Written by S. Daems,
Norbertijner Kanunnik-Regulier der Abdij
van Tongerloo, with the Music, by van B.
Raes, organist ofWesterloo. Into this possession of Monsignor William Yore, Operetta are introduced, besides St. D. D. , and formerly V. G. of the Diocese of
ss " golitudo, sive vitse Fa^minarum Ana- choritarum. "—Jollain cxcudit, 1666.
56 xhis engraving I have seen in the
364
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
cottage are usually represented, with miniature figures, denoting her martyr-
dom and that of St. Gerebern. Rays of light are seen descending from the
clouds. Underneath, are found the words : " S. Dympna, ora pro nobis. "
Little variation as to the engraved details will be found, in these various fron-
tispieces. Medals of the saint were formerly struck in her honour, and the
red lion was seen on the reverse, to denote the royal emblem on the ancient
5^
Irisli standard.
There is an excellent engraving, which represents St. Dympna kneeling
before a hut, surmounted by a cross, and under the shade of some trees. St. Gerebern stands beside her in sacerdotal dress, wliilstan executioner presses the head of this holy priest forward with one hand, and prepares with the other uplifted to strike off the martyr's head with a sword. The king appears direct- ing this execution, and standing in the foreground, A small cross and book rest beside St. Dympna, who seems resigned to the will of heaven. A chalice or ciborium, with Eucharistic particles overturned, is seen at the feet of St. Gerebern. Over the hut, " Potius mori quam foedari," is written as a motto. 59 At Antwerp, the writer has liad an opportunity for inspection of highly artistic work, designed to honour this holy Martyr and Virgin. ^°
In the church of St. Paul,^^ Dublin, over tlie side altar of the Blessed Sacrament, there is a large fresco painting. ^^ It was designed, at the sugges- tion of the Very Rev. Monsignor Yore, to represent St. Dympna and St. P'rancis of Sales, in a kneeling posture, and adoring the Sacred Heart of our Redeemer, who appears above both saints. In the Cathedral Church, Marl- borough Street, Dublin, there is also a very beautiful painting of St. Dympna, more than life size, with several of the other ancient saints of Ireland. It is probable, that many additional memorials of our saint may be found, in vari- ous other Irish churches, chapels, and religious institutions.
Dublin. naturally coloured, and the virgin is repre- ss The words: "|tj. ©imgi^na, fllaeglr & sented with a very youthful countenance.
fHartflarfS, bill boor Olis," appear beneath, in the Gothic character.
Artificial flowers cover the whole background over the interior of this case, which is faced with plate glass. The panelling and onia-
5' See Father Thomas Sirin's " Sancti
Rumoldi Martyris Inclyti, Archiepiscopi ments of this shrine are very elal^orate and
Dubliniensis, Mechliniensium Apostoli," &c. Dissertatio Historica de Patria S. Rumoldi, Art. xi. , p. 384.
59 See F. Girolamo Ercolani's " Le Eroine della solitudine sacra : overo vite d'alcune dellepiu, illustriromitesacre, p. 431. Vene- zia, MDCLV. This book was obligingly furnished for perusal and inspection, by Matthias J. O'Kelly, Esq. , from his private lilirary, which was so rich in rare and valua- ble woiks.
^ In Rev. Mr. Kuyl's library, within a beautiful gilt case, St. Dymphna is rcpre- sented, with other saints, placed in c()nii)art- ments, around a figure of the crucifixion. Her under garment is white, but covered with various i)lack crosses ; her flowing robe over it is richly gilt. She wears a goklen crown on the head ; her hair parted under it flows in graceful curls down the l)ack and shoulders. She holds a large sword, on which she leans, in the right hand; a gilt bookopened, with illuminated MS. lettersde- Eicted on the pages, rests on a green cushion,
eld in the left hand, whilst the devil is trod- den upon beneath her feet. The features arc
highly carved in wood, which is painted and gilt. It is a very costly modern work of art, tastefully designed and executed. This excellent clergyman appears to have adopted the idea of giving artistic expression to the early reminiscences derived from his native city of Gheel, where innumerable pictures and images of St. Dympna are kept in the houses of her devout clients, in every variety of size, form, execution, design and materiil. The same custom of preserving some picture or statue of our saint prevails amongst the in- habitants of its adjoining country,
"' In the year 1835, and on the 17th of March, the Feast of St. Patrick, Apostle of Ireland, the first stone of this fine building, facing Arran Quay, was laid, accompanied by the prescribed ceremonies, and in pre- sence of a large multitude of persons. It advanced rapidly to completion, and now forms one of the most elegant ecclesia->lical structures within the city of Dublin. The architectural details of St. P. aul's are mainly derived from that nnich admired momunent of antiquity, the Ionic temple of Erectheus at Athens. Some variations, however, were
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
365
Not only in and around Gheel are females called after our saint ; but, the
custom is sufficiently prevalent, throughout the more distant parts of Belgium.
This practice shows the great veneration in which St. Dympna is held, amongst
many Flemish families. The name is also common in religion; and some of
the consecrated virgins of Christ rejoice in the appellation, as they have
doubtless often experienced benefits, derived from the patronage of our holy
martyr. Hitherto, various causes have operated to prevent a more popular
appreciation of St. Dympna's merits and glorious sacrifices, in her native coun-
try yet, it is to be hoped, the future generations of Catholic mothers and \
daughters, throughout our island, will hear this virgin's glorious name frequently pronounced in their family circles, while due veneration must be paid to the special patroness of Gheel, when her intercession shall be more generally in- voked amongst our people.
The virtue of chastity renders us not alone equal, but even superior, to the blessed spirits. If their purity is necessary, ours is voluntary. If angelic perfection be allied with an impassible existence, the chastity of human crea- tures is much more admirable, says a writer ^3 of our saint's Acts, because it is found united with a nature, fragile as the most brittle glass. If this life of angels has for its object the spirit alone, purity attainable in this world, when tending to spiritual things, experiences also those counteracting influences, to •which the flesh is always subject. In a word, being natural, angelic perfection is incapable of merit. Our perfection in an exalted degree is meritorious, because acquired by virtue of numberless struggles and efforts. Wherefore, St. Jerome observes, that the Pagans, bhnd in other things, as they were clear- sighted in this respect, represented their virgin goddesses armed, to signify that purity cannot be defended unless by engaging in a most earnest warfare. Hence, its value is so much extolled, that, surpassing angelic hierarchies, it renders us, according to the opinion of Basil, like to God Himself, first foun- tain or source of purity and innocence. Thus, St. John saw, almost on an equality with God Himself, that the virgins were revered. With insignia of stars, they bore a name written on their foreheads, so that the very angels boweddownbeforethem. Thatangel,wholedtheEvangelisttowitnessall those wonders of blessed Jerusalem, would not permit the beloved disciple, on account of his being a virgin, to venerate a pure spirit. On the contrary, thisangelstyledhimselfafellow-servant. ^+ She,whowasclothedwiththesun because of her purity, who pressed with her graceful feet the moon, and who despised every earthly ornament, as a decoration too inadequate for her in- comparable merit, placed the most brilliant stars as gems to adorn her royal crown. 'I'hegrandcounciloftheMostBlessedTrinitydespatchedasmes- senger to her, not an inferior angel of the heavenly hierarchy, but rather one of most exalted rank ; as if, with the exception of God Himself, heaven alone
had scarcely a subject, worthy to fix his eyes on the lustre of her peerless vir- ginity. The Holy Ghost seemed to entertain this thought, that if a person should place in one balance the golden sands of Tagus and Pactolus, all the brilliant gems found along distant sea-shores, the treasures of Midas and of Croesus, all the gold and silver contained within Peruvian mines, in fine, what-
deemed necessary to make this church suit- able for the requirements of a Christian temple. Both the conception and comple- tion of this work are highly creditable to the architect, Patrick Byrne, Esq. This church is built of chiselled granite, on the exterior : four beautifully designed pillars support the pediment, which is again surmounted by a graceful campanile. The interior has lately
undergone a very tasteful decoration. _ The fresco paintings, behind their magnificent marble altars within the sanctuary, are greatly admired. ^
^'^
Executed by Frederick S. Barff, Esq. , of Dublin.
*3 p. G. Ercolani, in his work already cited.
^* Apocalypse, xxii. , 9.
—
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
ever majestic, precious or glorious object exists, covering the firmament with radiant and star-hke beauty, or closed within the very depth of this earth, or lying concealed in the darkest abyss; whilst in the other balance lay the small but warm heart, pulsating with pure desires, this latter alone would be sufficient to surpass immeasurably in weight and value the whole universe. An ascetic heart is proof against all evil temptations, and more durable than marble ; for, it is never broken by continuous strokes, nor does it ever succumb to reiterated assaults of the senses. He possesses nothing, although grasping all things, who is not chaste ; because chastity is the fountain and the oil, without which the lamp of all other virtues must cease to burn. It is an orna- ment of the great, says St. Cyprian ; the aggrandizement of humble persons
; the lustre of ignoble, and the adornment of lowly creatures; it is refreshment for the afflicted; brilliancy covering the beautiful; the crowning of religion and of all virtues. With her bright rays, chastity so dispels the darkness of our other faults, that they are scarcely observed by the all-seeing eye of God him- self ; beyond all measure, it increases our merit in his sight, and indissolubly unites us in friendship with him. In a word, chastity renders us admirable; it even makes us formidable, when knocking at the gates of heaven. It effects greater prodigies than the casting out of demons, for it teaches us how we are to resist carnal seductions, while clothed with imperfections of the flesh. Our sovereign Creator twice rescued the world from universal destruc- tion. Once was it delivered in the time of Noah, who led a life of celibacy, not for thirty years only like the Vestals, but for five hundred ; for only at this latter age, as the sacred page informs us, his eldest son was born. At the appearance of Mary in this world, our second deliverance was effected.
The purity of both pleased God so much, that the world's regeneration was justly attributed to these holy personages ; because, while the Almighty contem- plated the ruin originated by a man and a woman, he likewise beheld that pre- servation of the human family, accomplished by a man, who lived five hun- dred years separated from woman; while from a woman, who by the most singular prerogative remained a virgin, yet became mother of the Incarnate Word, redemption was achieved. The value of this grace of virginity was a pearl above all price, in the estimation of St. Dympna. Hence, we should not deem it surprising, if in order to preserve it untainted, she considered the pouring out her own blood a small sacrifice, compared with the rewards of her glorious victory. Although nurtured amid the roses of royal purple, she esteemed the white lily of virginity, as surpassing all other flowers in grace
andloveliness. EverveneratedandillustriousDympna! Underthepurplerobe of royalty, and in the torrent of youthful blood, which flowed from thy wounds, innocence and purity arrayed thy soul with a vesture of dazzling brightness ! Would that mortals always knew how to select this lily, which blooms so gracefully along life's unfrequented pathways ! Deluded votaries of pleasure may twine garlands of myrtle, culled from luxuriant bowers of sensual enjoy- ment; but, from the gardens of the empyrean alone, among all other flowers, this emblematic type of holy purity merits grateful acceptance, in sight of the Most High. Chastity adds an additional beauty and ornament to the body; it gives elasticity and vigour to our spiritual nature ; it elevates in moral dignity the children of men, and makes them resemble, in a great measure, the very angels in Heaven.
Article II St. Gerebern, or Genebrand, Priest, Martyr, and PatronofSonsbeck. \Si. xthorSa'e/ithCentury. ~\ Theresultofinquiries and investigation prosecuted in those places, consecrated by the martyrdom and venerated relics of our exiled Irish saints, greatly impresses the feeling
366
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
367
and intellect of a devout pilgrim, with emotions and convictions elsewhere unattainable. A very inadequate effort must be made to place upon record some of those impressions. Having closed the account of St. Dympna's life, it may be desirable to dispose of a few remaining notices, which serve to elucidate that special veneration, paid in a more distant country, to her holy companion,St. Gerebern. Ashisfestivalandactsareusuallyfoundunited with her commemoration, on the 15th of May; so may the reader rest satis- fied, with what has been related concerning him, in the previous memoir. We need only remark, that Molanus has a notice of St. Gerebern, at the 15th of May, in two paragraphs. ' It would seem, also, that Colgan had collected some materials, to elucidate his Acts;' but, we consider, that little more of his life-incidents can be recorded, than what are brought together, in the pre- vious account of his companion in suffering, St. Dympna. His name has been introduced by Thomas Dempster, into the " Menologium Scoticum/'3 at the 15th of May. The Rev. Alban Butler has some notices of St. Gerebrand
a name by which he is likewise known—at this same date. His intercession was devoutly implored, by those suffering from fevers and the gout,5 in the countryabouttheRhine. Oneofthemostdelightfulandinterestingexcur- sions, it has ever been the good fortune of the writer to enjoy, and on which his recollections yet linger with pleasure, was made by the royal mail coach from the strongly fortified city of Wezel, on the right bank of the Rhine, to the city of Xanten, and thence to the village of Sonsbeck, within the duchy of Cleves, and kingdom of Prussia. Little time need be lost to effect this visit by the traveller, who frequently passes near those localities, when jour- neying by railroad between Amsterdam and Cologne, or when ascending or descending the noble Rhine, by one of the many steamers, which are daily cleaving its waters, on their upward or downward passage. For the Irish Catholic, this journey cannot fail to have many attractions, and especially, if he desire acquaintance with the interior and rural districts, in this part of Germany. Passing through Wezel, pleasantly situated on the river, over which a long floating pontoon-bridge conducts the excursionist, he will start along the direct road to Xanten, for about two leagues, through a rich and populous dis- trict. For a considerable portion of this way, the route lies along an old channel of the Rhine—now deserted by the main current—over a fine ter- raced road, overhung on one side by magnificent forest trees, and presenting on the other most extensive and varied views of a truly fertile and picturesque country. Longlinesofpoplarandothertalltrees,flankingtheroadsthrough- out their whole extent, and ranging over the landscape in different directions, orchards bending under their loads of fruit, and plains covered with crops, relieve the eye in alternating succession, and present most favourable evi-
dences to indicate the material comfort and prosperity of the inhabitants living in this dehghtful region. The old collegiate church of Xanten has no repre- sentation or emblems whatever of St. Gerebern, or of his companion, St. Dympna, although this fine building is covered on the interior with various old stone images, wooden figures, and pictures. Nor does any tradition exist, to show that the remains of St. Gerebern were ever brought so near the Rhine. Thiscanbethe^moreeasilyunderstood,whenitisexplained,that
Article ii. — 'See Natales Sanctorum Belgii," p. 100.
" Catalogus Actuum Sanctorum quae MS. habentur ordine Mensium at Dierum. "
3 Thus : " Ibidem Gereberni presbyteri, qui Dympnam erudivit et fugse comes et martyrii in Belgio particeps. B. "—Bishop
Forbes' "Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p. 199.
" See his "Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and other principal Saints," at vol. v. , May 15.
s Dr. Wintringham and Dr. Liger attri- bute the prevalence of this disorder, chiefly
—
"
368 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
the people of Sonsbeck were also designated Xaniensienses, in former times. The martyrs of the Theban legion, therefore, appear to have been always held in the highest veneration, within and around the city of Xanten proper f so that even our Irish saint Gerebern was never specially venerated there, so far as can be ascertained. The truly magnificent church of Xanten, however, deserves to be visited and critically examined, on account of its historic and religious associations, and for its surpassing architectural beauty and noble pro- portions. It combines a bizarre Gothic and Romanesque style, especially on the exterior ; but, the former characteristic features predominate over the interior, where the choir, nave, and four side aisles, with the numerous altars and chapels around, present a coup (Tceil of remarkably harmonious design, and of majestic proportions. 7 The tracing and friezes are very fine, around thegroinedroofs; and,thevariouswindowsarefilledwithrichlycolouredold
to the use of acid wines. See iHd.
* There are numberless sacred bones of the martyrs, decorated with silk, in various shrines around the great choir of the church at Xanten. The following inscriptions are found over these relics: "Deo Optimo Maximo et 330 Maityribus e Legione The- bsorum cum Sancto Victore a Maximiano Imperatore pro fide Christi hie interemptis et a Sancta Helena Magni Constantini Im- peratoris Matre a locis palustribus coUectis et ad hancEcclesiamdepositis devotionisergo exornavit. Arnoldus Palingh Gelro—Neo- magensis. Canonicus Senior. " In another place may be seen this inscription : " Sanctce Reliquix Sanctorum 330 de Societate Sti. Victoris, qui hie veritatem fidei Christi sui sanguinis fusione confirniarunt. Anno Christi CCLXXXVII. " And again may be found these words : " Reliquias Sanctorum honoratas et illorum cuUum approbatum esse miraculis in pallio Helire 4 Reg. 2. v. 14, et ossibus Elissei 4 Reg. 13. v. 21. uti et in hac Ecclesia super illas zedificata et in hoc 46 Canonicorum capitulo ob has circa
annum Christi cccxxvii. fundato patet. The foregoing Latin inscriptions, appearing within the choir, are rendered into German on the exterior side, where they may be read in the vernacular language, from the side aisles. Bearing the date 1574, two old pieces of tapestry hang behind the canonical stalls, within the choir, and various other old pieces are placed around, possibly of quite as ancient a date, if not older, which many of them appear to be. There are twenty-two altars, besides the principal altar, within the great choir, and extending around the aisles and nave of the church at Xanten. Behind the high altar is a very rude and an ancient sarcophagus, within a niche. On the principal altar are represented, in as many different compartments, the heads of twenty martyrs, covered with gold tissue, silk and pearls, within a large polished bronze entablature. Over the high altar are four large paintings, representing the acts and passion of St. Victor and of his companions. The polished
bronze screen in front of this altar is truly magnificent ; on either side of it stand the
figures of St. Victor and of St. Helena—this latter empress having caused the bones of those soldier-martyrs to be collected. The relics of many other saints are also pre- served within this church.
7 Aseriesofsixbeautifullyengravedprints sold near the church, with a small book, written in German and translated into Flemish, gives a tolerably correct idea of the general features of this fine building. At the right hand side of the principal avenue, leading to the church, is a large group of figures in stone, representing the crucifixion of Christ, between the two thieves. It was erected by Gerard Berendonck, one of the canons at Xanten, in 1525, as the inscription underneath certifies. The limbs of both thieves are represented as broken. The figure of the Blessed Virgin, which repre-
sents her fainting away in grief and sup- ported by the beloved disciple, is on one side ; on the other may be seen a female figure standing, with an ecclesiastic kneeling. The whole is surrounded with a large iron railing. In two canopied niches near it are represented the entombment of Christ and His resurrection from the grave, with many surrounding figures. This piece of stone sculpture has the date 1536 placed over it. It was erected by the same canon. In ano- ther niche, resting against the large right tower at the principal fa9ade of the church, is a stone group, representing the condemna- tion of Christ by Pilate ; but the inscription and date under it are almost entirely oblite- rated. Opposite the crucifixion group and within a niche, Christ is represented praying in the garden, with the disciples sleeping near Him, an angel with a chalice before Him, and soldiers entering in the back- ground. Anunderinscriptionanddateare also nearly quite removed. The old clois- ters, attached to the church, are well pre- served, as also the . ancient house of canons. At the entrance of this great parochial church, facing the principal square of the city of Xanten, now containing a population of about four thousand inhabitants, there is an old ecclesiastical edifice in a ruinous slate. An archway leads through this latter
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
369
stained glass, many portions of which, however, appear to liave been lost or destroyed. Without the old walls of Xanten is pointed out that place, on which those Martyrs suffered for the faith of Christ. A small chapel is built near it, beside the public road. ^ In our pilgrimage to the place, where St. Gerebern is particularly venerated, we must hasten onwards to the old town of Sons- beck, a few miles further removed from the Rhine. The same general features of scenery, already described, accompany the visitant, as he journeys onward towards this small village, which, with its parish, contains about 3,000 Catholic inhabitants. ^ Xanten and Sonsbeck were formerly united as one parish, and belonging to the archdiocese of Cologne ; but, at present, they appertaintothedioceseofMunster. 9 Intheyear1320,Theodoric,Count of Cleves, had Sonsbeck erected into a different parish, and divided from Xanten. After that time, the chapel of St. Gerebern was constituted the parish church ; but, in the year 143 1, by a bull of Pope Eugenius IV. , per- mission was given to have the baptismal font transferred to its present church, which is dedicated to St. Mary ]\Iagdalen. '° This permission was immediately carried into effect ; and, thenceforward, the chapel of St. Gerebern became asuccursaltothepresentchurch,withinthevillageofSonsbeck. Oneofthe former vicars of this parish, the Rev. Charles Jaspers," residing in the city of
Miinster, where he was director of the cathedral choir, occupied himself in researches, which, it was hoped, should enable him to elucidate the history of Sonsbeck, and the acts of its patron saint. '^ By a bull of Pope Julius III. , granted in 15 12, on the occasion of a contest between the pastor and inhabi- tants of Sonsbeck, the Sovereign Pontiff regulated the proportion of church revenue, to be allotted for the maintenance of the parish rector, who is named Marcellus Flint. This original bull the writer had the opportunity of inspect- ing, and to it would apply the description, given of the former document. '^ Sonsbeck, although a very small town, has its municipal institution of a bur- gomaster and common councillors. Santen—or as more generally written at the present day Xanten—and Sonsbeck ''^ are places very near each other, and they were formerly known as Sa? ittJia antiqua. This was one of the capital cities of Cleves ; and, it had a representative in the council. Hence, as Henschenius supposes, the people of Sonsbeck and of Xanten might have been allied, in stealing away the body of St. Gerebern, and consequently, this might account for a transference of his remains to Sonsbeck. '5 At the 20th
building to the church, and brings the afl'orded, that tlie gentleman in question
visitor within its surrounding enclosure.
^ In this ]iarish, there are only about one hundred Evangelicals, as the Protestants are
called, and about forty Jews.
5 Latinized, Monasteriensis.
'°Tlie Catholic pastor of Sonsbeck, Very
Rev. Mr. Frankeser, showed me the original bull in his possession, having a leaden seal, with silk strings attaching it to the vellum document. Endorsed on this bull is an entry giving the name of John Bocx, bora at Capellen, near Sonsbeck, as pastor of the latter place, and rector of the chapel with- out the walls of Sonsbeck, A. D. 1643.
would most willingly communicate whatever particulars his anxious and exact researches had enabled him to procure,
'^ A third original Papal bull I also exa- mined, but forgot to take a note of its sub- stance, at the time.
^"^ Molanus, writing from the records of Santen, observes, that Sonsbeck was not a city, but a village of Santen parish, which obtained a distinct church, owing to the munificence of Theodore, Count of Cleves. In 1320, Theodore gave the people of Sons- beck an immunity from tolls and the power of electing their own magistrates. For this
" In July, 1863, at the period of my statement we are referred to Teschenmacher, visit. in " Annalibus Clivire," p. 173.
" To the present writer, it was a subject '5 "Ulii hoc tempore illud asservari cum of regret, that Mr. Jaspers' absence from Gramayo et Tlieodorc Rhay asserunt Sonsbeck prevented the acquisition of much Molanus, MirKus, et Merianus in Topogra- information his materials and local know- phia Westphaliie observantque, per errorem ledge should supply ; for assurance was vulgi non Gerebernum sed Bernardum nunc
IA
370
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
of July, in the Carthusian Martyrology, we have notice of a feast for the Translation of St, Gerebern, priest, at Xanten, on the Rhine. And Grammay'^ tells us, that in the church of St. Dympna, at Gheel, the head St. Herbern is kept, his body having been translated to Sonsbeck. '? Among the inhabitants of this latter town, a tradition prevails, that when the people of Xanten brought St. Gerebern's remains to the hill, where his chapel is now erected, those beasts yoked, to a waggon on which the saint's relics were borne, could not proceed farther, througli some supernatural cause. Wherefore, the Sonsbeck people deposited St. Gerebern's remains on that elevated site, and erected theirprimitivechurchoverthem. TlieVeryRev. Mr. Frankeserinformed the writer, that he had also seen, in either a printed book or Manuscript in possession of the Rev. Charles Jaspers, a statement conformable to the pre- ceding popular tradition. A custom, at present prevailing in the town and parish of Sonsbeck, requires all the Catholic inhabitants to attend in their best holiday attire, on the Sunday,but not that one immediately succeeding the feast ofSt. Margaret,virginandmartyr,whichoccursonthe13thofJune. '^ The place of meeting is in and around the ancient little chapel of St. Gerebern, situatedonabeautifuleminence,immediatelyoutsidethetownofSonsbeck. On the occasion of St. Gerebern's principal festival—the octave of the Sunday after St. Margaret's day—all the parochial Masses are there celebrated, and the doors of the parish church are closed. During the octave, a like custom prevails. At other times, when the people wish their cure or vicaires to celebrate a votive Mass for them, the little chapel of St. Gerebern is often used, for this pur- pose. '9 As the writer had been informed by the pastor, St. Gerebern's exist- ing chapel dates its origin to the very commencement of the thirteenth cen- tury. It is probable, an older ecclesiastical structure occupied its present site. Immediately adjoining St. Gerebern's chapel, covered with rose trees and weeping willows, lies the Catholic cemetery of the parish, which is very neatly kept and enclosed. That it is a very ancient burial-place, we may well suppose, and from the numerous tombs and crosses placed over the graves, it seems a favourite burial-place for the Catholic inhabitants of Sons- beck and of the adjoining country. The Evangelicals, as all the Protestant inhabitants are called, have their separate place of interment, and the Jews' cemetery is distinct from the two former graveyards. The prospect from the top of the hill, on which the little chapel of St. Gerebern is built, embraces a most extended field of vision ; and, on the bright warm sunshine day,^° when
vocari : et annulis sacratis (qui contra chira-
gram et febris a fidelibus gestari solent) non
Gereberni, sed ]'>ernardi nomen impressum
legi ; scilicet cum Sint Gebern et contrac- honorant. " Again, in Vitre, No. 6, we read : tius. Sint Bern diceretiir, imperite nomen " Gerebernus apud Zanten oppidum juxta Bernardi assumptum fuisse. Solent autem, Rhenum in magna veneratione haberi. " saciffi Reliquiae, cum frequentissimo populi And, in " HistoriaMiraculorum," it is said : concursu, Dominica post festum S. Mar- " Incola; dicti loci Zanten, cum Beati pig- garitse circumferri. " Hensclienius, Pras- noribus Gereberni aufugisse ; cunique prope mium. The latter statement is incorrect, castruni Zanies accederent, moniti oppidani for the present procession takes place not on cum luminaribus * • * ad ecclesiam the Sunday after the feast of St. Margaret,
but on the octave of that vSunday. Tiie same custom most likely prevailed, from time im- morial.
'* See " Antverpirc Antiquitates," cap. X. , pp. 144, 145.
' Theodorus Rhay, in " Animabus illus- tribus Julia;, Clivix, cl vicinarum Provincia- rum," at the 15th of May, writes : "Sons- beca pervelusta Clivia; urbs, non principe sed
deportarunt. "
'^ In the Calendar of the " Breviariuni
suburbano ejus in templo, patrocinium habet S. Gereberni Martyris, quern incolje et ac- colre more majorum constanti pracipuoque
Monasteriense," at this date, will be found the following notice : " S. Margarita, Virg.
*' Thus at the 15th of May: "S. Dympna
virgin docliter to ye king of irland marteri-
seid be hir ahvin father vnder Ico ye 3. "-
Bishop Forbes' " Kalendars of Scottish (jereberni Presbyteri, et Dympna filix
Saints," p. 152.
*" Thus, at May xv. : "In monasterio
S. Filaiii occultatio Dympn. x virginis, quae patris sui regis Hirlandix, idolatrix, et in-
Regis Hibernice. Qui a Rege patre Vir- ginis persecuti, simul pro Christo cresis capi- tibus occuhucrunt. Quorum Genebernus ad Troiam Rhenensem, qua; Xanthis dicitur,
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
363
additions to the " Carthusian Martyrology," printed at Brussels, we find the feast of the virgin St, Dympna's translation at Gheel, on the 27th of October. The Acts of this holy Virgin and Martyr have been dramatized,^' and have been frequently represented in such form at the convent schools of Bel- gium.
Among the emblems of St. Dympna, we find an old engraving, exhibiting the holy virgin and martyr, with a sword in her hand, piercing the devil^s^ one, also, in which she is represented as being beheaded by the king her father ;53 one in which she appears leading the devil bound ;54 and again she is figured kneeling at mass, whilst her father is murdering the priest. ss A modern engraving represents the saint, bearing in the right hand a sword, which rests on the grotesque head of a demon, who is bound beneath her feet,
on a tiled floor. On the left hand rests an open book, on which her eyes are cast, as if reading. A flowing robe is fastened across the saint's breast, by a clasp, and the garment falls in heavy folds, over the inner dress. A band confines ihe long flowing hair over her forehead, and a ^/^rw/^ surrounds her head. A piece of tapestry is placed behind the saint. On either side of her, but in the back ground, appear in miniature two separate groups. One group represents the holy virgin kneeling, with her hands joined in prayer, while the king, her father, wields a double-handed scimitar, with which he aims a stroke at her neck ; on the other side, St. Gerebern appears kneeling, while a soldier is in the act of transfixing his body with a spear. The initials of both saints, S. D. and S. G. , appear on two different shields, with crowns and rosettes, on the upper corners of the engraving. s^ which from the inscription, it would seem, was executed at Antwerp. 57
Nearly all the editions of van Craeywinckel's work, hitherto published in the Low Countries, contain, as a frontispiece, rude engravings of St. Dympna, holding the devil chained beside her, while bearing in one hand a sword, and in the other a branch of palm. She wears a crown on the head, and flowing robes, to denote her regal dignity. In the background, a small chapel and a
translatus est. Corpus vero S. Dympnas Dymphna and Gerebern, Angels and the
Virginis apud prajfatam villam Ghele, niullis miraculis corruscando, quiescit. "
t* In the Appendix to the Rev. Mr. Kuyl's larger work, p. 123, the Mass, collects, antiphons, etc. , for this feast, are in- dicated.
45 " Prsedicta autem corporis venerandae virginis translatio facta est decima quinta die Maij, quo ejus festum celebratur. Decol- lata vero fuit ejusdemmensis die tricessimo. " —" De Probaiis Sanctorum Historiis," tomus iii. , xv. Mali, p. 347.
5° The same writer says, that the body of St. Dympna was preserved, shut up in a triple coffin. When visited by the Bishop of Metz, a stone, with her name inscribed on it, was found placed upon the breast of this holy virgin,
King with his soldiers, &c.
5= See Very Rev. F. C. Husenbeth's " Em-
blems of Saints, by which they are distin- guished in works of Art," p. 50. London, i860,
ssCallot's "Les Images de tousles Saints. " Paris, 1636.
54 >< jjig j^tt^il^ute (jg,. Heiligen. " Han- over, 1843. In an extract, transcribed from Ribadeneira's Vies des Saints, we are in- formed, that amongst other miracles wrought by God, through this saint, exorcising the Devil from possessed persons is considered most remarkable : " Voila pourquoi, on I'a peinte tenant un diable enchaine. " Tome v. , Mai 15, p. 219. To the patriotic and distinguished Irish writer, R. R. Madden, Esq. , . M. R. I. A. , I am indebted for this ex- tract, and for other communications, in refer- ence- to St. Dymphna, written by religious ladies in Belgium and forwarded at his re-
5' We have now before us an Operetta, in
the Flemish language, intituled, " Sinte
Dimphna's Marteldood," or "Martyrdom of
St. Dymphna. " It is in Three Acts, and quest to Ireland.
with Six Scenes. Written by S. Daems,
Norbertijner Kanunnik-Regulier der Abdij
van Tongerloo, with the Music, by van B.
Raes, organist ofWesterloo. Into this possession of Monsignor William Yore, Operetta are introduced, besides St. D. D. , and formerly V. G. of the Diocese of
ss " golitudo, sive vitse Fa^minarum Ana- choritarum. "—Jollain cxcudit, 1666.
56 xhis engraving I have seen in the
364
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
cottage are usually represented, with miniature figures, denoting her martyr-
dom and that of St. Gerebern. Rays of light are seen descending from the
clouds. Underneath, are found the words : " S. Dympna, ora pro nobis. "
Little variation as to the engraved details will be found, in these various fron-
tispieces. Medals of the saint were formerly struck in her honour, and the
red lion was seen on the reverse, to denote the royal emblem on the ancient
5^
Irisli standard.
There is an excellent engraving, which represents St. Dympna kneeling
before a hut, surmounted by a cross, and under the shade of some trees. St. Gerebern stands beside her in sacerdotal dress, wliilstan executioner presses the head of this holy priest forward with one hand, and prepares with the other uplifted to strike off the martyr's head with a sword. The king appears direct- ing this execution, and standing in the foreground, A small cross and book rest beside St. Dympna, who seems resigned to the will of heaven. A chalice or ciborium, with Eucharistic particles overturned, is seen at the feet of St. Gerebern. Over the hut, " Potius mori quam foedari," is written as a motto. 59 At Antwerp, the writer has liad an opportunity for inspection of highly artistic work, designed to honour this holy Martyr and Virgin. ^°
In the church of St. Paul,^^ Dublin, over tlie side altar of the Blessed Sacrament, there is a large fresco painting. ^^ It was designed, at the sugges- tion of the Very Rev. Monsignor Yore, to represent St. Dympna and St. P'rancis of Sales, in a kneeling posture, and adoring the Sacred Heart of our Redeemer, who appears above both saints. In the Cathedral Church, Marl- borough Street, Dublin, there is also a very beautiful painting of St. Dympna, more than life size, with several of the other ancient saints of Ireland. It is probable, that many additional memorials of our saint may be found, in vari- ous other Irish churches, chapels, and religious institutions.
Dublin. naturally coloured, and the virgin is repre- ss The words: "|tj. ©imgi^na, fllaeglr & sented with a very youthful countenance.
fHartflarfS, bill boor Olis," appear beneath, in the Gothic character.
Artificial flowers cover the whole background over the interior of this case, which is faced with plate glass. The panelling and onia-
5' See Father Thomas Sirin's " Sancti
Rumoldi Martyris Inclyti, Archiepiscopi ments of this shrine are very elal^orate and
Dubliniensis, Mechliniensium Apostoli," &c. Dissertatio Historica de Patria S. Rumoldi, Art. xi. , p. 384.
59 See F. Girolamo Ercolani's " Le Eroine della solitudine sacra : overo vite d'alcune dellepiu, illustriromitesacre, p. 431. Vene- zia, MDCLV. This book was obligingly furnished for perusal and inspection, by Matthias J. O'Kelly, Esq. , from his private lilirary, which was so rich in rare and valua- ble woiks.
^ In Rev. Mr. Kuyl's library, within a beautiful gilt case, St. Dymphna is rcpre- sented, with other saints, placed in c()nii)art- ments, around a figure of the crucifixion. Her under garment is white, but covered with various i)lack crosses ; her flowing robe over it is richly gilt. She wears a goklen crown on the head ; her hair parted under it flows in graceful curls down the l)ack and shoulders. She holds a large sword, on which she leans, in the right hand; a gilt bookopened, with illuminated MS. lettersde- Eicted on the pages, rests on a green cushion,
eld in the left hand, whilst the devil is trod- den upon beneath her feet. The features arc
highly carved in wood, which is painted and gilt. It is a very costly modern work of art, tastefully designed and executed. This excellent clergyman appears to have adopted the idea of giving artistic expression to the early reminiscences derived from his native city of Gheel, where innumerable pictures and images of St. Dympna are kept in the houses of her devout clients, in every variety of size, form, execution, design and materiil. The same custom of preserving some picture or statue of our saint prevails amongst the in- habitants of its adjoining country,
"' In the year 1835, and on the 17th of March, the Feast of St. Patrick, Apostle of Ireland, the first stone of this fine building, facing Arran Quay, was laid, accompanied by the prescribed ceremonies, and in pre- sence of a large multitude of persons. It advanced rapidly to completion, and now forms one of the most elegant ecclesia->lical structures within the city of Dublin. The architectural details of St. P. aul's are mainly derived from that nnich admired momunent of antiquity, the Ionic temple of Erectheus at Athens. Some variations, however, were
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
365
Not only in and around Gheel are females called after our saint ; but, the
custom is sufficiently prevalent, throughout the more distant parts of Belgium.
This practice shows the great veneration in which St. Dympna is held, amongst
many Flemish families. The name is also common in religion; and some of
the consecrated virgins of Christ rejoice in the appellation, as they have
doubtless often experienced benefits, derived from the patronage of our holy
martyr. Hitherto, various causes have operated to prevent a more popular
appreciation of St. Dympna's merits and glorious sacrifices, in her native coun-
try yet, it is to be hoped, the future generations of Catholic mothers and \
daughters, throughout our island, will hear this virgin's glorious name frequently pronounced in their family circles, while due veneration must be paid to the special patroness of Gheel, when her intercession shall be more generally in- voked amongst our people.
The virtue of chastity renders us not alone equal, but even superior, to the blessed spirits. If their purity is necessary, ours is voluntary. If angelic perfection be allied with an impassible existence, the chastity of human crea- tures is much more admirable, says a writer ^3 of our saint's Acts, because it is found united with a nature, fragile as the most brittle glass. If this life of angels has for its object the spirit alone, purity attainable in this world, when tending to spiritual things, experiences also those counteracting influences, to •which the flesh is always subject. In a word, being natural, angelic perfection is incapable of merit. Our perfection in an exalted degree is meritorious, because acquired by virtue of numberless struggles and efforts. Wherefore, St. Jerome observes, that the Pagans, bhnd in other things, as they were clear- sighted in this respect, represented their virgin goddesses armed, to signify that purity cannot be defended unless by engaging in a most earnest warfare. Hence, its value is so much extolled, that, surpassing angelic hierarchies, it renders us, according to the opinion of Basil, like to God Himself, first foun- tain or source of purity and innocence. Thus, St. John saw, almost on an equality with God Himself, that the virgins were revered. With insignia of stars, they bore a name written on their foreheads, so that the very angels boweddownbeforethem. Thatangel,wholedtheEvangelisttowitnessall those wonders of blessed Jerusalem, would not permit the beloved disciple, on account of his being a virgin, to venerate a pure spirit. On the contrary, thisangelstyledhimselfafellow-servant. ^+ She,whowasclothedwiththesun because of her purity, who pressed with her graceful feet the moon, and who despised every earthly ornament, as a decoration too inadequate for her in- comparable merit, placed the most brilliant stars as gems to adorn her royal crown. 'I'hegrandcounciloftheMostBlessedTrinitydespatchedasmes- senger to her, not an inferior angel of the heavenly hierarchy, but rather one of most exalted rank ; as if, with the exception of God Himself, heaven alone
had scarcely a subject, worthy to fix his eyes on the lustre of her peerless vir- ginity. The Holy Ghost seemed to entertain this thought, that if a person should place in one balance the golden sands of Tagus and Pactolus, all the brilliant gems found along distant sea-shores, the treasures of Midas and of Croesus, all the gold and silver contained within Peruvian mines, in fine, what-
deemed necessary to make this church suit- able for the requirements of a Christian temple. Both the conception and comple- tion of this work are highly creditable to the architect, Patrick Byrne, Esq. This church is built of chiselled granite, on the exterior : four beautifully designed pillars support the pediment, which is again surmounted by a graceful campanile. The interior has lately
undergone a very tasteful decoration. _ The fresco paintings, behind their magnificent marble altars within the sanctuary, are greatly admired. ^
^'^
Executed by Frederick S. Barff, Esq. , of Dublin.
*3 p. G. Ercolani, in his work already cited.
^* Apocalypse, xxii. , 9.
—
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
ever majestic, precious or glorious object exists, covering the firmament with radiant and star-hke beauty, or closed within the very depth of this earth, or lying concealed in the darkest abyss; whilst in the other balance lay the small but warm heart, pulsating with pure desires, this latter alone would be sufficient to surpass immeasurably in weight and value the whole universe. An ascetic heart is proof against all evil temptations, and more durable than marble ; for, it is never broken by continuous strokes, nor does it ever succumb to reiterated assaults of the senses. He possesses nothing, although grasping all things, who is not chaste ; because chastity is the fountain and the oil, without which the lamp of all other virtues must cease to burn. It is an orna- ment of the great, says St. Cyprian ; the aggrandizement of humble persons
; the lustre of ignoble, and the adornment of lowly creatures; it is refreshment for the afflicted; brilliancy covering the beautiful; the crowning of religion and of all virtues. With her bright rays, chastity so dispels the darkness of our other faults, that they are scarcely observed by the all-seeing eye of God him- self ; beyond all measure, it increases our merit in his sight, and indissolubly unites us in friendship with him. In a word, chastity renders us admirable; it even makes us formidable, when knocking at the gates of heaven. It effects greater prodigies than the casting out of demons, for it teaches us how we are to resist carnal seductions, while clothed with imperfections of the flesh. Our sovereign Creator twice rescued the world from universal destruc- tion. Once was it delivered in the time of Noah, who led a life of celibacy, not for thirty years only like the Vestals, but for five hundred ; for only at this latter age, as the sacred page informs us, his eldest son was born. At the appearance of Mary in this world, our second deliverance was effected.
The purity of both pleased God so much, that the world's regeneration was justly attributed to these holy personages ; because, while the Almighty contem- plated the ruin originated by a man and a woman, he likewise beheld that pre- servation of the human family, accomplished by a man, who lived five hun- dred years separated from woman; while from a woman, who by the most singular prerogative remained a virgin, yet became mother of the Incarnate Word, redemption was achieved. The value of this grace of virginity was a pearl above all price, in the estimation of St. Dympna. Hence, we should not deem it surprising, if in order to preserve it untainted, she considered the pouring out her own blood a small sacrifice, compared with the rewards of her glorious victory. Although nurtured amid the roses of royal purple, she esteemed the white lily of virginity, as surpassing all other flowers in grace
andloveliness. EverveneratedandillustriousDympna! Underthepurplerobe of royalty, and in the torrent of youthful blood, which flowed from thy wounds, innocence and purity arrayed thy soul with a vesture of dazzling brightness ! Would that mortals always knew how to select this lily, which blooms so gracefully along life's unfrequented pathways ! Deluded votaries of pleasure may twine garlands of myrtle, culled from luxuriant bowers of sensual enjoy- ment; but, from the gardens of the empyrean alone, among all other flowers, this emblematic type of holy purity merits grateful acceptance, in sight of the Most High. Chastity adds an additional beauty and ornament to the body; it gives elasticity and vigour to our spiritual nature ; it elevates in moral dignity the children of men, and makes them resemble, in a great measure, the very angels in Heaven.
Article II St. Gerebern, or Genebrand, Priest, Martyr, and PatronofSonsbeck. \Si. xthorSa'e/ithCentury. ~\ Theresultofinquiries and investigation prosecuted in those places, consecrated by the martyrdom and venerated relics of our exiled Irish saints, greatly impresses the feeling
366
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
367
and intellect of a devout pilgrim, with emotions and convictions elsewhere unattainable. A very inadequate effort must be made to place upon record some of those impressions. Having closed the account of St. Dympna's life, it may be desirable to dispose of a few remaining notices, which serve to elucidate that special veneration, paid in a more distant country, to her holy companion,St. Gerebern. Ashisfestivalandactsareusuallyfoundunited with her commemoration, on the 15th of May; so may the reader rest satis- fied, with what has been related concerning him, in the previous memoir. We need only remark, that Molanus has a notice of St. Gerebern, at the 15th of May, in two paragraphs. ' It would seem, also, that Colgan had collected some materials, to elucidate his Acts;' but, we consider, that little more of his life-incidents can be recorded, than what are brought together, in the pre- vious account of his companion in suffering, St. Dympna. His name has been introduced by Thomas Dempster, into the " Menologium Scoticum/'3 at the 15th of May. The Rev. Alban Butler has some notices of St. Gerebrand
a name by which he is likewise known—at this same date. His intercession was devoutly implored, by those suffering from fevers and the gout,5 in the countryabouttheRhine. Oneofthemostdelightfulandinterestingexcur- sions, it has ever been the good fortune of the writer to enjoy, and on which his recollections yet linger with pleasure, was made by the royal mail coach from the strongly fortified city of Wezel, on the right bank of the Rhine, to the city of Xanten, and thence to the village of Sonsbeck, within the duchy of Cleves, and kingdom of Prussia. Little time need be lost to effect this visit by the traveller, who frequently passes near those localities, when jour- neying by railroad between Amsterdam and Cologne, or when ascending or descending the noble Rhine, by one of the many steamers, which are daily cleaving its waters, on their upward or downward passage. For the Irish Catholic, this journey cannot fail to have many attractions, and especially, if he desire acquaintance with the interior and rural districts, in this part of Germany. Passing through Wezel, pleasantly situated on the river, over which a long floating pontoon-bridge conducts the excursionist, he will start along the direct road to Xanten, for about two leagues, through a rich and populous dis- trict. For a considerable portion of this way, the route lies along an old channel of the Rhine—now deserted by the main current—over a fine ter- raced road, overhung on one side by magnificent forest trees, and presenting on the other most extensive and varied views of a truly fertile and picturesque country. Longlinesofpoplarandothertalltrees,flankingtheroadsthrough- out their whole extent, and ranging over the landscape in different directions, orchards bending under their loads of fruit, and plains covered with crops, relieve the eye in alternating succession, and present most favourable evi-
dences to indicate the material comfort and prosperity of the inhabitants living in this dehghtful region. The old collegiate church of Xanten has no repre- sentation or emblems whatever of St. Gerebern, or of his companion, St. Dympna, although this fine building is covered on the interior with various old stone images, wooden figures, and pictures. Nor does any tradition exist, to show that the remains of St. Gerebern were ever brought so near the Rhine. Thiscanbethe^moreeasilyunderstood,whenitisexplained,that
Article ii. — 'See Natales Sanctorum Belgii," p. 100.
" Catalogus Actuum Sanctorum quae MS. habentur ordine Mensium at Dierum. "
3 Thus : " Ibidem Gereberni presbyteri, qui Dympnam erudivit et fugse comes et martyrii in Belgio particeps. B. "—Bishop
Forbes' "Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p. 199.
" See his "Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and other principal Saints," at vol. v. , May 15.
s Dr. Wintringham and Dr. Liger attri- bute the prevalence of this disorder, chiefly
—
"
368 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
the people of Sonsbeck were also designated Xaniensienses, in former times. The martyrs of the Theban legion, therefore, appear to have been always held in the highest veneration, within and around the city of Xanten proper f so that even our Irish saint Gerebern was never specially venerated there, so far as can be ascertained. The truly magnificent church of Xanten, however, deserves to be visited and critically examined, on account of its historic and religious associations, and for its surpassing architectural beauty and noble pro- portions. It combines a bizarre Gothic and Romanesque style, especially on the exterior ; but, the former characteristic features predominate over the interior, where the choir, nave, and four side aisles, with the numerous altars and chapels around, present a coup (Tceil of remarkably harmonious design, and of majestic proportions. 7 The tracing and friezes are very fine, around thegroinedroofs; and,thevariouswindowsarefilledwithrichlycolouredold
to the use of acid wines. See iHd.
* There are numberless sacred bones of the martyrs, decorated with silk, in various shrines around the great choir of the church at Xanten. The following inscriptions are found over these relics: "Deo Optimo Maximo et 330 Maityribus e Legione The- bsorum cum Sancto Victore a Maximiano Imperatore pro fide Christi hie interemptis et a Sancta Helena Magni Constantini Im- peratoris Matre a locis palustribus coUectis et ad hancEcclesiamdepositis devotionisergo exornavit. Arnoldus Palingh Gelro—Neo- magensis. Canonicus Senior. " In another place may be seen this inscription : " Sanctce Reliquix Sanctorum 330 de Societate Sti. Victoris, qui hie veritatem fidei Christi sui sanguinis fusione confirniarunt. Anno Christi CCLXXXVII. " And again may be found these words : " Reliquias Sanctorum honoratas et illorum cuUum approbatum esse miraculis in pallio Helire 4 Reg. 2. v. 14, et ossibus Elissei 4 Reg. 13. v. 21. uti et in hac Ecclesia super illas zedificata et in hoc 46 Canonicorum capitulo ob has circa
annum Christi cccxxvii. fundato patet. The foregoing Latin inscriptions, appearing within the choir, are rendered into German on the exterior side, where they may be read in the vernacular language, from the side aisles. Bearing the date 1574, two old pieces of tapestry hang behind the canonical stalls, within the choir, and various other old pieces are placed around, possibly of quite as ancient a date, if not older, which many of them appear to be. There are twenty-two altars, besides the principal altar, within the great choir, and extending around the aisles and nave of the church at Xanten. Behind the high altar is a very rude and an ancient sarcophagus, within a niche. On the principal altar are represented, in as many different compartments, the heads of twenty martyrs, covered with gold tissue, silk and pearls, within a large polished bronze entablature. Over the high altar are four large paintings, representing the acts and passion of St. Victor and of his companions. The polished
bronze screen in front of this altar is truly magnificent ; on either side of it stand the
figures of St. Victor and of St. Helena—this latter empress having caused the bones of those soldier-martyrs to be collected. The relics of many other saints are also pre- served within this church.
7 Aseriesofsixbeautifullyengravedprints sold near the church, with a small book, written in German and translated into Flemish, gives a tolerably correct idea of the general features of this fine building. At the right hand side of the principal avenue, leading to the church, is a large group of figures in stone, representing the crucifixion of Christ, between the two thieves. It was erected by Gerard Berendonck, one of the canons at Xanten, in 1525, as the inscription underneath certifies. The limbs of both thieves are represented as broken. The figure of the Blessed Virgin, which repre-
sents her fainting away in grief and sup- ported by the beloved disciple, is on one side ; on the other may be seen a female figure standing, with an ecclesiastic kneeling. The whole is surrounded with a large iron railing. In two canopied niches near it are represented the entombment of Christ and His resurrection from the grave, with many surrounding figures. This piece of stone sculpture has the date 1536 placed over it. It was erected by the same canon. In ano- ther niche, resting against the large right tower at the principal fa9ade of the church, is a stone group, representing the condemna- tion of Christ by Pilate ; but the inscription and date under it are almost entirely oblite- rated. Opposite the crucifixion group and within a niche, Christ is represented praying in the garden, with the disciples sleeping near Him, an angel with a chalice before Him, and soldiers entering in the back- ground. Anunderinscriptionanddateare also nearly quite removed. The old clois- ters, attached to the church, are well pre- served, as also the . ancient house of canons. At the entrance of this great parochial church, facing the principal square of the city of Xanten, now containing a population of about four thousand inhabitants, there is an old ecclesiastical edifice in a ruinous slate. An archway leads through this latter
May 15. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
369
stained glass, many portions of which, however, appear to liave been lost or destroyed. Without the old walls of Xanten is pointed out that place, on which those Martyrs suffered for the faith of Christ. A small chapel is built near it, beside the public road. ^ In our pilgrimage to the place, where St. Gerebern is particularly venerated, we must hasten onwards to the old town of Sons- beck, a few miles further removed from the Rhine. The same general features of scenery, already described, accompany the visitant, as he journeys onward towards this small village, which, with its parish, contains about 3,000 Catholic inhabitants. ^ Xanten and Sonsbeck were formerly united as one parish, and belonging to the archdiocese of Cologne ; but, at present, they appertaintothedioceseofMunster. 9 Intheyear1320,Theodoric,Count of Cleves, had Sonsbeck erected into a different parish, and divided from Xanten. After that time, the chapel of St. Gerebern was constituted the parish church ; but, in the year 143 1, by a bull of Pope Eugenius IV. , per- mission was given to have the baptismal font transferred to its present church, which is dedicated to St. Mary ]\Iagdalen. '° This permission was immediately carried into effect ; and, thenceforward, the chapel of St. Gerebern became asuccursaltothepresentchurch,withinthevillageofSonsbeck. Oneofthe former vicars of this parish, the Rev. Charles Jaspers," residing in the city of
Miinster, where he was director of the cathedral choir, occupied himself in researches, which, it was hoped, should enable him to elucidate the history of Sonsbeck, and the acts of its patron saint. '^ By a bull of Pope Julius III. , granted in 15 12, on the occasion of a contest between the pastor and inhabi- tants of Sonsbeck, the Sovereign Pontiff regulated the proportion of church revenue, to be allotted for the maintenance of the parish rector, who is named Marcellus Flint. This original bull the writer had the opportunity of inspect- ing, and to it would apply the description, given of the former document. '^ Sonsbeck, although a very small town, has its municipal institution of a bur- gomaster and common councillors. Santen—or as more generally written at the present day Xanten—and Sonsbeck ''^ are places very near each other, and they were formerly known as Sa? ittJia antiqua. This was one of the capital cities of Cleves ; and, it had a representative in the council. Hence, as Henschenius supposes, the people of Sonsbeck and of Xanten might have been allied, in stealing away the body of St. Gerebern, and consequently, this might account for a transference of his remains to Sonsbeck. '5 At the 20th
building to the church, and brings the afl'orded, that tlie gentleman in question
visitor within its surrounding enclosure.
^ In this ]iarish, there are only about one hundred Evangelicals, as the Protestants are
called, and about forty Jews.
5 Latinized, Monasteriensis.
'°Tlie Catholic pastor of Sonsbeck, Very
Rev. Mr. Frankeser, showed me the original bull in his possession, having a leaden seal, with silk strings attaching it to the vellum document. Endorsed on this bull is an entry giving the name of John Bocx, bora at Capellen, near Sonsbeck, as pastor of the latter place, and rector of the chapel with- out the walls of Sonsbeck, A. D. 1643.
would most willingly communicate whatever particulars his anxious and exact researches had enabled him to procure,
'^ A third original Papal bull I also exa- mined, but forgot to take a note of its sub- stance, at the time.
^"^ Molanus, writing from the records of Santen, observes, that Sonsbeck was not a city, but a village of Santen parish, which obtained a distinct church, owing to the munificence of Theodore, Count of Cleves. In 1320, Theodore gave the people of Sons- beck an immunity from tolls and the power of electing their own magistrates. For this
" In July, 1863, at the period of my statement we are referred to Teschenmacher, visit. in " Annalibus Clivire," p. 173.
" To the present writer, it was a subject '5 "Ulii hoc tempore illud asservari cum of regret, that Mr. Jaspers' absence from Gramayo et Tlieodorc Rhay asserunt Sonsbeck prevented the acquisition of much Molanus, MirKus, et Merianus in Topogra- information his materials and local know- phia Westphaliie observantque, per errorem ledge should supply ; for assurance was vulgi non Gerebernum sed Bernardum nunc
IA
370
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May 15.
of July, in the Carthusian Martyrology, we have notice of a feast for the Translation of St, Gerebern, priest, at Xanten, on the Rhine. And Grammay'^ tells us, that in the church of St. Dympna, at Gheel, the head St. Herbern is kept, his body having been translated to Sonsbeck. '? Among the inhabitants of this latter town, a tradition prevails, that when the people of Xanten brought St. Gerebern's remains to the hill, where his chapel is now erected, those beasts yoked, to a waggon on which the saint's relics were borne, could not proceed farther, througli some supernatural cause. Wherefore, the Sonsbeck people deposited St. Gerebern's remains on that elevated site, and erected theirprimitivechurchoverthem. TlieVeryRev. Mr. Frankeserinformed the writer, that he had also seen, in either a printed book or Manuscript in possession of the Rev. Charles Jaspers, a statement conformable to the pre- ceding popular tradition. A custom, at present prevailing in the town and parish of Sonsbeck, requires all the Catholic inhabitants to attend in their best holiday attire, on the Sunday,but not that one immediately succeeding the feast ofSt. Margaret,virginandmartyr,whichoccursonthe13thofJune. '^ The place of meeting is in and around the ancient little chapel of St. Gerebern, situatedonabeautifuleminence,immediatelyoutsidethetownofSonsbeck. On the occasion of St. Gerebern's principal festival—the octave of the Sunday after St. Margaret's day—all the parochial Masses are there celebrated, and the doors of the parish church are closed. During the octave, a like custom prevails. At other times, when the people wish their cure or vicaires to celebrate a votive Mass for them, the little chapel of St. Gerebern is often used, for this pur- pose. '9 As the writer had been informed by the pastor, St. Gerebern's exist- ing chapel dates its origin to the very commencement of the thirteenth cen- tury. It is probable, an older ecclesiastical structure occupied its present site. Immediately adjoining St. Gerebern's chapel, covered with rose trees and weeping willows, lies the Catholic cemetery of the parish, which is very neatly kept and enclosed. That it is a very ancient burial-place, we may well suppose, and from the numerous tombs and crosses placed over the graves, it seems a favourite burial-place for the Catholic inhabitants of Sons- beck and of the adjoining country. The Evangelicals, as all the Protestant inhabitants are called, have their separate place of interment, and the Jews' cemetery is distinct from the two former graveyards. The prospect from the top of the hill, on which the little chapel of St. Gerebern is built, embraces a most extended field of vision ; and, on the bright warm sunshine day,^° when
vocari : et annulis sacratis (qui contra chira-
gram et febris a fidelibus gestari solent) non
Gereberni, sed ]'>ernardi nomen impressum
legi ; scilicet cum Sint Gebern et contrac- honorant. " Again, in Vitre, No. 6, we read : tius. Sint Bern diceretiir, imperite nomen " Gerebernus apud Zanten oppidum juxta Bernardi assumptum fuisse. Solent autem, Rhenum in magna veneratione haberi. " saciffi Reliquiae, cum frequentissimo populi And, in " HistoriaMiraculorum," it is said : concursu, Dominica post festum S. Mar- " Incola; dicti loci Zanten, cum Beati pig- garitse circumferri. " Hensclienius, Pras- noribus Gereberni aufugisse ; cunique prope mium. The latter statement is incorrect, castruni Zanies accederent, moniti oppidani for the present procession takes place not on cum luminaribus * • * ad ecclesiam the Sunday after the feast of St. Margaret,
but on the octave of that vSunday. Tiie same custom most likely prevailed, from time im- morial.
'* See " Antverpirc Antiquitates," cap. X. , pp. 144, 145.
' Theodorus Rhay, in " Animabus illus- tribus Julia;, Clivix, cl vicinarum Provincia- rum," at the 15th of May, writes : "Sons- beca pervelusta Clivia; urbs, non principe sed
deportarunt. "
'^ In the Calendar of the " Breviariuni
suburbano ejus in templo, patrocinium habet S. Gereberni Martyris, quern incolje et ac- colre more majorum constanti pracipuoque
Monasteriense," at this date, will be found the following notice : " S. Margarita, Virg.
