92, and Vita ex Proprio Officio
Ecclesi^
S.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v5
We are told, that he restored Count Rigual to health, on the occa- sion of his visit.
'^?
This nobleman manifested his gratitude, by his liberality towards our saint.
5° It is then said, that a pleasant fountain flowed by our saint's monastery, which was very near a river, that emptied itself into the Cessonian port, now better known as the Bay of St.
Brieux.
s^
merce ; having been built on the small island of St. Aaron, now joined by abridge to the mainland. See Bavdrand's " Novum Lexi- con Geograpliicuni," tomus i. , p. 442.
^s This place was also known as Treco- rium. See ;/'/(/. , tomus ii. , ]•>. 279.
^' See Lcs Petits Bollandistes' "Vies des Saints," tome v. Premier Jour de Mai, p. 196.
^' In Latin, " Aulam Campi Roboris. "
*' See Le Comte de Montalembert's "Les Moines de rOccidcnt," tome ii. , livre viii. , chap, iii. , p. 433.
« In the Proper Office of St. Brieuc's church.
5° "Le Grand scribit hunc comitem Rigua- lem primo obfuisse, verum morbo occupatum destitisse, et dein sanatum pisestitisse favo* rem. "—" Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Maii i. jActaS. Brioci, n. (e), p. 94.
5' See Lobineau's " Vies des Saints de Bretagne," par M. Abb(? Tresvaux, tome premier, pp. 78, 79, and " Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus i. , Maii i. Acta S. Brioci, sect. 8, p. 93.
CHAPTER III.
PENITENTIAL EXERCISBS OF ST. BRIEUC—HE HEALS A PARALYTIC—SPECULATIONS REGARDING HIS EPISCOPACY—HE ASSISTS COUNT RIGUEL DURING HIS LAST ILL- NESS—ST. BRIEUC'S HAPPY DEPARTURE—PLACES ASSIGNED FOR HIS DEATH REMARKABLE VISIONS AT THE TIME—BURIED IN THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH, AT ST. BRIEUX—TRANSLATION OF HIS RELICS TO THE CHURCH OF ST. SERGIUS AND ST. BACCHUS, AT ANGERS—SUBSEQUENT REMOVAL OF HIS RELICS TO ST. BRIEUX— MEMORIALS AND FESTIVALS OF THE HOLY MAN—CONCLUSION.
St. Brieuc lived within his new house, in an admirable manner, and he be-
stowed every care on the instruction of all its neighbouring people, until, as
stated, about the year 500. Although, at this time, it is said, he was over ninety
yearsofage yet,suchanunusualtermoflifedidnotdiminishhiszealand ;
austerities ; on the contrary, the more he advanced in years, the more his fervour seemed increasing, as manifested by his great fasts and other peniten- tial exercises. We are assured, he wrought many miracles, in that country, whichheinhabited. Amongotherfavours,heprocuredthehealingofapoor paralytic, whom his friends were obliged to bring on a litter, or hand-barrow. This man, owing to the wise designs of Providence, had been conducted towards his house, having been borne by two men. These wandered from their course, in the midst of a wood ; but, towards the commencement of night, they for- tunately arrived at the monastery gate, where they demanded hospitality. In order to appease that inquietude, which their families naturally experienced on their account, St. Brioc sent them back to their homes, having first directed
them on their way. He retained, however, the infirm man with himself. To procure his restoration, the saint spent a whole night in prayer. Next morn- ing, those two men, having come to seek the paralytic, had the great satisfac- tion of finding him perfectly restored. This miracle increased St. Brieuc's fame throughout that whole district of country ; and, people flocked to him from all parts, to consult him, on a variety of matters, but more especially to receive his advice on those affairs, that concerned their immortal souls.
The strange silence of St. Brieuc's Legend, and of its Abridgment, which do not mention his episcopacy, and which reveal nothing, that should lead us to infer it, coupled with the circumstance, that he had not a known successor as such to the time of Nomino^, who is said to have erected the monastery of St. Brieuc into a bishopric, should almost induce a belief, of our saint not having been a bishop. However, a marble tomb, found in the year I2IO, gave him such a title. This is confirmed, likewise, by popular tradi- tion,andinalegend,citedbyPierreLeBavd. ^ Thereisreasontobelieve, Brieuc had been consecrated bishop, in his own country, and by those pre- lates, from whom he demanded priests for new churches he had founded, and,atatime,whenheconvertedmanyofhisowncountrypeople. Perhaps, also, he was only consecrated a regionary bishop, without his having any par- ticular see, or local title. " Among the number of those, who entertained the highest idea concerning the virtue and wisdom of God's holy servant, was Riguel himself. This nobleman, after having ceded his house of Champ-du- Rouvre to St. Brieuc, retired to the house of Helion or Hilion. 3 Heretofore, thischateauborethenameofVieilleStable,orCoz-Crau. Asoursainthad
CHAPTER III. —' In his "Histoire de pp. 79, 80.
Bretagne," chap, xxix. , p. 214. 3 According to the Archives of the Church
' See Lobineau's " Viesdes Saints de Bre- of Nantes.
tagne," par M. Abb^ Tresvaux, tome i. ,
'See Les Petits Bollandistes "Vies
—
May I. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
31
32
p. 196.
s See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's " Lives of
the Saints," vol. v. , May i, p. 21.
* See Lobineau's " Vies des Saints de Bre- tagne," par M. L'Abbe Tresvaux, tome i. ,
pp. 80, 81.
1 See Rev. Alban Butler's " Lives of the
Fathers, Martyrs, and other principal Saints,"vol. v. , MayI.
Angers on ecclesiastical business, he there breathed his last. "—" Lives of the Engli>h Saints," No. ix. , part i. , cap. xvi , p. 169.
"° In his Gallic Martyrology, at the 50th of April.
" Cressy, who translates Saussay's ac- count, thus continues : " From thence (Angers) iiis Body was carried back, and with great honour buried in the Church,
* See Les Petits Bollandistes " Vies which himself had built, where frequent
des Saints," tome v. , Premier Jour de Mai, p. 196.
9 However, the Life of St. German, com- piled by Puseyite wriiers, gives a different account, regarding the place of St. Briocus'
miracles were wrought at his Relicks. Tlius as he gave his name to the Monastery, Town, and ^Iother-Clulrch of that Dioce>e. so he likewise afforded continual jirotcction to them. " See *' Church History of Brittany,"
—
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
a singular devotion towards the Holy Mother of God, he caused an oratory to be built, sufficiently near his cathedral, and on the borders of a stream. This was known as Notre-Dame-de-la-Fontaine, and thither he often retired to offer his prayers. * For him, this formed a sort of hermitage. s Having attained a very advanced age, and finding himself in a dangerous state of ill- ness, the Castellan declared, that he would receive Holy Viaticum fromBrieuc's hands. He said to those, who entreated him to partake of the last sacra- ments, he trusted in the mercy of Jesus Christ, that he should not die, until he had received absolution and holy communion, through tlie ministry of our saint. To Brieuc, the Count sent a pressing message, to come and see him, in this extremity. St. Brieuc got ready his chariot, to visit the sick nobleman ; for, his extreme old age did not allow him to travel, in any other manner. During his journey, St. Brioc was surrounded by a crowd of his religious, who followed, and who sang psalms and canticles of praise to God, whilst on theirway. Weareeventold,thattheAlmightycausedoursainttoheara heavenly harmony, which re-echoed to his own hymns, and in commemoration of this miracle, that Brieuc stopped on his way, to plant a cross, destined to be a memorial of this signal favour. Having reached Rigual's house, by his prayers, exhortations and good counsels, the saint contributed to procure for that nobleman, the inestimable happiness of departing life, in a truly Christian manner. In recompense for such service, Rigual the Count presented him with his castle, with the land cultivated by his dependents, and with the lordship of the whole parish. ^
The saintly old Bishop did not long survive the death of Riguel. Having an intimation, that the time for his heavenly birth approached, Brioc called together all his brethren. To their prayers he particularly recommended himself, while he exhorted them, with words of piety and wisdom. A fever, which seized upon the saint, warned him that dissolution might shortly be expected. A fast of six days having been enjoined on all his brethren, and performed by them, St. Brioc received Holy Viaticum, and imparted his last benediction to the monks. He then sweetly breathed his last, it is thought by some, about a. d. 502 ^—others will have it about 614 ^ being more than ninety years of age. The legend adds, that at the time of his death, a chamber in which he expired was filled with an aromatic odour, which continued until the moment appointed for his interment. According to the general concurrence of writers,9 he died at Brieuc ; and, in the reli- gious house he had there founded. However, Saussay '° places his death at Angers, probably deceived by the fact, that the greater par^ of his relics had been preserved in that city, as shall be subsequently related. " A great num- ber of miracles rendered testimony to his glorious heritage in heaven, and to his love of God, while upon earth. It is added, that at the moment of his
des Saints," tome v. , Premier Jour de Mai, death. It is said, that "having gone to
May I. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
33
departure, visions announced this happy event for two disciples, who then dwelt in Grande-Lande monastery. One of these, named Marcan, a good and religious man, who is venerated as the patron of a parish in Dol's ancient diocese, is said to have seen his soul carried away, in the shape of a dove, by Angels. T\\t\xflamboyantewingswereemblematicofoursaint'sgreatcharity. Another, named Sivian or Sieu,'^ saw our saint, in a dream, and all brilliant with light, mounting by a ladder, which reached towards heaven, while it was surrounded by mutitudes of angels. On the morning after this vision, being much excited, he hastened to the monastery of Vaux,'3 to be the better informed, regarding what had occurred. While sailing from Great towards Lesser Brittany, the devil appeared to him, when sleeping on the ship's poop, during the middle of the night, and that evil spirit endeavoured to suffocate the voyager. Having invoked tlie name of St. Brieuc, and implored his suc- cour, Sivian was rescued from every danger. Arriving at the monastery for which he was bound, Sivian heard,'concerning the death of their common father, fromhisreligious. Inturn,thedisciplerelatedth. itvisionhehadexperienced,
and that subsequent danger, from which he had been delivered. This account filled all with great joy, and caused them to return the Almighty thanks for testimonies afforded, regarding the undoubted beatification of their dear deceased patron. It is probable, that Lan-Sieu parish church '+ has derived its name, from the person, who had this extraordinary vision.
The body of St. Brieuc is said to have been buried in the cathedral church, ^5 attached to his monastery. Many and famous are those miracles on record, whereby the Almighty distinguished St. Brioc's merits, either when his name had been invoked, or when his tomb had been visited, by children of the faith. In paintings, he is represented, as treading on a dragon, or with a column of fire, which designated him for ordination, according to popular tradition. '^ The Sannmarthani suppose, that about a. d. 846, the monastery of St. Brieuc was constituted an episcopal See, by Nomengius or Nominoe, a ruler over this part of Brittany. To him succeeded a son Herispogius, also called Ylispo- dius. '7 He ruled from 862, until the year 866, when he was slain. Between the years 862 and 866, whilst Ylispodius ruled over Brittany, a translation of our saint's relics took place. Then they were brought to the church of St. Sergius and Bacchus,'^ near Angers, owing to an irruption of the Northmen invaders. There they were afterwards honourably kept, and holy Brioc's body was preserved in the monastic church of those venerable patrons, '9 almost in its
entirety,andforalonglapseofages. AtaperiodwhenSt. Brieuc'srelicswere removed from St. Stephen'schurch—which had been founded by the holy Bishop —in order to be transferred to the abbey of St. Sergius and St. Bacchus, at
Bretagne," par M. L'Abbe Tresvaux, tome i. , pp. 81, 82.
"^ The monastery of St. Sergius and of St. in the Coiritician country, at this time. He Bacchus, had been erected during the
Book ix. , chap, xiv. , pp. 189, 190.
'^ In the Bollandist account^ this person is
name Simanus. He is said to have lived,
seventh century, and it existed at a time Hen- schennius edited the Acts of our saint. See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Mail i. Acta S. Brioci, Commentarius Previus, sect. 7, p.
92, and Vita ex Proprio Officio Ecclesi^ S. Brioci, sect. 9, and n. (f), p. 94. Ibid.
'' According to Mabillon, although the '5 See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies origin of this monastery is buried in obscu- des Saints," tome v. , Premier Jour de Mai, rity, a charter issued during the reign of p. 196. Chlodoveus Junior shows, that it was then '* See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of in existence. See "Annates Ordinis S. the Saints," vol. v. , May i, p. 21. Benedicti," tomus i. , lib. xiii. , sect, xxvii. ,
was a religious man, likewise, and x disciple of St. Brioc.
'3 St. Brieux was so called, because it is at the junction of several valleys. See l^ev. S. Baring-Gould's " Lives of the Saints," vol. v. , May I. , p. 21.
"t It is situated near St. Malo.
'7 See Lobineau's " Vies des Saints de p. 389.
C
34
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
Angers, they were placed in a sack,^" formed of deer-skin, when Erispoe was Duke over Bretagne. In the year 965, Salvator, bishop of Aleth, had carried a part of these precious remains to Paris, where they were deposited, in St. Barthelemi's church. ^' In 988, another portion of those rehcs had been placed in a new church, built at Crepy in Valois, whitlier they had been brouglit from Cliartres. The church of St. Benoit-sur- Loire possessed likewise asmall fragment of St. Brieuc's relics. That Sunday, which fell on the last day of July, A. D. 1 166—although the body of our saint was not entire, at this period —a translation of his relics took place. It was conducted in a solemn and publicmanner,inpresenceofHenryII. ,KingofEngland. Mostprobably, at this time, the relics of St. Brieuc were deposed in that shrine, where Peter, Bishop of Brieuc, afterwards discovered tliem, and from which they could not be removed, without a goldsmith's assistance. Besides Henry II. , King of England, Conon, Count of Bretagne, William, Bishop of Angers, William, Abbot of St. Serge, William, Abbot of St. Aubin, Hugh, Abbot of St. Nicholas, William, Abbot of St. Maur-sur-Loire, and William, Abbot of All Saints, at Angers, were assembled on this interesting occasion. ^^
In the year 1210, while Philip was king over France, and Peter was bishop at St. Brieuc, this latter had been apprized by his clergy, from the time of his appointment to the See, that the diocesan Patron's holy relics had been preserved, in the church of St. Sergius and St. Bacchus. The bishop resolved, by labouring effectually, to procure, at least, a part of these precious remains. He was informed, that no other relic belonging to holy Brieuc had been preserved in the church to which he was collated, and which had its name from our saint, except- ing a bell and a band, or fillet, that formerly belonged to or had some connec- tion with the venerated patron. On hearing this. Bishop Peter went to Angers, in order to accomplish the object of his most earnest desires. He prudently resolved, to request the presence of the bishop and leading clergy of that city, at an interview, together with the abbot and brothers of the monastery of St. Sergius and St. Bacchus. To this assembly also were in- vited persons of distinction, in that part of the country. He greatly desired to secureaunanimousexpressionofassent,forhispiousrequest. Accordingly,all were assembled in the church of Angers, at an appointed day and hour. There, Bishop Peter preached a most eloquent sermon from the holy Scriptures, to the great delight and edification of his audience. So persuasive were his words, we are told, that if this bishop had sought the greater part of their monastery, its monks would have yielded to his demand, so powerfully were their hearts moved by his impressive eloquence. But, temporal gifts were notanobjectofambitionfortheBishopofBrieuc. Thisprelatedeclared,he
'° Regarding that portion of them, once corpus S. Brioci Confessoris Episcopi in
preserved at Angers, nothing now re- mains.
^' That cliurch has no present existence, but within it had been erected a chapel, for- mcrly dedicated to our saint.
ecclesiaB. Sergii. qureest Andegavis, ethono- rifice repositum in eadem Eccltsia, officium prasbente Guilelmo Andegavensium Epis- copo, assistentibus Guillelmo ejusdem Ec- desire Abbate, Guillelmo B. Albini, Hu- gone S. Nicolai, Guillelmo B. Manri Abba- ti bus, cum multo Cleri populique tripudio, Guillclmus Omnium Sanctorum Abbas huic Translationi inteifuit, et Conanus Comes Biitaiinia. ' See I. obineau's Vies des Saints de Bretagne," par M. 1 Abbe Tres-
p. 92.
^' The account of this solemn translation
is thus described, in a charter, beloni;iiig to
the same monastery, and edited by Mabillon.
It runs in the following terms :" Hcnricus,
Rex Anglorum, et Dux Normannorum et
Aquitnnorum, et Come; Andcgavorum, om-
niluis Sanctre Eccle>ia; Dei tiliis salutem. vaux, pp. 85, 86, and n. (l) ibid. Also, Noverit universitas vestra, quod anno ab " Acta Sanctorum," tomus L Maii i. Acta Incarnationc Domini MCLXVi et regni nos- S. Brioci. Commentarius PoEvius. , sect. 7, trix. ,pridie Kalendas Augusti, Luna xxx. ,
die Dominica, me presente translatum est "^ It is most likely, thi? rscription was in
May I. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
35
only desired a part of the holy patron's remains, such object being the sole mo- tiveofhispresentvisittoAngers. Ifthevenerableabbotoftheplacewould graciously hear his petition, he engaged, that the church of St. Brieuc should feel for ever indebted to that of his abbey. As St. Brieuc's chief pastor, the bishop ottered with grateful thanks, the advantages of an inseparable alliance, which should continue through ages yet to come, between both religious establishments. The abbot then retired to hold a conference with his reli- gious. At first, he feared to comply with the bishop's request, lest he might incur the saint's displeasure. However, on matured deliberation, he con- sidered it inexpedient, to refuse the reasonable request of his pious supplicant. This latter resolution obtained, in fine, the unanimous concurrence of all his brethren. Inorderthathemightavoidoppositionfromanyrecusantorwounded feeling, which might be manifested in or out of the monastery, on account of this partition[of our saint's remains, the abbot selected a time, for accomplish- ment of his resolution, when all the inmates of his house had retired to rest, and after a recital of the midnight office. When they had retired, the abbot received anew assurances given to him by Bishop Peter. He caused these
promises to be repeated in presence of chosen witnesses, who had already heard the first guarantees offered. After Matins had been concluded, and while the monks sought retirement and rest in their dormitories, the Abbot and Fathers, who were conscious regarding what must succeed, repaired to the church,beingclothedwithwhitegarments. Theyremovedthatsilvershrine, containing our saint's relics, from the top of their altar, and in presence of the Bishop. By aid of a goldsmith, the reliquary was soon opened. Then, St. Brioc's remains were found enclosed, and within a covering made of deer-skin. A marble tablet was discovered, and on it was found engraved an inscription to this effect : " Here lies the body of the most holy Confessor Brioc, Bishop of Brittan}^, which had been brought by Ylispodius, King of the Bretons, to this church, which, at that time, was his chapel. "^3 On reading this inscrip- tion, all who were present—not being sufficiently instructed regarding past history—were surprised to hear the name of a king, hitherto little known to them. His kingdom, nevertheless, extended as far as Vendomois, according to ancient and authentic records. When the shrine had been opened, a most agreeable odour was diffused around the jolace, in which these assistants officiated. The abbot then presented the Breton Bishop with an arm, two ribs, and a joint of St. Brieuc's neck. ^4 These remains were received, as an incomparable treasure. They were placed in a precious vase, and committed to the care of the treasurer of Angers church. This man was a particular friend to Bishop Peter. Being now ready to take his departure, as the chief object of his desire had thus been happily effected, on the following morning, the prelate assisted at the holy sacrifice of Mass, and then began to think of returning to his episcopal See. He hastened to resume the homeward jour- ney, as a vigilant guardian of his precious treasure. The bishop and clergy of Angers accompanied him in solemn procession towards the city gates, while they sang hymns and canticles in praise of that illustrious saint, whose relicswerethenbeingremoved,andtothatcitywhichborehisname. We cannot feel surprised, that full of joy on account of having such a treasure, Bishop Peter had a dream, while asleep on that very night, and regarding
Latin, the original of which may be found thus rendered, in the Bollandists' collection, at the 1st of May. It runs as follows: "Hie jacet corpus Beatissimi Confessoris Brioci Episcopi Britannia;, quod detulit ad basilicam istam, quae tunc temporis erat ca-
pella sua, Yh'spodius Rex Britannorum. " Lobineau has rendered it into French.
-'See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des Saints," tome v. Premier Jour de Mai. p. 196.
'S Mabillon relates, that the monastery of
36 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
a matter, which had afforded him such agreeable occupation during the pre- viousday. Heimagined,thatsurroundedbyanastonishinghght,St. Brioc had appeared to liim and said : "Take care, my son, that those rehcsbe pre- served with due honour in my church. " On receiving this admonition, the bishop sent innnediately word to the St. Brieux clergy and people, to warn them about his happy return, and requesting them to be ready for reception of their holy patron's remains, on the i8th of October, the festival day of St Luke. In obedience to their pious bishop's command, a vast multitude of persons on the day appointed came to meet him, with all the religious solem- nity and joy, that could be desired or imagined. Among the rest, Alain I. , Count of Pentiiievre, of Gonello, Guingamp, Avaugour, &c. , son to Henry, Count of Penthievre and to Matilda of Vendome, assisted at this grand cere- mony. The Count prostrated himself on earth, to venerate the holy relics of St. Bricuc, He even received them, and bore them within his own arms, to the cathedral church. ^5 it is said, that at the moment of entrance into this edifice, the sacred relics were heard to emit sounds, as if they had been animated, and as if they had made an effort to issue from that vase, in which they had been carried. Such strange prodigy was regarded as an indication of joy, manifested by St. Brieuc, when a portion of his remains entered a place, that formerly had been so dear to him, where he had received so many graces from Heaven, and where God's power had been manifested by wonderful miracles accorded to the people's faith, and to their holy patron's prayers. ^^
The monument dedicated to this saint, in St. Sergius' and St. Bacchus' church, which had been erected into a parish, was destroyed some years previous to the revolution of 1789. It is said,this Vandalic act was intended to prevent certain superstitious practices. At present, St. Brioc's ring is preserved in Brieuc. The mayor and his corporate civic companions proceeded with certain public ceremonies to kiss his ring, on the annual return of each May-day. =7 Before the French revolution, the sacred relics of this saint were enclosed in a silver shrine, and they were saved from profanation, at that iconoclastic period. In the year 1820, Monseigneur Hyacinthe de Qu^len—afterwards Bishop of Paris, and at that time. Coadjutor of the same See ^^—presented a beautiful reliquary of gilt bronze, for the reception of our saint's relics. That prelate had been a priest of St. Brieux diocese, and an honorary canon of the same church. In the reliquary presented, the saint's remains are now preserved. ^9
He was venerated, as the principal patron of that diocese and city, which bore his name. In works of art, he was often represented with a purse or aumoniire; and, he was regarded as the special patron of purse-makers, pro- bably because this branch of industry had flourished formerly in the city of St. Brieuc. 3° The festival of St. Brieux had been formerly celebrated, on the ist of May, as found in ancient Manuscripts. 3^ Molanus and other writers 3* have fixed his chief festival, at the ist of May. Still, the name of St. Brieuc is not found in the Roman Martyrology. However, it occurs in the Martyrologies
St. Brioc, founded in the sixth century, be- came converted into an episcopal seat and city. See " AnnalesOrdinis S. Benedicti," tomus i. , lib. vi. , sect, xxv. , p. 152.
^* See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. . Mail i. , Acta S. Brioci. Historia Translationis, sect. I, 2, 3, p. 94.
''^ See Lot)ine. iu's "Vies des Saints de Bretap;ne," par M. L'Abbe TresY. iux, tome i. , p. 82, and n. (2), p. 85.
merce ; having been built on the small island of St. Aaron, now joined by abridge to the mainland. See Bavdrand's " Novum Lexi- con Geograpliicuni," tomus i. , p. 442.
^s This place was also known as Treco- rium. See ;/'/(/. , tomus ii. , ]•>. 279.
^' See Lcs Petits Bollandistes' "Vies des Saints," tome v. Premier Jour de Mai, p. 196.
^' In Latin, " Aulam Campi Roboris. "
*' See Le Comte de Montalembert's "Les Moines de rOccidcnt," tome ii. , livre viii. , chap, iii. , p. 433.
« In the Proper Office of St. Brieuc's church.
5° "Le Grand scribit hunc comitem Rigua- lem primo obfuisse, verum morbo occupatum destitisse, et dein sanatum pisestitisse favo* rem. "—" Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Maii i. jActaS. Brioci, n. (e), p. 94.
5' See Lobineau's " Vies des Saints de Bretagne," par M. Abb(? Tresvaux, tome premier, pp. 78, 79, and " Acta Sanctorum,"
tomus i. , Maii i. Acta S. Brioci, sect. 8, p. 93.
CHAPTER III.
PENITENTIAL EXERCISBS OF ST. BRIEUC—HE HEALS A PARALYTIC—SPECULATIONS REGARDING HIS EPISCOPACY—HE ASSISTS COUNT RIGUEL DURING HIS LAST ILL- NESS—ST. BRIEUC'S HAPPY DEPARTURE—PLACES ASSIGNED FOR HIS DEATH REMARKABLE VISIONS AT THE TIME—BURIED IN THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH, AT ST. BRIEUX—TRANSLATION OF HIS RELICS TO THE CHURCH OF ST. SERGIUS AND ST. BACCHUS, AT ANGERS—SUBSEQUENT REMOVAL OF HIS RELICS TO ST. BRIEUX— MEMORIALS AND FESTIVALS OF THE HOLY MAN—CONCLUSION.
St. Brieuc lived within his new house, in an admirable manner, and he be-
stowed every care on the instruction of all its neighbouring people, until, as
stated, about the year 500. Although, at this time, it is said, he was over ninety
yearsofage yet,suchanunusualtermoflifedidnotdiminishhiszealand ;
austerities ; on the contrary, the more he advanced in years, the more his fervour seemed increasing, as manifested by his great fasts and other peniten- tial exercises. We are assured, he wrought many miracles, in that country, whichheinhabited. Amongotherfavours,heprocuredthehealingofapoor paralytic, whom his friends were obliged to bring on a litter, or hand-barrow. This man, owing to the wise designs of Providence, had been conducted towards his house, having been borne by two men. These wandered from their course, in the midst of a wood ; but, towards the commencement of night, they for- tunately arrived at the monastery gate, where they demanded hospitality. In order to appease that inquietude, which their families naturally experienced on their account, St. Brioc sent them back to their homes, having first directed
them on their way. He retained, however, the infirm man with himself. To procure his restoration, the saint spent a whole night in prayer. Next morn- ing, those two men, having come to seek the paralytic, had the great satisfac- tion of finding him perfectly restored. This miracle increased St. Brieuc's fame throughout that whole district of country ; and, people flocked to him from all parts, to consult him, on a variety of matters, but more especially to receive his advice on those affairs, that concerned their immortal souls.
The strange silence of St. Brieuc's Legend, and of its Abridgment, which do not mention his episcopacy, and which reveal nothing, that should lead us to infer it, coupled with the circumstance, that he had not a known successor as such to the time of Nomino^, who is said to have erected the monastery of St. Brieuc into a bishopric, should almost induce a belief, of our saint not having been a bishop. However, a marble tomb, found in the year I2IO, gave him such a title. This is confirmed, likewise, by popular tradi- tion,andinalegend,citedbyPierreLeBavd. ^ Thereisreasontobelieve, Brieuc had been consecrated bishop, in his own country, and by those pre- lates, from whom he demanded priests for new churches he had founded, and,atatime,whenheconvertedmanyofhisowncountrypeople. Perhaps, also, he was only consecrated a regionary bishop, without his having any par- ticular see, or local title. " Among the number of those, who entertained the highest idea concerning the virtue and wisdom of God's holy servant, was Riguel himself. This nobleman, after having ceded his house of Champ-du- Rouvre to St. Brieuc, retired to the house of Helion or Hilion. 3 Heretofore, thischateauborethenameofVieilleStable,orCoz-Crau. Asoursainthad
CHAPTER III. —' In his "Histoire de pp. 79, 80.
Bretagne," chap, xxix. , p. 214. 3 According to the Archives of the Church
' See Lobineau's " Viesdes Saints de Bre- of Nantes.
tagne," par M. Abb^ Tresvaux, tome i. ,
'See Les Petits Bollandistes "Vies
—
May I. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
31
32
p. 196.
s See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's " Lives of
the Saints," vol. v. , May i, p. 21.
* See Lobineau's " Vies des Saints de Bre- tagne," par M. L'Abbe Tresvaux, tome i. ,
pp. 80, 81.
1 See Rev. Alban Butler's " Lives of the
Fathers, Martyrs, and other principal Saints,"vol. v. , MayI.
Angers on ecclesiastical business, he there breathed his last. "—" Lives of the Engli>h Saints," No. ix. , part i. , cap. xvi , p. 169.
"° In his Gallic Martyrology, at the 50th of April.
" Cressy, who translates Saussay's ac- count, thus continues : " From thence (Angers) iiis Body was carried back, and with great honour buried in the Church,
* See Les Petits Bollandistes " Vies which himself had built, where frequent
des Saints," tome v. , Premier Jour de Mai, p. 196.
9 However, the Life of St. German, com- piled by Puseyite wriiers, gives a different account, regarding the place of St. Briocus'
miracles were wrought at his Relicks. Tlius as he gave his name to the Monastery, Town, and ^Iother-Clulrch of that Dioce>e. so he likewise afforded continual jirotcction to them. " See *' Church History of Brittany,"
—
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
a singular devotion towards the Holy Mother of God, he caused an oratory to be built, sufficiently near his cathedral, and on the borders of a stream. This was known as Notre-Dame-de-la-Fontaine, and thither he often retired to offer his prayers. * For him, this formed a sort of hermitage. s Having attained a very advanced age, and finding himself in a dangerous state of ill- ness, the Castellan declared, that he would receive Holy Viaticum fromBrieuc's hands. He said to those, who entreated him to partake of the last sacra- ments, he trusted in the mercy of Jesus Christ, that he should not die, until he had received absolution and holy communion, through tlie ministry of our saint. To Brieuc, the Count sent a pressing message, to come and see him, in this extremity. St. Brieuc got ready his chariot, to visit the sick nobleman ; for, his extreme old age did not allow him to travel, in any other manner. During his journey, St. Brioc was surrounded by a crowd of his religious, who followed, and who sang psalms and canticles of praise to God, whilst on theirway. Weareeventold,thattheAlmightycausedoursainttoheara heavenly harmony, which re-echoed to his own hymns, and in commemoration of this miracle, that Brieuc stopped on his way, to plant a cross, destined to be a memorial of this signal favour. Having reached Rigual's house, by his prayers, exhortations and good counsels, the saint contributed to procure for that nobleman, the inestimable happiness of departing life, in a truly Christian manner. In recompense for such service, Rigual the Count presented him with his castle, with the land cultivated by his dependents, and with the lordship of the whole parish. ^
The saintly old Bishop did not long survive the death of Riguel. Having an intimation, that the time for his heavenly birth approached, Brioc called together all his brethren. To their prayers he particularly recommended himself, while he exhorted them, with words of piety and wisdom. A fever, which seized upon the saint, warned him that dissolution might shortly be expected. A fast of six days having been enjoined on all his brethren, and performed by them, St. Brioc received Holy Viaticum, and imparted his last benediction to the monks. He then sweetly breathed his last, it is thought by some, about a. d. 502 ^—others will have it about 614 ^ being more than ninety years of age. The legend adds, that at the time of his death, a chamber in which he expired was filled with an aromatic odour, which continued until the moment appointed for his interment. According to the general concurrence of writers,9 he died at Brieuc ; and, in the reli- gious house he had there founded. However, Saussay '° places his death at Angers, probably deceived by the fact, that the greater par^ of his relics had been preserved in that city, as shall be subsequently related. " A great num- ber of miracles rendered testimony to his glorious heritage in heaven, and to his love of God, while upon earth. It is added, that at the moment of his
des Saints," tome v. , Premier Jour de Mai, death. It is said, that "having gone to
May I. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
33
departure, visions announced this happy event for two disciples, who then dwelt in Grande-Lande monastery. One of these, named Marcan, a good and religious man, who is venerated as the patron of a parish in Dol's ancient diocese, is said to have seen his soul carried away, in the shape of a dove, by Angels. T\\t\xflamboyantewingswereemblematicofoursaint'sgreatcharity. Another, named Sivian or Sieu,'^ saw our saint, in a dream, and all brilliant with light, mounting by a ladder, which reached towards heaven, while it was surrounded by mutitudes of angels. On the morning after this vision, being much excited, he hastened to the monastery of Vaux,'3 to be the better informed, regarding what had occurred. While sailing from Great towards Lesser Brittany, the devil appeared to him, when sleeping on the ship's poop, during the middle of the night, and that evil spirit endeavoured to suffocate the voyager. Having invoked tlie name of St. Brieuc, and implored his suc- cour, Sivian was rescued from every danger. Arriving at the monastery for which he was bound, Sivian heard,'concerning the death of their common father, fromhisreligious. Inturn,thedisciplerelatedth. itvisionhehadexperienced,
and that subsequent danger, from which he had been delivered. This account filled all with great joy, and caused them to return the Almighty thanks for testimonies afforded, regarding the undoubted beatification of their dear deceased patron. It is probable, that Lan-Sieu parish church '+ has derived its name, from the person, who had this extraordinary vision.
The body of St. Brieuc is said to have been buried in the cathedral church, ^5 attached to his monastery. Many and famous are those miracles on record, whereby the Almighty distinguished St. Brioc's merits, either when his name had been invoked, or when his tomb had been visited, by children of the faith. In paintings, he is represented, as treading on a dragon, or with a column of fire, which designated him for ordination, according to popular tradition. '^ The Sannmarthani suppose, that about a. d. 846, the monastery of St. Brieuc was constituted an episcopal See, by Nomengius or Nominoe, a ruler over this part of Brittany. To him succeeded a son Herispogius, also called Ylispo- dius. '7 He ruled from 862, until the year 866, when he was slain. Between the years 862 and 866, whilst Ylispodius ruled over Brittany, a translation of our saint's relics took place. Then they were brought to the church of St. Sergius and Bacchus,'^ near Angers, owing to an irruption of the Northmen invaders. There they were afterwards honourably kept, and holy Brioc's body was preserved in the monastic church of those venerable patrons, '9 almost in its
entirety,andforalonglapseofages. AtaperiodwhenSt. Brieuc'srelicswere removed from St. Stephen'schurch—which had been founded by the holy Bishop —in order to be transferred to the abbey of St. Sergius and St. Bacchus, at
Bretagne," par M. L'Abbe Tresvaux, tome i. , pp. 81, 82.
"^ The monastery of St. Sergius and of St. in the Coiritician country, at this time. He Bacchus, had been erected during the
Book ix. , chap, xiv. , pp. 189, 190.
'^ In the Bollandist account^ this person is
name Simanus. He is said to have lived,
seventh century, and it existed at a time Hen- schennius edited the Acts of our saint. See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Mail i. Acta S. Brioci, Commentarius Previus, sect. 7, p.
92, and Vita ex Proprio Officio Ecclesi^ S. Brioci, sect. 9, and n. (f), p. 94. Ibid.
'' According to Mabillon, although the '5 See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies origin of this monastery is buried in obscu- des Saints," tome v. , Premier Jour de Mai, rity, a charter issued during the reign of p. 196. Chlodoveus Junior shows, that it was then '* See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of in existence. See "Annates Ordinis S. the Saints," vol. v. , May i, p. 21. Benedicti," tomus i. , lib. xiii. , sect, xxvii. ,
was a religious man, likewise, and x disciple of St. Brioc.
'3 St. Brieux was so called, because it is at the junction of several valleys. See l^ev. S. Baring-Gould's " Lives of the Saints," vol. v. , May I. , p. 21.
"t It is situated near St. Malo.
'7 See Lobineau's " Vies des Saints de p. 389.
C
34
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
Angers, they were placed in a sack,^" formed of deer-skin, when Erispoe was Duke over Bretagne. In the year 965, Salvator, bishop of Aleth, had carried a part of these precious remains to Paris, where they were deposited, in St. Barthelemi's church. ^' In 988, another portion of those rehcs had been placed in a new church, built at Crepy in Valois, whitlier they had been brouglit from Cliartres. The church of St. Benoit-sur- Loire possessed likewise asmall fragment of St. Brieuc's relics. That Sunday, which fell on the last day of July, A. D. 1 166—although the body of our saint was not entire, at this period —a translation of his relics took place. It was conducted in a solemn and publicmanner,inpresenceofHenryII. ,KingofEngland. Mostprobably, at this time, the relics of St. Brieuc were deposed in that shrine, where Peter, Bishop of Brieuc, afterwards discovered tliem, and from which they could not be removed, without a goldsmith's assistance. Besides Henry II. , King of England, Conon, Count of Bretagne, William, Bishop of Angers, William, Abbot of St. Serge, William, Abbot of St. Aubin, Hugh, Abbot of St. Nicholas, William, Abbot of St. Maur-sur-Loire, and William, Abbot of All Saints, at Angers, were assembled on this interesting occasion. ^^
In the year 1210, while Philip was king over France, and Peter was bishop at St. Brieuc, this latter had been apprized by his clergy, from the time of his appointment to the See, that the diocesan Patron's holy relics had been preserved, in the church of St. Sergius and St. Bacchus. The bishop resolved, by labouring effectually, to procure, at least, a part of these precious remains. He was informed, that no other relic belonging to holy Brieuc had been preserved in the church to which he was collated, and which had its name from our saint, except- ing a bell and a band, or fillet, that formerly belonged to or had some connec- tion with the venerated patron. On hearing this. Bishop Peter went to Angers, in order to accomplish the object of his most earnest desires. He prudently resolved, to request the presence of the bishop and leading clergy of that city, at an interview, together with the abbot and brothers of the monastery of St. Sergius and St. Bacchus. To this assembly also were in- vited persons of distinction, in that part of the country. He greatly desired to secureaunanimousexpressionofassent,forhispiousrequest. Accordingly,all were assembled in the church of Angers, at an appointed day and hour. There, Bishop Peter preached a most eloquent sermon from the holy Scriptures, to the great delight and edification of his audience. So persuasive were his words, we are told, that if this bishop had sought the greater part of their monastery, its monks would have yielded to his demand, so powerfully were their hearts moved by his impressive eloquence. But, temporal gifts were notanobjectofambitionfortheBishopofBrieuc. Thisprelatedeclared,he
'° Regarding that portion of them, once corpus S. Brioci Confessoris Episcopi in
preserved at Angers, nothing now re- mains.
^' That cliurch has no present existence, but within it had been erected a chapel, for- mcrly dedicated to our saint.
ecclesiaB. Sergii. qureest Andegavis, ethono- rifice repositum in eadem Eccltsia, officium prasbente Guilelmo Andegavensium Epis- copo, assistentibus Guillelmo ejusdem Ec- desire Abbate, Guillelmo B. Albini, Hu- gone S. Nicolai, Guillelmo B. Manri Abba- ti bus, cum multo Cleri populique tripudio, Guillclmus Omnium Sanctorum Abbas huic Translationi inteifuit, et Conanus Comes Biitaiinia. ' See I. obineau's Vies des Saints de Bretagne," par M. 1 Abbe Tres-
p. 92.
^' The account of this solemn translation
is thus described, in a charter, beloni;iiig to
the same monastery, and edited by Mabillon.
It runs in the following terms :" Hcnricus,
Rex Anglorum, et Dux Normannorum et
Aquitnnorum, et Come; Andcgavorum, om-
niluis Sanctre Eccle>ia; Dei tiliis salutem. vaux, pp. 85, 86, and n. (l) ibid. Also, Noverit universitas vestra, quod anno ab " Acta Sanctorum," tomus L Maii i. Acta Incarnationc Domini MCLXVi et regni nos- S. Brioci. Commentarius PoEvius. , sect. 7, trix. ,pridie Kalendas Augusti, Luna xxx. ,
die Dominica, me presente translatum est "^ It is most likely, thi? rscription was in
May I. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
35
only desired a part of the holy patron's remains, such object being the sole mo- tiveofhispresentvisittoAngers. Ifthevenerableabbotoftheplacewould graciously hear his petition, he engaged, that the church of St. Brieuc should feel for ever indebted to that of his abbey. As St. Brieuc's chief pastor, the bishop ottered with grateful thanks, the advantages of an inseparable alliance, which should continue through ages yet to come, between both religious establishments. The abbot then retired to hold a conference with his reli- gious. At first, he feared to comply with the bishop's request, lest he might incur the saint's displeasure. However, on matured deliberation, he con- sidered it inexpedient, to refuse the reasonable request of his pious supplicant. This latter resolution obtained, in fine, the unanimous concurrence of all his brethren. Inorderthathemightavoidoppositionfromanyrecusantorwounded feeling, which might be manifested in or out of the monastery, on account of this partition[of our saint's remains, the abbot selected a time, for accomplish- ment of his resolution, when all the inmates of his house had retired to rest, and after a recital of the midnight office. When they had retired, the abbot received anew assurances given to him by Bishop Peter. He caused these
promises to be repeated in presence of chosen witnesses, who had already heard the first guarantees offered. After Matins had been concluded, and while the monks sought retirement and rest in their dormitories, the Abbot and Fathers, who were conscious regarding what must succeed, repaired to the church,beingclothedwithwhitegarments. Theyremovedthatsilvershrine, containing our saint's relics, from the top of their altar, and in presence of the Bishop. By aid of a goldsmith, the reliquary was soon opened. Then, St. Brioc's remains were found enclosed, and within a covering made of deer-skin. A marble tablet was discovered, and on it was found engraved an inscription to this effect : " Here lies the body of the most holy Confessor Brioc, Bishop of Brittan}^, which had been brought by Ylispodius, King of the Bretons, to this church, which, at that time, was his chapel. "^3 On reading this inscrip- tion, all who were present—not being sufficiently instructed regarding past history—were surprised to hear the name of a king, hitherto little known to them. His kingdom, nevertheless, extended as far as Vendomois, according to ancient and authentic records. When the shrine had been opened, a most agreeable odour was diffused around the jolace, in which these assistants officiated. The abbot then presented the Breton Bishop with an arm, two ribs, and a joint of St. Brieuc's neck. ^4 These remains were received, as an incomparable treasure. They were placed in a precious vase, and committed to the care of the treasurer of Angers church. This man was a particular friend to Bishop Peter. Being now ready to take his departure, as the chief object of his desire had thus been happily effected, on the following morning, the prelate assisted at the holy sacrifice of Mass, and then began to think of returning to his episcopal See. He hastened to resume the homeward jour- ney, as a vigilant guardian of his precious treasure. The bishop and clergy of Angers accompanied him in solemn procession towards the city gates, while they sang hymns and canticles in praise of that illustrious saint, whose relicswerethenbeingremoved,andtothatcitywhichborehisname. We cannot feel surprised, that full of joy on account of having such a treasure, Bishop Peter had a dream, while asleep on that very night, and regarding
Latin, the original of which may be found thus rendered, in the Bollandists' collection, at the 1st of May. It runs as follows: "Hie jacet corpus Beatissimi Confessoris Brioci Episcopi Britannia;, quod detulit ad basilicam istam, quae tunc temporis erat ca-
pella sua, Yh'spodius Rex Britannorum. " Lobineau has rendered it into French.
-'See Les Petits Bollandistes, "Vies des Saints," tome v. Premier Jour de Mai. p. 196.
'S Mabillon relates, that the monastery of
36 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
a matter, which had afforded him such agreeable occupation during the pre- viousday. Heimagined,thatsurroundedbyanastonishinghght,St. Brioc had appeared to liim and said : "Take care, my son, that those rehcsbe pre- served with due honour in my church. " On receiving this admonition, the bishop sent innnediately word to the St. Brieux clergy and people, to warn them about his happy return, and requesting them to be ready for reception of their holy patron's remains, on the i8th of October, the festival day of St Luke. In obedience to their pious bishop's command, a vast multitude of persons on the day appointed came to meet him, with all the religious solem- nity and joy, that could be desired or imagined. Among the rest, Alain I. , Count of Pentiiievre, of Gonello, Guingamp, Avaugour, &c. , son to Henry, Count of Penthievre and to Matilda of Vendome, assisted at this grand cere- mony. The Count prostrated himself on earth, to venerate the holy relics of St. Bricuc, He even received them, and bore them within his own arms, to the cathedral church. ^5 it is said, that at the moment of entrance into this edifice, the sacred relics were heard to emit sounds, as if they had been animated, and as if they had made an effort to issue from that vase, in which they had been carried. Such strange prodigy was regarded as an indication of joy, manifested by St. Brieuc, when a portion of his remains entered a place, that formerly had been so dear to him, where he had received so many graces from Heaven, and where God's power had been manifested by wonderful miracles accorded to the people's faith, and to their holy patron's prayers. ^^
The monument dedicated to this saint, in St. Sergius' and St. Bacchus' church, which had been erected into a parish, was destroyed some years previous to the revolution of 1789. It is said,this Vandalic act was intended to prevent certain superstitious practices. At present, St. Brioc's ring is preserved in Brieuc. The mayor and his corporate civic companions proceeded with certain public ceremonies to kiss his ring, on the annual return of each May-day. =7 Before the French revolution, the sacred relics of this saint were enclosed in a silver shrine, and they were saved from profanation, at that iconoclastic period. In the year 1820, Monseigneur Hyacinthe de Qu^len—afterwards Bishop of Paris, and at that time. Coadjutor of the same See ^^—presented a beautiful reliquary of gilt bronze, for the reception of our saint's relics. That prelate had been a priest of St. Brieux diocese, and an honorary canon of the same church. In the reliquary presented, the saint's remains are now preserved. ^9
He was venerated, as the principal patron of that diocese and city, which bore his name. In works of art, he was often represented with a purse or aumoniire; and, he was regarded as the special patron of purse-makers, pro- bably because this branch of industry had flourished formerly in the city of St. Brieuc. 3° The festival of St. Brieux had been formerly celebrated, on the ist of May, as found in ancient Manuscripts. 3^ Molanus and other writers 3* have fixed his chief festival, at the ist of May. Still, the name of St. Brieuc is not found in the Roman Martyrology. However, it occurs in the Martyrologies
St. Brioc, founded in the sixth century, be- came converted into an episcopal seat and city. See " AnnalesOrdinis S. Benedicti," tomus i. , lib. vi. , sect, xxv. , p. 152.
^* See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. . Mail i. , Acta S. Brioci. Historia Translationis, sect. I, 2, 3, p. 94.
''^ See Lot)ine. iu's "Vies des Saints de Bretap;ne," par M. L'Abbe TresY. iux, tome i. , p. 82, and n. (2), p. 85.
