author of the Legend, containing our saint's Acts, to speak about the idolatry of his parents ; thus, not taking care to distinguish between the act of cele-
brating^
a pagan festival, and a formal profession of paganism.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v5
Then, Brioc's master and host congratulated the youthful stranger, on his arrival.
In a short time, the boy made great proficiency in all kinds of learning, while he showed the excellence of his disposition, and his studious habits.
Nor did he less advance in piety than in learning.
When he had not exceeded the tenth year of his age, Brioc distri- buted to the needy, not alone many of his effects, but even those garments, with which he was clothed.
Among other charitable acts related, on a cer- tain occasion, he was met by a leper, who asked him for an alms.
Beino- sent for water, Brioc held a vessel in his hand, and this he gave to the mendi- cant, as he had nothing else to bestow ; for, his compassionate disposition did not suffer him to unheed any supplication.
The boy was then accused to St.
German, as a thoughtless waster of monastic effects.
But, at this junc- ture, he fell on his knees before the altar, and poured forth prayers and tears.
" A brazen vessel of admirable beauty was miraculously sent him.
presented to his master, who was enabled to judge of the wonderful manner, inwhichhisdisciplewasfavouredbyGod.
3 Inanotheraccountconcerning Brioc, thatSt.
German, in whose-.
presence the miracle was wrought, and who had been our saint's teacher, is said to have been St.
German, Bishop of Auxerre.
5
This latter holy man, and St. Loup,^ Bishop of Troyes, passed over to Great Britain, a. d. 429 or 430, when their reputation quickly spread throughout that wholeIsland. 7 Men,women,andchildren,flockedincrowdsfromallquarters, especially when it had been announced to them, that these holy and learned men had come to hold a public disputation with the Pelagians, in Verulam. ^ Among the number, St. Brieuc, who was then about twenty years of age, felt desirous of hearing these venerable men. He was presented by his parents to St. German, or rather he offered himself to this holy Bishop. The latter observed the young man's excellent natural qualities, his admirable sweet- ness of disposition, modesty of deportment, agreeable manners, a mind capa- ble of receiving instruction, a docile spirit, a happy training, combined with a variety of other talents and gifts. Therefore, Germanus received him with
great joy. At the same time, the bishop told those clerics, who accompanied him, that he had already formed the highest expectations, regarding Brioc's future career. Afterwards, St. German returned from the Island of Britain to
" See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Maii i. Acta S. Brioci, sect. 2, p. 93.
7* It is stated, that the people of this pro- vince were called Bretons, because they came at an early period from Great Britain, flying from the barbarians who ravaged it. See " Histoire Literaire de ! a France," tome ii. , Cinquieme Siecle, p. 366.
75 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Mali i. Acta S. Brioci, Commentarius Prsevius,
* His feast occurs, at the 29th of July.
s See " Biographic Universclle Ancienne et Moderne," &c. , sous la direction de M. Michaud, tome v. , p. 528.
* The Benedictines have set forth the par- ticulars of his Life and Writings, in " His- toire Literaire de la France," tome ii. , Cin- quieme Siecle, sect, i. , ii. , pp. 486 to 494.
^ See Constantius, Vita S. Germani, lib. i. , cap. 23.
sect.
Chapter ii.
hundred of historians,
5,
p. 92.
s Now St. Alban's, in the
Cashio. Accordingto the Roman
it was founded by the Britons, at an earlier period than London. It was surrounded by a rampart and fosse, at the time of Csesar's invasion. It is situated, in the county of
—"According to the Pro- per Office of this saint.
" See Lobineau's " Vies des Saints de Bre- tagne," par M. LAbbe Tresvaux, tome pre- mier, pp. 73, 74.
3 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Maii Hertford. For a fuller description, see i. Acta S. Brioci, sect. 3, p. 93. Lewis' "Topographical Dictionary ofEng-
This he
24 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
France, towards the end of a. d. 430, or about the commencement of 431, taking with him, as stated, his new disciple, as also a St. Iltut. This com- panionship formed a reciprocal advantage for both, while they had an addi- tional pleasure, it is said, to find St. Patrick,? the future Apostle of Ireland, at Auxerre, where all of these holy persons spent some time in company. ^**
From what has been already observed, it may be seen, that these conflicting accounts regarding our saint's acts must have been sufficiently perplexing, to divide the opinions of learned men, concerning that person to whom St. Brieuc had been confided in his youth. A Legend of St. Serge," and an ancient Breviary of the diocese of St. Brieuc, state positively, that St. Ger- main of Paris was his master, and that the parents of our saint sent him to Paris, at the age of ten years. This account might be supposed to bring greater weight with it, than all contrary reasons, that could be advanced ; and, it should necessarily oblige us to defer the period, at which St. Brieuc lived, to 120 or 140 years later, than in the other case. However, this Legend contains an apparent contradiction. For, it supposes, that St. German, the master of our saint, had been more than twenty-five years a Bishop ; but, this computation cannot agree with St. German of Paris, as his episcopate did not extend beyond twenty or twenty-one years, that is from a. d. 555 to
576. '= In a simple and in an indeterminate manner, it has been stated, ^3 that St. Brieuc was instructed by St. Germain, without further specification, and that he had the happiness of finding, in the same school, St. Patrick and St. Iltut. '• That opinion, which makes St. Brieuc a disciple of St. German of Auxerre, has been adopted, in St. Brieuc's Proper Office, printed in 1782, and in the Proper Office of St. Treguier ; it is also an opinion of the Abbes Deric, Rufifelet '5 and Tresvaux. '° To the latter, it seems the one best sustained by argument, and most consonant with the facts of history.
Under his master, this young and valiant soldier of Christ began to contend against the assaults of Satan, by rigorous fasts, that he might the better over- come carnal temptations, which are usually the most dangerous and fatal to a novice,inthewaysofaspirituallife. Bythesemeans,hewasabletocontend against the enemy of man's salvation, even when his approaches were directed against other persons. On a certain occasion, the wicked spirit had terrified an
land," vol. i. , pp. 20 to 22.
" See his Life, in vol. iii. of this work, at
17th of March.
'"See Lobineau's "Vies des Saints de
Bretagne," par M. L'Abbe Tresvaux, tome i. , p. 72.
" In Manuscript.
'- Again, it has been said, that St. Patrick. and St. Iltut were disciples of St. German, with St. Brieuc. But, St. Patrick and St. Iltut could not have been disciples to St. German of Paris, at a period long subse- quent to that when they lived ; while, at the same time, it is well known, that both these former snints were disciples to St. German of Auxerre. Wherefore, it appears probable, that the legend of our saint wislied to speak of the latter ; although, through mistake or a want of judgment, the writer inserted the name of St. German, Bishop of Paris. Or, perhaps, there may have been an unautho- rized addition of that particular See to a single name, as found entered in the original text.
'3 i^i the abridgment of a manuscript col- lection, mentioned by Abbe Tresvaux.
'•' This latter circumstance shows, there- fore, that St. German of Auxerre must have been the person designated,
'5 We are referred lo note 15, of the Abbe Rufifelet, in support of those assertions.
'* This writer adds: "Nous regrettons que INI. Brice, Lazariste et directeur du Seminaire de Saint-Bricuc, editeur du Pro- pre du diocese public en 1813, ait cru devoir I'abandonner dans les lesons du saint pairon. Si Ton objecte que la Vie de S. Germain d'Auxerre ne dit rien de S. Brieuc, nous repondions que celle de S. German de Paris n'en parle pas davantage : les BoUandistes seuls en font mention dans la Vie de ce der- nicr, mais sur I'autorite de Du Saussay, et Ton sait que cette autorite n'est pas dun grand poids. On ne neut done rien con- dure du silence garde par lesauieurs de I'une et I'antre \'ie. "—Lobineau's " Vies des Saints de Bretagne," par M. L'Abbe Tres- vaux, tome i. , n. 7, pp. 72, 73.
May I. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
25
honourable and excellent young man, by a horrible spectre or image, which had been presented to his view ; this demon had also possessed his intended victim, when Brieuc succeeded in dispelling the spectre, and in liberating that young man. About this same time, a thorn had entered tlie foot of a youth, who in consequence endured great pain, until the assistance of our saint was invoked. Pouring forth a short prayer, and by the aspersion of holy water, St. Brioc happily obtained the recovery of that afflicted person. ^?
Meantime, our saint had attained an age, to qualify him for reception of the priestly dignity, and the miracles which he wrought induced St. Germanus to procure his elevation. On a day when the holy Bishop was about to ordain two priests, whose qualifications were approved by him, he asked St. Brieuc, ifhewereinadispositiontoreceiveHolyOrderswiththem. Oursaintfelt persuaded, that to obey St. German proved obedience to God himself, and that he could not be deceived, in trusting to the counsels of so perfect a man. He answered, therefore, with the simplicity of a child, he was ready to do whatever should be required of him. St. German'knew this answer proceeded from humility, perfect as that, which should have caused him to refuse priest- hood. Hethereforeordainedoursaint,withthetwoothercandidates. The Divine pleasure was manifested, and in a miraculous manner, on this occa- sion. For, while the holy Bishop was engaged in the function of ordination, having imposed his hands on Brieuc's head, a column of fire reached from the head of our saint to the very roof of the church, and it continued during the whole ceremony. A remarkable fervour, that appeared in the conduct of this newly-ordained priest, was a proof he had received the graces of the Holy Spirit in plenitude. In a wonderful manner, it pleased Almighty God to communicate his wishes, that our saint should undertake a mission to the country where his parents dwelt, so that he might convey thither that mental illumination and ardour, with which his soul was penetrated. In a dream, an Angel of the Lord ordered him to depart immediately for Britain, where he should draw his parents, relations, and countrymen, from the errors of gentiles ; which phrases may be considered, either as referring to complete paganism, or only to superstitious actions, which were often mingled with Christian practices, among the inhabitants of that country. Thus might we understand, in two different ways, that paganism attributed to Brieuc's parents and country. At this time, it is supposed, that in Cambria and about
the county at Gloucester, the Gospel light had not yet effectively penetrated. Nor will this appear surprising, when we reflect upon the situation of these particular districts. The erection of Sees at Landaff, St. David's, Kaer- leon, St. Asaph, Bangor, in Wales, and at Wigorn, now Worcester, took place, after the period of St. Brieuc's birth and education, as generally supposed. It is said, also, in the Life of St. Samson,^^ that even in his time, there were many pagans living on the east borders of the Severn, as likewise in Somerset and Devonshire, to the north of which counties, lay Gloucester and Wales. Another manner, in which the errors of St. Brieuc's parents may be explained, is, by supposing the whole Island of Britain had become Christian, even although it retained many customs, which savoured of idolatry, and especially that pagan festival, held on the ist of January. ^9 In the time of St. German of Auxerre, this great feast was profaned in Italy, by debauchery and mas- querades. ^° These shameful customs might have furnished occasion, for the
'7 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Maii Acta S. Brioci, sect. 4, p. 93.
'^ His feast occurs, at the 2Sth of July.
'9 This was suppressed with much difficulty,
before Christianity had been established on a firm basis.
"" This appears, from a sermon of St. Peter Chrysologus.
26
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
author of the Legend, containing our saint's Acts, to speak about the idolatry of his parents ; thus, not taking care to distinguish between the act of cele- brating^ a pagan festival, and a formal profession of paganism. The first manner of understanding the legendary text appears more conformable to probability. Indeed, if there were idolatry in Italy, during St. Benedict's time, there can be no reason to suppose, it did not exist in the country about Worcester, and in Wales, at that period indicated for our saint's return from France. ^^
After his vision, St. Brieuc went to see St. German, and told him with great ingenuousness regarding that dream, which he had during the night ; for, he was accustomed to submit whatever happened to his master's knowledge, with a view of being governed by his counsels. Immediately, St. German knew that it was a true revelation. Embracing our saint with much tenderness, he said, " Go, my son, where God invites you, and answer by your zeal, in honour of your vocation. " He told our saint instantly to procure everything necessary for his voyage, and the Bishop even furnished him with a companion, bestowing his blessing on both of them. When St. Brioc arrived at the sea-shore, he found a vessel had been there delayed, for seven continuous days, owing to an accidentally adverse tempest. " The sailors were disturbed in mind, on account of their delay ; but, our saint re-assured their hopes with a promise, that the Almighty would be pleased, on the morrow, to send them a favourable conjuncture of weather and sea, when they should all embark. '3 According to such prediction, on the day named, St. Brioc went on board the vessel, and cleared out of port, with a favourable wind and a smooth sea. We are told, dolphins and sea monsters were seen tossing about the ship, and leaping, as if anxious to devour the sailors. This caused them great alarm. St. Brioc alone seemed composed in mind, and, by his prayers, he is said to have driven those monsters from the vessel. At length, the voyagers reached the wished-for shore; and, then St. Brioc, with his companions, joyfully sought the paternal mansion. Having arrived there, on the ist day of January, he found, according to a usual custom, that his father and mother had prepared a banquet for all their friends, whom they ordinarily entertained for threedays. This was a festival, entirely of a pagan character, in which, if we credit the legend of our saint's Life, after impious sacrifices had been offered to Janus,'* they besought him, as chief of their family, and of all their gods, to become propitious towards those persons, who invoked him. Afterwards, disguised as false divinities, as old persons, as beasts, and in a variety of other shapes, men ran through the fields, shouted, sang, danced, and then passed a con- siderable part of the day and night, in eating and drinking to excess. ^s Such
practices were condemned in France, by Canons of the Second Council of Tours, in the year 566,='^ and, in decrees of Auxerre, about the year 586. ^7
" See Lobineau's " Vies des Saints de
Bretagne," par M. L'Abbe Tresvaux, tome
i. , n. I, p. 75-
'"See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. Vita
S. Brioci, sect. 5, p. 93.
^3 See Lobineau's "Vies des Saints de
Bretagne," par M. L'Abbe Tresvaux, tome i. , pp. 74 to 76.
'='• Supposed, in Heathen Mythology, to have been the most ancient King of Italy. See an account of him, in Lempricre's " Classical Dictionarj'," jMiJ r^jr^ Janus.
'5 Describing these pagan customs, the Proper Office of our saint says : " Ageban- tur per multos dies ludi profani, personabant aedes canticis, ducebantur chorea; ; in quibus
dum insolentius quidam exultaret perfringit sibi femur, et luctuosis clamoribus vocifera- tur. "
=' According to Cabassutius, the Council of Tours occurred, a. d. 570.
"' In regulating exemptions from fasting on festival days, for monks about this time, we are thus admonished : " Excipitur tri- duum quod . id calcandam gentilium consue- tudinem Patres nostri statuerunt privatas in Calendisjanuarii fieri Litanias : ut in Eccle- siis psallatur et hora octava in Calendis ijisius Circumcisionis Missa Deo propiiio celebretur. " See Cabassutius' " Notitia Ecclesiastica Historiarum, Conciliorum, et Canonum," &c. , p. 269.
"
May I. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
27
Traces of these customs are found to have existed, in many places, a long time after the sixth century. When the old forms of Druidism were almost extinct in other parts of France, they continued still in Armorica,''' and these were alHed with pagan officialism, to repel the Christian reli- gion. ^9
The gaiety of the guests increased, so soon as they had recognised Brioc ;
while, his father and mother were almost beside themselves, with those trans- ports of joy they experienced. 3° But, all were greatly surprised, when being invited to take part in their festival, and to seat himself at table with them, our saint answered them with much determination, and at the same time with great affability and modesty, that he could not participate in this feast of demons, without renouncing the true God, whom he adored, and that Christian baptism,whichhehadreceived. Faithcouldnotpermithimtobecomedefiled, by their impious superstitions. Thence, taking occasion to dilate on the purity of the Christian religion, and on the holiness of its practices, he contrasted these with the grossness and folly of their idolatr/, the ridiculous ceremonies ofwhichhadreducedthemtocaricaturetheverybeasts. Inashorttime,he persuaded them, how foolish were all such errors. Convinced by his reason- ing, they abandoned their previous absurdities, in order to embrace the light of Christianity. Yet, that spirit of dissoluteness and of debauchery, with which they were filled, prevented our saint from obtaining a complete triumph over the prevalence of evil customs, by the sole energy and arguments of his dis- course. Miracles were necessary, to procure this victory ; and, it is said, that God furnished him with the opportunity and grace to perform them, at this juncture. We are assured, he healed, in miraculous manner, a young man of condition, who had fallen heavily, while sporting with the most wanton personsinthecrowd. Thatpersonremainedalmostlifelessonthespot,histhigh having been broken, and his right hand having become dislocated. The sight of such a prodigy caused intense admiration among those present, and obliged them to protest, they would not worship any other God, but that adorable Deity, about whom St. Brieuc preached. They promised for ever to renounce their false divinities, who possessed no power to effect any cure, like to that performed. At the same time, it happened, a certain boy, who had been bitten by a rabid dog, became excited to such acts of frenzy, that he bit his own tongue, and he seemed inclined to do further mischief u'Don
himself and others. IBut, St. Brioc's fame as a wonder-worker had spread through that part of the country. When brought to our saint, the latter placed his finger in the boy's mouth, and instantly his madness ceased. Pro- fiting by favourable dispositions, manifested among the principal inhabitants of his country, whose convictions were strengthened by such miracles, the saint carefully instructed them, publicly and privately, until they had been sufficiently catechised and prepared. Then, he conferred on them the sacra- ment of baptism. Having instituted a fast of seven days, St. Brioc induced his parents and others in the Corritician country, to renounce idolatrous errors, to embrace the faith, to receive the first sacrament of initiation, and to devote themselves wholly to Christ's service. Having succeeded in estab- lishing the Christian faith throughout that entire province, St. Brioc was care-
""^ However, the origin of Druidism is
traceable to Great Britain and Ireland:
" C'est en Bretagne que le drudisme etait
ne : c'est en Bretagne et en Irlande qu'il se
retira au jour de la persecution. "—Ernest
Desjardins' "Geographie Historique et Life.
Administrative de la Gaule Romaine," tome 31 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Maii
ii. , chap, iv. , sect.
''^ See Amedee Thierry's " Histoire de la
6, p. 518.
Gaulc, sous rAdministration Romaine tome ii. , chap, vii. , p. 306.
^o According to the Legend of St. Brioc's
during night, on a festival of Pentecost, having lightly slumbered in choir, after reci- ting the Divine Ofiice, an angel visited the Abbot, Having passed the previous time in prayer, and in singing with his community matins for the day, the heavenly messenger commanded St. Brieuc to go without delay into Armorica, whither God had sent him, to procure the salvation of great numbers. Imme- diately, he prepared to obey this Divine mandate, and he hastened to embark, withaboutonehundredandsixty33companions. Towardstheyear480,itis said, this voyage took place. We are told, when these set sail, the devil stayed their ship, in the midst of her course, until St. Brioc's mastery over- came impediment. Then, with a swift passage over, their vessel reached the Armoric coast. They disembarked at a port, named Achm, according to the Abridgmentofoursaint'sLife. Thisplaceissupposedtohavebeensituated in the Achk country, within the ancient diocese of Leon, where it extends landward, or towards Jundy river, in the country of Treguier. It is said, our saint here converted to the Christian! faith a chieftain of the country, who
was named Conon. 3-»
i. . Acta S. Brioci, sect. 6, p. 93.
3' See Lobineau's "Vies des Saints de
Bretagne," par M. L'Abbe Tresvaux, tome i. , pp. 76to78.
3^ The Proper Office of St. Brioc's church makes the number 168.
perfection of a Religious life, he built a monastery, and there by the liberality of the snid Count, he layd the foundation of an EpiscopallSec,andbeingconsecr. \tedBishop Ijy the Archbishop ofTouis, Metropolitan of that country, he with an admirable splendour of vertue and piety governed the said Diocese
^ Saussaius calls this Conon, Count of Tri-
guier,andsays,thathewasakinsmanofour for the sp. ice of thirty ye. irs. "—Dean saint, who baptized him. "Then assem- Cres^y's "Church History of Brittany," bling severall devout persons aspiring to the Book ix. , chap, xiv. , p. 189.
;
;
28 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
ful to erect temples in lionour of the living God, and of his saints, in suitable localities. Not being able, however, to attend personally to the wants of his different missions, Brioc procured priests for their service.
Although the legend of his Life does not mention the matter doubtless, at this time, he had received the episcopal character. For, he is represented, as performing all functions of a pastor and a bishop, in the new mission which he had established, and of which he became the true apostle. He applied in particular, to the instruction of his parents, who became spiritual children of their own son ; and, unques- tionably, to them, he was chiefly indebted for means necessary to build achurch,inadesertplace,calledGrande-Lande. Here,agreatnumberof disciples were assembled, for whose guidance he established a rule, which he had received from his master Germanus, and which, under direction of the latter, he had followed. Many miracles of St. Brieuc are recorded, while he wasengagedonthebuildingofthischurch. Amongothers,itissaid,that the devil felt enraged, at the progress of his work, and endeavoured to deter those immediately engaged in its construction. One of the carpenters, while
cutting wood, had the misfortune off lop of his thumb. By Divine favour, St. Brioc again set it in proper position. Many horrible spectres, who made use of threats towards the saint and his labourers, were disregarded by him, and finally theywereexpelled. Agreatfamine,also,oppressedthepeopleinthatprovince, who fled to our saint's monastery for support. There, Brioc was enabled to feed them, as likewise his religious, in an abundant manner, until the approaching harvest, which proved an abundant one. 3^ By these and like miracles, St. Brioc acquired a great reputation for his charity and hospitality, and he constantly afforded refuge to the afflicted. 3^ Having remained for a considerable length of time in this monastery, where he became more sancti- fied each day, and having adopted the most perfect practices of a religious life, exercising all the works of zeal and charity his station permitted
May I. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
29
There can be no doubt, but that a continuous intercourse had been estab- lished from times remote, between the people of Great Britain and those of Armorica,orLesserBritain. ThelegionsofGreatBritainhadbeenengaged,in elevating Maximus to be the Roman Emperor, a. d. 383, and these settled in Armorica under theirConan,3S or chief, who was called Meriadec,orrather Mur- doch, who is thought to have been the first Comte de Bretagne. s^ But, it is said to have been under the conduct of Rivalon, or Rioval, about a. d. 460, that the Britons came over in great numbers. 37 Through the aid of Conan, and that of people living in the district, St. Brieuc was enabled to erect a monas- tery, 3^ at a place called Landebaeron. This, he governed, until the Coriti- cians, whom he had left, were afflicted with a grievous pestilence. At the juncture, St. Brioc's presence was earnestly requested, so that he might deliver his people from their distemper. It is added, he returned immedi- ately to them. Having, by his prayers, and by his presence, purified the air, dissipated those malignant influences corrupting it, and established health and security throughout that region, he returned to his monastery of Landebaeron, where he dwelt for some time. Finding, however, 'hat his presence there had been a cause of reproach to some imperfect disciples, who were dazzled by the lustre of his virtues, St. Brioc left one of his religious as president over this house, and he came by sea, with eighty religious,39 who wished to follow him. Coasting from the west, and in an easterly direction, he arrived at a port, which forms the embouchure of Gouet River,4° where, having embarked, he was favourably received by Count Kigual. By some writers, it is thought, that the Rigual, who received St. Brieuc, was a son to Hoel L, and that he flourished in the sixth century. ^^ Others deem it more probable, that he was a Count Rivelen, who possessed some property in that part of the country.
Here, St. Brioc established a residence in a valley, branching out on either hand, and the sides of which were covered with fresh foliage. From him, it has since been named St. Brieuc-des-Vaux. +^ It lies in Upper Brittany, and not far from the sea, which is hidden from it, however, owing to the enclosure of surrounding hills. The streets and churches there are tolerably handsome ; but, St. Michael's church, in the suburb so named, is the largest at the place. '•3 St. Brieux was situated in that part of Armoric Britain, which bordered on the British Ocean, between St. Malo '»' and Land-Triguier. '<5 In that city, he founded a monastery. There, according to a local tradition, the holy man is said to have lived, with the members of his religious community. The church of the monastery, which he founded, was soon erected into a cathedral ; and, it is stated, that our saint was appointed as the first Bishop over that place. -*^
33 See "Histoire de Bretagne," &c. , par Pierre le Bavd, chap, i. , p. 2.
3"^ See M. Michelet's " Histoire de France," tomei. , liv. , ii. , cap. i. , p. 176, and n. 2, ibid. Paris, 1835, et suiv, 8vo.
37 See Le SieurF. deMezeray's "Histoire de France depuis Faramond jusqu'au Regne de Louis le Juste. Enrichie de plusilurs belles et rares Antiquitez^et de la vie de Reynes," &c. , tome i. , liv. iv. , sect, xvi. , p. 243. A Paris, A. D. 1685, fol.
This latter holy man, and St. Loup,^ Bishop of Troyes, passed over to Great Britain, a. d. 429 or 430, when their reputation quickly spread throughout that wholeIsland. 7 Men,women,andchildren,flockedincrowdsfromallquarters, especially when it had been announced to them, that these holy and learned men had come to hold a public disputation with the Pelagians, in Verulam. ^ Among the number, St. Brieuc, who was then about twenty years of age, felt desirous of hearing these venerable men. He was presented by his parents to St. German, or rather he offered himself to this holy Bishop. The latter observed the young man's excellent natural qualities, his admirable sweet- ness of disposition, modesty of deportment, agreeable manners, a mind capa- ble of receiving instruction, a docile spirit, a happy training, combined with a variety of other talents and gifts. Therefore, Germanus received him with
great joy. At the same time, the bishop told those clerics, who accompanied him, that he had already formed the highest expectations, regarding Brioc's future career. Afterwards, St. German returned from the Island of Britain to
" See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Maii i. Acta S. Brioci, sect. 2, p. 93.
7* It is stated, that the people of this pro- vince were called Bretons, because they came at an early period from Great Britain, flying from the barbarians who ravaged it. See " Histoire Literaire de ! a France," tome ii. , Cinquieme Siecle, p. 366.
75 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Mali i. Acta S. Brioci, Commentarius Prsevius,
* His feast occurs, at the 29th of July.
s See " Biographic Universclle Ancienne et Moderne," &c. , sous la direction de M. Michaud, tome v. , p. 528.
* The Benedictines have set forth the par- ticulars of his Life and Writings, in " His- toire Literaire de la France," tome ii. , Cin- quieme Siecle, sect, i. , ii. , pp. 486 to 494.
^ See Constantius, Vita S. Germani, lib. i. , cap. 23.
sect.
Chapter ii.
hundred of historians,
5,
p. 92.
s Now St. Alban's, in the
Cashio. Accordingto the Roman
it was founded by the Britons, at an earlier period than London. It was surrounded by a rampart and fosse, at the time of Csesar's invasion. It is situated, in the county of
—"According to the Pro- per Office of this saint.
" See Lobineau's " Vies des Saints de Bre- tagne," par M. LAbbe Tresvaux, tome pre- mier, pp. 73, 74.
3 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Maii Hertford. For a fuller description, see i. Acta S. Brioci, sect. 3, p. 93. Lewis' "Topographical Dictionary ofEng-
This he
24 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
France, towards the end of a. d. 430, or about the commencement of 431, taking with him, as stated, his new disciple, as also a St. Iltut. This com- panionship formed a reciprocal advantage for both, while they had an addi- tional pleasure, it is said, to find St. Patrick,? the future Apostle of Ireland, at Auxerre, where all of these holy persons spent some time in company. ^**
From what has been already observed, it may be seen, that these conflicting accounts regarding our saint's acts must have been sufficiently perplexing, to divide the opinions of learned men, concerning that person to whom St. Brieuc had been confided in his youth. A Legend of St. Serge," and an ancient Breviary of the diocese of St. Brieuc, state positively, that St. Ger- main of Paris was his master, and that the parents of our saint sent him to Paris, at the age of ten years. This account might be supposed to bring greater weight with it, than all contrary reasons, that could be advanced ; and, it should necessarily oblige us to defer the period, at which St. Brieuc lived, to 120 or 140 years later, than in the other case. However, this Legend contains an apparent contradiction. For, it supposes, that St. German, the master of our saint, had been more than twenty-five years a Bishop ; but, this computation cannot agree with St. German of Paris, as his episcopate did not extend beyond twenty or twenty-one years, that is from a. d. 555 to
576. '= In a simple and in an indeterminate manner, it has been stated, ^3 that St. Brieuc was instructed by St. Germain, without further specification, and that he had the happiness of finding, in the same school, St. Patrick and St. Iltut. '• That opinion, which makes St. Brieuc a disciple of St. German of Auxerre, has been adopted, in St. Brieuc's Proper Office, printed in 1782, and in the Proper Office of St. Treguier ; it is also an opinion of the Abbes Deric, Rufifelet '5 and Tresvaux. '° To the latter, it seems the one best sustained by argument, and most consonant with the facts of history.
Under his master, this young and valiant soldier of Christ began to contend against the assaults of Satan, by rigorous fasts, that he might the better over- come carnal temptations, which are usually the most dangerous and fatal to a novice,inthewaysofaspirituallife. Bythesemeans,hewasabletocontend against the enemy of man's salvation, even when his approaches were directed against other persons. On a certain occasion, the wicked spirit had terrified an
land," vol. i. , pp. 20 to 22.
" See his Life, in vol. iii. of this work, at
17th of March.
'"See Lobineau's "Vies des Saints de
Bretagne," par M. L'Abbe Tresvaux, tome i. , p. 72.
" In Manuscript.
'- Again, it has been said, that St. Patrick. and St. Iltut were disciples of St. German, with St. Brieuc. But, St. Patrick and St. Iltut could not have been disciples to St. German of Paris, at a period long subse- quent to that when they lived ; while, at the same time, it is well known, that both these former snints were disciples to St. German of Auxerre. Wherefore, it appears probable, that the legend of our saint wislied to speak of the latter ; although, through mistake or a want of judgment, the writer inserted the name of St. German, Bishop of Paris. Or, perhaps, there may have been an unautho- rized addition of that particular See to a single name, as found entered in the original text.
'3 i^i the abridgment of a manuscript col- lection, mentioned by Abbe Tresvaux.
'•' This latter circumstance shows, there- fore, that St. German of Auxerre must have been the person designated,
'5 We are referred lo note 15, of the Abbe Rufifelet, in support of those assertions.
'* This writer adds: "Nous regrettons que INI. Brice, Lazariste et directeur du Seminaire de Saint-Bricuc, editeur du Pro- pre du diocese public en 1813, ait cru devoir I'abandonner dans les lesons du saint pairon. Si Ton objecte que la Vie de S. Germain d'Auxerre ne dit rien de S. Brieuc, nous repondions que celle de S. German de Paris n'en parle pas davantage : les BoUandistes seuls en font mention dans la Vie de ce der- nicr, mais sur I'autorite de Du Saussay, et Ton sait que cette autorite n'est pas dun grand poids. On ne neut done rien con- dure du silence garde par lesauieurs de I'une et I'antre \'ie. "—Lobineau's " Vies des Saints de Bretagne," par M. L'Abbe Tres- vaux, tome i. , n. 7, pp. 72, 73.
May I. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
25
honourable and excellent young man, by a horrible spectre or image, which had been presented to his view ; this demon had also possessed his intended victim, when Brieuc succeeded in dispelling the spectre, and in liberating that young man. About this same time, a thorn had entered tlie foot of a youth, who in consequence endured great pain, until the assistance of our saint was invoked. Pouring forth a short prayer, and by the aspersion of holy water, St. Brioc happily obtained the recovery of that afflicted person. ^?
Meantime, our saint had attained an age, to qualify him for reception of the priestly dignity, and the miracles which he wrought induced St. Germanus to procure his elevation. On a day when the holy Bishop was about to ordain two priests, whose qualifications were approved by him, he asked St. Brieuc, ifhewereinadispositiontoreceiveHolyOrderswiththem. Oursaintfelt persuaded, that to obey St. German proved obedience to God himself, and that he could not be deceived, in trusting to the counsels of so perfect a man. He answered, therefore, with the simplicity of a child, he was ready to do whatever should be required of him. St. German'knew this answer proceeded from humility, perfect as that, which should have caused him to refuse priest- hood. Hethereforeordainedoursaint,withthetwoothercandidates. The Divine pleasure was manifested, and in a miraculous manner, on this occa- sion. For, while the holy Bishop was engaged in the function of ordination, having imposed his hands on Brieuc's head, a column of fire reached from the head of our saint to the very roof of the church, and it continued during the whole ceremony. A remarkable fervour, that appeared in the conduct of this newly-ordained priest, was a proof he had received the graces of the Holy Spirit in plenitude. In a wonderful manner, it pleased Almighty God to communicate his wishes, that our saint should undertake a mission to the country where his parents dwelt, so that he might convey thither that mental illumination and ardour, with which his soul was penetrated. In a dream, an Angel of the Lord ordered him to depart immediately for Britain, where he should draw his parents, relations, and countrymen, from the errors of gentiles ; which phrases may be considered, either as referring to complete paganism, or only to superstitious actions, which were often mingled with Christian practices, among the inhabitants of that country. Thus might we understand, in two different ways, that paganism attributed to Brieuc's parents and country. At this time, it is supposed, that in Cambria and about
the county at Gloucester, the Gospel light had not yet effectively penetrated. Nor will this appear surprising, when we reflect upon the situation of these particular districts. The erection of Sees at Landaff, St. David's, Kaer- leon, St. Asaph, Bangor, in Wales, and at Wigorn, now Worcester, took place, after the period of St. Brieuc's birth and education, as generally supposed. It is said, also, in the Life of St. Samson,^^ that even in his time, there were many pagans living on the east borders of the Severn, as likewise in Somerset and Devonshire, to the north of which counties, lay Gloucester and Wales. Another manner, in which the errors of St. Brieuc's parents may be explained, is, by supposing the whole Island of Britain had become Christian, even although it retained many customs, which savoured of idolatry, and especially that pagan festival, held on the ist of January. ^9 In the time of St. German of Auxerre, this great feast was profaned in Italy, by debauchery and mas- querades. ^° These shameful customs might have furnished occasion, for the
'7 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Maii Acta S. Brioci, sect. 4, p. 93.
'^ His feast occurs, at the 2Sth of July.
'9 This was suppressed with much difficulty,
before Christianity had been established on a firm basis.
"" This appears, from a sermon of St. Peter Chrysologus.
26
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
author of the Legend, containing our saint's Acts, to speak about the idolatry of his parents ; thus, not taking care to distinguish between the act of cele- brating^ a pagan festival, and a formal profession of paganism. The first manner of understanding the legendary text appears more conformable to probability. Indeed, if there were idolatry in Italy, during St. Benedict's time, there can be no reason to suppose, it did not exist in the country about Worcester, and in Wales, at that period indicated for our saint's return from France. ^^
After his vision, St. Brieuc went to see St. German, and told him with great ingenuousness regarding that dream, which he had during the night ; for, he was accustomed to submit whatever happened to his master's knowledge, with a view of being governed by his counsels. Immediately, St. German knew that it was a true revelation. Embracing our saint with much tenderness, he said, " Go, my son, where God invites you, and answer by your zeal, in honour of your vocation. " He told our saint instantly to procure everything necessary for his voyage, and the Bishop even furnished him with a companion, bestowing his blessing on both of them. When St. Brioc arrived at the sea-shore, he found a vessel had been there delayed, for seven continuous days, owing to an accidentally adverse tempest. " The sailors were disturbed in mind, on account of their delay ; but, our saint re-assured their hopes with a promise, that the Almighty would be pleased, on the morrow, to send them a favourable conjuncture of weather and sea, when they should all embark. '3 According to such prediction, on the day named, St. Brioc went on board the vessel, and cleared out of port, with a favourable wind and a smooth sea. We are told, dolphins and sea monsters were seen tossing about the ship, and leaping, as if anxious to devour the sailors. This caused them great alarm. St. Brioc alone seemed composed in mind, and, by his prayers, he is said to have driven those monsters from the vessel. At length, the voyagers reached the wished-for shore; and, then St. Brioc, with his companions, joyfully sought the paternal mansion. Having arrived there, on the ist day of January, he found, according to a usual custom, that his father and mother had prepared a banquet for all their friends, whom they ordinarily entertained for threedays. This was a festival, entirely of a pagan character, in which, if we credit the legend of our saint's Life, after impious sacrifices had been offered to Janus,'* they besought him, as chief of their family, and of all their gods, to become propitious towards those persons, who invoked him. Afterwards, disguised as false divinities, as old persons, as beasts, and in a variety of other shapes, men ran through the fields, shouted, sang, danced, and then passed a con- siderable part of the day and night, in eating and drinking to excess. ^s Such
practices were condemned in France, by Canons of the Second Council of Tours, in the year 566,='^ and, in decrees of Auxerre, about the year 586. ^7
" See Lobineau's " Vies des Saints de
Bretagne," par M. L'Abbe Tresvaux, tome
i. , n. I, p. 75-
'"See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. Vita
S. Brioci, sect. 5, p. 93.
^3 See Lobineau's "Vies des Saints de
Bretagne," par M. L'Abbe Tresvaux, tome i. , pp. 74 to 76.
'='• Supposed, in Heathen Mythology, to have been the most ancient King of Italy. See an account of him, in Lempricre's " Classical Dictionarj'," jMiJ r^jr^ Janus.
'5 Describing these pagan customs, the Proper Office of our saint says : " Ageban- tur per multos dies ludi profani, personabant aedes canticis, ducebantur chorea; ; in quibus
dum insolentius quidam exultaret perfringit sibi femur, et luctuosis clamoribus vocifera- tur. "
=' According to Cabassutius, the Council of Tours occurred, a. d. 570.
"' In regulating exemptions from fasting on festival days, for monks about this time, we are thus admonished : " Excipitur tri- duum quod . id calcandam gentilium consue- tudinem Patres nostri statuerunt privatas in Calendisjanuarii fieri Litanias : ut in Eccle- siis psallatur et hora octava in Calendis ijisius Circumcisionis Missa Deo propiiio celebretur. " See Cabassutius' " Notitia Ecclesiastica Historiarum, Conciliorum, et Canonum," &c. , p. 269.
"
May I. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
27
Traces of these customs are found to have existed, in many places, a long time after the sixth century. When the old forms of Druidism were almost extinct in other parts of France, they continued still in Armorica,''' and these were alHed with pagan officialism, to repel the Christian reli- gion. ^9
The gaiety of the guests increased, so soon as they had recognised Brioc ;
while, his father and mother were almost beside themselves, with those trans- ports of joy they experienced. 3° But, all were greatly surprised, when being invited to take part in their festival, and to seat himself at table with them, our saint answered them with much determination, and at the same time with great affability and modesty, that he could not participate in this feast of demons, without renouncing the true God, whom he adored, and that Christian baptism,whichhehadreceived. Faithcouldnotpermithimtobecomedefiled, by their impious superstitions. Thence, taking occasion to dilate on the purity of the Christian religion, and on the holiness of its practices, he contrasted these with the grossness and folly of their idolatr/, the ridiculous ceremonies ofwhichhadreducedthemtocaricaturetheverybeasts. Inashorttime,he persuaded them, how foolish were all such errors. Convinced by his reason- ing, they abandoned their previous absurdities, in order to embrace the light of Christianity. Yet, that spirit of dissoluteness and of debauchery, with which they were filled, prevented our saint from obtaining a complete triumph over the prevalence of evil customs, by the sole energy and arguments of his dis- course. Miracles were necessary, to procure this victory ; and, it is said, that God furnished him with the opportunity and grace to perform them, at this juncture. We are assured, he healed, in miraculous manner, a young man of condition, who had fallen heavily, while sporting with the most wanton personsinthecrowd. Thatpersonremainedalmostlifelessonthespot,histhigh having been broken, and his right hand having become dislocated. The sight of such a prodigy caused intense admiration among those present, and obliged them to protest, they would not worship any other God, but that adorable Deity, about whom St. Brieuc preached. They promised for ever to renounce their false divinities, who possessed no power to effect any cure, like to that performed. At the same time, it happened, a certain boy, who had been bitten by a rabid dog, became excited to such acts of frenzy, that he bit his own tongue, and he seemed inclined to do further mischief u'Don
himself and others. IBut, St. Brioc's fame as a wonder-worker had spread through that part of the country. When brought to our saint, the latter placed his finger in the boy's mouth, and instantly his madness ceased. Pro- fiting by favourable dispositions, manifested among the principal inhabitants of his country, whose convictions were strengthened by such miracles, the saint carefully instructed them, publicly and privately, until they had been sufficiently catechised and prepared. Then, he conferred on them the sacra- ment of baptism. Having instituted a fast of seven days, St. Brioc induced his parents and others in the Corritician country, to renounce idolatrous errors, to embrace the faith, to receive the first sacrament of initiation, and to devote themselves wholly to Christ's service. Having succeeded in estab- lishing the Christian faith throughout that entire province, St. Brioc was care-
""^ However, the origin of Druidism is
traceable to Great Britain and Ireland:
" C'est en Bretagne que le drudisme etait
ne : c'est en Bretagne et en Irlande qu'il se
retira au jour de la persecution. "—Ernest
Desjardins' "Geographie Historique et Life.
Administrative de la Gaule Romaine," tome 31 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Maii
ii. , chap, iv. , sect.
''^ See Amedee Thierry's " Histoire de la
6, p. 518.
Gaulc, sous rAdministration Romaine tome ii. , chap, vii. , p. 306.
^o According to the Legend of St. Brioc's
during night, on a festival of Pentecost, having lightly slumbered in choir, after reci- ting the Divine Ofiice, an angel visited the Abbot, Having passed the previous time in prayer, and in singing with his community matins for the day, the heavenly messenger commanded St. Brieuc to go without delay into Armorica, whither God had sent him, to procure the salvation of great numbers. Imme- diately, he prepared to obey this Divine mandate, and he hastened to embark, withaboutonehundredandsixty33companions. Towardstheyear480,itis said, this voyage took place. We are told, when these set sail, the devil stayed their ship, in the midst of her course, until St. Brioc's mastery over- came impediment. Then, with a swift passage over, their vessel reached the Armoric coast. They disembarked at a port, named Achm, according to the Abridgmentofoursaint'sLife. Thisplaceissupposedtohavebeensituated in the Achk country, within the ancient diocese of Leon, where it extends landward, or towards Jundy river, in the country of Treguier. It is said, our saint here converted to the Christian! faith a chieftain of the country, who
was named Conon. 3-»
i. . Acta S. Brioci, sect. 6, p. 93.
3' See Lobineau's "Vies des Saints de
Bretagne," par M. L'Abbe Tresvaux, tome i. , pp. 76to78.
3^ The Proper Office of St. Brioc's church makes the number 168.
perfection of a Religious life, he built a monastery, and there by the liberality of the snid Count, he layd the foundation of an EpiscopallSec,andbeingconsecr. \tedBishop Ijy the Archbishop ofTouis, Metropolitan of that country, he with an admirable splendour of vertue and piety governed the said Diocese
^ Saussaius calls this Conon, Count of Tri-
guier,andsays,thathewasakinsmanofour for the sp. ice of thirty ye. irs. "—Dean saint, who baptized him. "Then assem- Cres^y's "Church History of Brittany," bling severall devout persons aspiring to the Book ix. , chap, xiv. , p. 189.
;
;
28 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
ful to erect temples in lionour of the living God, and of his saints, in suitable localities. Not being able, however, to attend personally to the wants of his different missions, Brioc procured priests for their service.
Although the legend of his Life does not mention the matter doubtless, at this time, he had received the episcopal character. For, he is represented, as performing all functions of a pastor and a bishop, in the new mission which he had established, and of which he became the true apostle. He applied in particular, to the instruction of his parents, who became spiritual children of their own son ; and, unques- tionably, to them, he was chiefly indebted for means necessary to build achurch,inadesertplace,calledGrande-Lande. Here,agreatnumberof disciples were assembled, for whose guidance he established a rule, which he had received from his master Germanus, and which, under direction of the latter, he had followed. Many miracles of St. Brieuc are recorded, while he wasengagedonthebuildingofthischurch. Amongothers,itissaid,that the devil felt enraged, at the progress of his work, and endeavoured to deter those immediately engaged in its construction. One of the carpenters, while
cutting wood, had the misfortune off lop of his thumb. By Divine favour, St. Brioc again set it in proper position. Many horrible spectres, who made use of threats towards the saint and his labourers, were disregarded by him, and finally theywereexpelled. Agreatfamine,also,oppressedthepeopleinthatprovince, who fled to our saint's monastery for support. There, Brioc was enabled to feed them, as likewise his religious, in an abundant manner, until the approaching harvest, which proved an abundant one. 3^ By these and like miracles, St. Brioc acquired a great reputation for his charity and hospitality, and he constantly afforded refuge to the afflicted. 3^ Having remained for a considerable length of time in this monastery, where he became more sancti- fied each day, and having adopted the most perfect practices of a religious life, exercising all the works of zeal and charity his station permitted
May I. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
29
There can be no doubt, but that a continuous intercourse had been estab- lished from times remote, between the people of Great Britain and those of Armorica,orLesserBritain. ThelegionsofGreatBritainhadbeenengaged,in elevating Maximus to be the Roman Emperor, a. d. 383, and these settled in Armorica under theirConan,3S or chief, who was called Meriadec,orrather Mur- doch, who is thought to have been the first Comte de Bretagne. s^ But, it is said to have been under the conduct of Rivalon, or Rioval, about a. d. 460, that the Britons came over in great numbers. 37 Through the aid of Conan, and that of people living in the district, St. Brieuc was enabled to erect a monas- tery, 3^ at a place called Landebaeron. This, he governed, until the Coriti- cians, whom he had left, were afflicted with a grievous pestilence. At the juncture, St. Brioc's presence was earnestly requested, so that he might deliver his people from their distemper. It is added, he returned immedi- ately to them. Having, by his prayers, and by his presence, purified the air, dissipated those malignant influences corrupting it, and established health and security throughout that region, he returned to his monastery of Landebaeron, where he dwelt for some time. Finding, however, 'hat his presence there had been a cause of reproach to some imperfect disciples, who were dazzled by the lustre of his virtues, St. Brioc left one of his religious as president over this house, and he came by sea, with eighty religious,39 who wished to follow him. Coasting from the west, and in an easterly direction, he arrived at a port, which forms the embouchure of Gouet River,4° where, having embarked, he was favourably received by Count Kigual. By some writers, it is thought, that the Rigual, who received St. Brieuc, was a son to Hoel L, and that he flourished in the sixth century. ^^ Others deem it more probable, that he was a Count Rivelen, who possessed some property in that part of the country.
Here, St. Brioc established a residence in a valley, branching out on either hand, and the sides of which were covered with fresh foliage. From him, it has since been named St. Brieuc-des-Vaux. +^ It lies in Upper Brittany, and not far from the sea, which is hidden from it, however, owing to the enclosure of surrounding hills. The streets and churches there are tolerably handsome ; but, St. Michael's church, in the suburb so named, is the largest at the place. '•3 St. Brieux was situated in that part of Armoric Britain, which bordered on the British Ocean, between St. Malo '»' and Land-Triguier. '<5 In that city, he founded a monastery. There, according to a local tradition, the holy man is said to have lived, with the members of his religious community. The church of the monastery, which he founded, was soon erected into a cathedral ; and, it is stated, that our saint was appointed as the first Bishop over that place. -*^
33 See "Histoire de Bretagne," &c. , par Pierre le Bavd, chap, i. , p. 2.
3"^ See M. Michelet's " Histoire de France," tomei. , liv. , ii. , cap. i. , p. 176, and n. 2, ibid. Paris, 1835, et suiv, 8vo.
37 See Le SieurF. deMezeray's "Histoire de France depuis Faramond jusqu'au Regne de Louis le Juste. Enrichie de plusilurs belles et rares Antiquitez^et de la vie de Reynes," &c. , tome i. , liv. iv. , sect, xvi. , p. 243. A Paris, A. D. 1685, fol.
