Falling on their knees, before the body of the
sanctified
confessor, they returned thanks to the Almighty for this miracle which had been wrought.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v1
" Such was the celebrity of Lagny, that the good repute of its sanctified religious filled the whole of France ; and the piety of the Galhc nobility would not allow its monks to want means necessary for their support.
All the ornaments requisite for Divine worship were supplied ingreatnumber.
Oftheseornaments,asinglevenerablereliconlyremained in the sixteenth century.
This was a chasuble, in which the servant of God hadbeenaccustomedtocelebratetheDivineMysteries.
'*^ Wemaywellcon- ceive, it was preserved with special veneration.
CHAPTER VIII.
ST. FURSEY ESTABLISHES A BRANCH OF HIS INSTITUTE AT PERRONE—THE FAME OF OUR SAINT BECOMES GREATLY EXTENDED—ST. EMILIAN AND A BAND OF IRISH MONKS JOIN HIM—ST. FURSEY MEDITATES A JOURNEY TO ENGLAND—HE TAKES ILL, AND DIES AT MACIERES OR MAZEROELLES—DUKE HAYMON BEHOLDS HIM IN AN APPARITION—CONTENTION FOR THE SAINT'S REMAINS—FURSEY IS BURIED AT PERRONE—THE YEAR AND DAY OF HIS DEATH—NOTICES IN THE CALENDARS —WORKS ATTRIBUTED TO HIM—HIS DISCIPLES—HONOURS PAID TO HIS MEMORY IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES—CONCLUSION.
The virtues and miracles of Fursey were duly reported to Erchinoald.
Moved by his love towards our saint, and by those manifestations of
Almighty power in Furse/s behalf at Lagny, the Patrician felt grateful to the
Omnipotent for having distinguished this particular part of France. He returned special thanks to Heaven, on occasion of a visit paid to our saint.
This lasted some days, during which time the governor disclosed the earnest wish of his heart. It was included in a request that our saint should return
to Perrone, where he might erect a magnificent religious establishment, near the castle, and thus sanctify the place with his constant presence. The
Patrician also declared, he would perpetually grant for use whateve/spot might suit him, and Erchinoald intended that his own body should be buried there after his death, if the Almighty so willed it. On hearing such wishes expressed by the Patrician, Fursey prepared to second them with great zeal and pleasure. He then and there confirmed' this Patrician, it is said, and sent him back to his habitation, rejoicing greatly for the blessings he received, and the successful issue of his suit. Having obtained our saint's assent to build a house at Perrone, for the religious at Lagny, Erchinoald had the further happiness of hearing from the lips of Fursey, that he wished to end his days at the former place.
The mayor of King Clovis then began a simultaneous erection of two
houses at Perrone. =^ One of these was built on the mountain of Cignes, near his own castle, and in connection with the chapel of the
^ tells that two ——most Patricium illico
Desmay us, caps are, "Qui confirmans,"
probably belonging to our saint having etc. Whether we are to infer, from this
religious
been preserved for nine centuries, with the greatest reverence, only a short time before he wrote had been destroyed through the fanaticism of the Calvinists. These impious men committed them to the flames, lest their remote antiquity should reproach the modern
innovations of —their own
'
passage, or not, that Fursey conferred the sacrament of confirmation on Erchinoald may admit of question. An affirmative of this supposition, if well established, would seem to determine the disputed point of our saint having been consecrated bishop.
^ to in his Life of St. According Desmay,
Fursey.
sect. Chap. viii. The words in the old acts
particular
2 78 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January i6.
Apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul. This latter was aften\'ards converted into a collegiate church. Another monastery was erected over his castle, at a place called Mount St. Quintin. 3 When the work had been completed, St. Fursey received an admonition to that effect from Erchinoald, with a request that some Benedictine monks should be sent thither. Wishing to gratify this pious desire, our saint set out for Perrone, having certain monks of Lagny accompanying him. It is said that St. Ultan, with some religious men, had been ordered by his brother to Perrone, and that both brothers met there. However, this latter statement of Desmay is quite improbable, foritseemsaltogetherirreconcilablewiththebestaccounts. Itisdoubtfulif Ultan visited France, during the lifetime of St. Fursey.
While he resided at Lagny, Fursey consecrated all his powers of soul
and body to the Almighty's service. Thus the fame of this invincible
athlete of Christ was greatly extolled, not only throughout France,* but also
among the Saxons. It was specially diffused among the Irish, who rejoiced in the piety of their illustrious countryman. Some left their own island, to
have personal cognizance of his missionary labours, and to share in them. Among these was St. yEmihan,5 who had been distinguished for a pious simplicity of character, and who is said to have been instructed by St.
Fursey, before this latter left Ireland. Emilian,*^ taking some religious
persons with him, resolved to seek again the beloved countenance of his
master, and the edification derivable from his increased sanctity. At length,
after wandering for some time with this devoted band of Irish monks, he
came to Lagny. Here they found that rumour had not exaggerated the
virtues of our saint. By Fursey they were joyfully received, and trained in
the practice of religious perfection. Some time afterwards, knowing by in-
spiration that the time of his death was approaching, St. Fursey resolved on
visiting and consoling his distant religious children. Wherefore, being
assured from a previous knowledge, and from his present dispositions, that St. . ^milian must prove a worthy successor at Lagny, our saint committed
the government of that abbey to him. 7 It is said, that while St. Fursey often enjoyed the society of his munificent patron, Eachinoald, he was obliged also to visit occasionally the pious Queen Baltide,^ who became a religious at Chelles, which was not far distant from his monastery.
The brothers of St. Fursey were yet in England, and he resolved to pay
them a visit, more for the purpose of contributing to that good, which they had effected in the field of his former labours, than from any desire of
ministering to his own gratification. 9
3 According to an old MS. , belonging to the monastery of Mount St. Quintin, St. Eligius, Bishop of Noyon, consecrated this church. His feast occurs on the 1st of December.
On his way thither, he arrived at the
clesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xvi. , sec. x. , p. 461, and n. 89, p. 462.
'See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nise," xvi. Januarii. Vita S. Furssei, lib. <ln Gaul he is said to have erected many i. , cap. xxxvii. , xxxviii. , p. 82. and ix. monasteries. See Rabanus Maurus' " Mar- Februarii, Vita S. Furssei, cap. xvii. , pp.
tyrologium," at the l6ih of January.
5 This saint is different from ^Emilian, an Irish bishop, who is venerated as patron of Faenza, in Italy. Notices of him will be found at the 6th of November, the day for
his least.
''His feast occurs on the loth of March, "
295, 296, ibid.
° Her feast occurs at the 5th of November. '"Ultan was probably still in his her-
mitage ; whether Foillan was then govern-
ing the monastery of Burghcastle, or living in retirement, I cannot discover. Not long after they both went to the Continent, Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical Histoiy of Ireland," vol. iu, chap, xvi. , sec. x. , n. 90, p. 462.
according to Martyrologium Benedic- tinum. " See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibernire," xvi. Januarii. Vita S. Fursffii,
n. 28, p. 91. Also, Dn
Lanigan's
" Ec-
January i6. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. ilg
village of Macieres, or Mazeroelles,'" which belonged to Duke Haymon, and which had been formerly offered to our saint, on restoring to life the son of its noble possessor. Here the angel of God appeared to Fursey, and revealed to him the Almighty's will, that the hour for his dissolution approached. Shortly afterwards, he was seized with a mortal illness. After he had partaken of Christ's Body and Blood, the time for his eternal reward was at
hand. Commending his spirit to the Lord, he calmly expired. Fursey was received into the realms of everlasting rest," where he heard that consoling
mon that a certain and visible sign should be given regarding his own death. Wherefore, in fulfilment of this promise, while Haymon sat at table with some noble companions, St. Fursey, clothed in sacerdotal vest- ments, and having two attendants with him, appeared to the noble count. '3 Three candles were borne in their hands, which emitted a brilliant light. Their respective bearers, having placed them on the table before the count, immediately disappeared,' Haymon then asked those who sat or stood near, if any person had beheld this wonderful vision. All declared, they had seen nothing unusual. Then the count related the vision and the pro- mises formerly made by St. Fursey, that he would make known the time . ofdeparturefromthislifetothenoblehost. Immediatelyarisingfromtable, Haymon hastened on horseback, with all his household, to assist at the funeral obsequies. When arrived at Masieres, the count reverently entered. The clergy, monks, and holy virgins were collected, with a crowd of villagers, singing requiem hymns to God, and preparing to embalm the body ot His departed servant. The report of Fursey's death soon spread throughout Gaul. When it was fully known at Lagny, the monks of that house, it is said, elected St. Eloquius's superior. He became successor to St. Fursey, because he had been a companion of the latter when first leaving Ireland.
On hearing of Fursey's death, accompanied by a numerous and well- armed force, the illustrious Patrician Erchinoald set out for Macieres, at the
first night-watch. He hastened this march, in order to remove our saint's
body, and by force, if necessary. When he arrived at Mesieres, on the river Alteya, he halted. '^ Then he sent messengers to Duke Haymon, who had placed a guard of soldiers to watch the body. These messengers were instructed to tell Haymon, that Erchinoald entreated and warned him to make no delay in giving up the saint's body, as Fursey had baptized his son, had built up and adorned the monastery at Lagny, ennobling it by his
'° "
See Rohrbacher's Histoire Univer- meals, or for other occasions,
sentence,
done,
thou
good
servant,
enter into the of joy
selle de
tome
'3 The old acts that our saint x. , liv. , say,
" Well
and faithful
the Lord. "" Before this occurrence, St. Fursey had promised Count Hay-
I'Eglise Catholique," xlix. , p. 279.
appeared on this occasion, "cum duobus Levitis. "
Desmay says, that Fursey stood in the mid- die, having a deacon and a sub-deacon on either hand, while he wore sacerdotal orna- ments. These circumstances are not men- tioned in the older acts published by Colgan.
'* In commemoration of this miracle, three candlesticks were placed on the high altar of St. Fursey at Perrone, according to Des- may. Three candies were kept in mem, and
constantly lighted,
'^ See some account of this saint at the
3rd of December.
'* "
See the Bollandists' Acta Sanctorum
Januarii," tomus ii. , xvi. Januarii, lib. ii. , cap. v. , p. 416.
" From a passage in the old acts, we in-
fer, that the life of our saint was intended as
a panegyric or sermon, to be pronounced probably on the i6th of January, said to be the feast of his canonization, or on the feast of his translation, occurring at the 25th of February. See "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- ni<B," xvi. Januarii. Vita S. Furssei, lib. i. , cap. xxxix. , p. 82, and n. 29, p. 91.
old acts of St. Fursey, published by Colgan, were not written for oral delivery, but pro- bably by direction of a monastic superior;
perhaps they were intended for spiritual reading, while the monks partook of their
" There may be reason to suppose, that the
28o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January i6.
exaltedvirtues,andbythemanymiraclestherewrought. For,asthesaint could not be brought thither alive, Erchinoald was resolved that his dead
body should be restored to the king, who so willed it.
He instructed them
to say, likewise, that, should Haymon refuse to comply with this demand, most assuredly he must find on the morrow to whom victory would incline,
if they engaged in battle. To this message Haymon replied, that the King of Heaven had first sent the saint to that spot, where his body then lay, and that Fursey had restored his son to life. These he urged should be regarded
"
as considerations of great importance in settling this question. "
Here,"
continued Haymon, he chose to depart from this life to heavenly bliss,
and to indicate his desire, when long absent, according to a promise
made. It could not be seemly to inflict wounds in presence of him, who, when living, healed the infirm ; nor to kill men, when he believed this saint
capable of restoring them to life. Therefore, if it please the mayor, let two untamed bulls be yolked to the car, on which the body of Fursey shall be placed, and whithersoever Divine Providence shall guide their course, thither
let us peaceably follow. " Having heard such words, the messengers speedily returned to Erchinoald, and laid before him the count's proposal. All were
unanimous in approving it. They suggested it should be carried into execution as soon as possible, that the Divine will might be manifested. '7
Wherefore, according to the advice given by these counsellors, two bulls of great ferocity, and altogether unaccustomed to a yolk, were selected to draw the coffin, in which the saint's body lay ; and it was resolved, wherever they might bear his remains, without being driven, that all should be bound to follow thither, considering their course a Providential direction. This trial —strange as it may appear—was a more rational one than a bloody con- test for the possession of Fursey's remains. It serves, also, to show a great eagerness on the part of ancient French nobles to acquire possession of the precious treasure, so piously desired by all. '^
In accordance with the agreement made between Haymon and Er- chinoald, the two bulls were joined together under a vehicle that bore the coffin, in which the corpse of our saint had been deposited. At the same time, a woman, who had been blind from the day of her birth, and who was thus known by all the inhabitants of her village, asked permission to lift and apply to her eyes the pall covering Fursey's remains. Her request being granted, the moment she raised it to her eyes, vision was fully restored, as a reward for her great faith. As this miracle took place in presence of numbers who attended the funeral, so were the merits of Fursey more at- tested by the Almighty. In a transport of joy and gratitude, this woman proclaimed among the crowd the favour she had obtained through God's mercy, and through the intercession of His holy servant. Whereupon, both hostings there present laid down their arms.
Falling on their knees, before the body of the sanctified confessor, they returned thanks to the Almighty for this miracle which had been wrought. At an early hour in the morning, while the multitude remained prostrate in prayer, the wild animals, drawing the body of Fursey, straightway direct their course to Perrone. Then it was agreed that the Divine will should be obeyed, since that place was selected for deposing the sacred remains. '^ Erchi-
*'See the account of a nearly similar agreement in the life of St. Fanchea, chap. v. , at the 1st of January.
Vita S. Fursasi, cap, xviii. , p. 396.
'» For an account of a similar miracle, the
reader is referred to Jocelin's life of St.
See "Trias Patrick, chap. 195. Colgan's
Thaumaturga," p. 108,
" Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
'* See
ni»," xvi. Januarii. Vita S. Furs»i, lib. ii. , cap, xxi. , p. 85 ; and Md,, ix. Februarii.
Colgan's
January i6. ]
LIVES OF TtlE IRISH SAINTS. 281
noald felt excessively grateful for this indulgence bestowed on him by the Almighty ; and his followers, no less rejoiced at such a consummation of their desires, accompanied the body of their holy patron. In the meantime,
while proceeding on their way, they passed by a spot where a man had been lying. This person had wanted the use of his limbs for many years previous. The lame man accosted those accompanying the coffin, until his voice became hoarse. He asked to be conducted towards the chariot. Thither he was brought, supported by some men, who pitied his case, and hoped for the interposition of Divine mercy in his behalf. The moment this lame man touched our saint's coffin, vigour and strength were imparted to his limbs. Casting 'away his crutches, the cripple ran before the multitude to Perrone, proclaiming God's wonderful power, manifested through St. Fursey. Thus visibly and publicly the Almighty exhibited the merits of our holy confessor, while the praises of that infirm man were approved by the vast multitude present.
At this spot, immediately after the aforesaid miracle had been performed, and while the multitude were about to resume their journey, Bercharius, Duke
of Laon, with an armed military troop, suddenly appeared. He declared, that if the body of St. Fursey was not granted to him, on the instant, he should take it away by force. Bercharius advanced his claim for these
following reasons. He declared, that he accompanied St. Fursey from England to France, that he bestowed a great part of his means for the use of our saint's religious disciples, on account of the love he bore towards their holy superior, which was likewise warmly reciprocated. He announced, that Fursey would have revisited him, while living, if Erchinoald had accorded such permission. ^" Finding that Bercharius was greatly excited, and de- termined on effecting his declared resolutions, those wisest and most ex- perienced endeavoured to appease his violence. They represented that a matter of such importance—however humanly considered—should be left to the dispositions of Divine Providence. To determine the issue of this new claim, the contending parties agreed that two boys, neither of them exceeding the age of seven years, should draw the chariot bearing the coffin. It was ruled that these should be allowed to proceed in whatever direction they pleased. One boy having been chosen by each party, the wild animals were unyolked from the hearse. Those children, with the apparent strength of men fully grown, speedily drew the coffin towards the mountain of Cignes. Here the castle of Erchinoald had been built, and it was very near the site of Perrone. Then Bercharius and Haymon followed with Erchinoald, recog- nisingtheAlmight/swillinthedirectionoftheircourse. Thesacredremains
were in the deposited
then built at Perrone. =*^ In being
of a
after time, this town acquired celebrity owing to the sainfs entombment. Hay-
mon and Bercharius paid their devotions to God, at this place of deposition. In presence of the holy confessor's body they wept, yet both acknowledged the
right of Erchinoald to its possession. Afterwards, returning to their respec- tive places, they lamented the loss of a precious treasure, while bowing to thewillofGod. Furse/sremainslayintheporticoofthenewchurchfor
thirty days, which were yet required to complete this sacred structure.
While the body lay at this spot, a great number of pious pilgrims flocked from every quarter to offer up their devotions. Numbers were constantly
*°See the BoUandists'
tomus xvi. Januarii," ii. ,
cap. v. , p. 416.
" Januarii,
"""
et cseteris fidelibus in Perona Monasterio ih
Corpus vero'ejus ab Ercenwaldo Duce
portico
church,
Acta Sanctorum
Ecclesia S. Petri Apli, juxta et caeterorum
— altare honorifice conditum Apostolorum
est. " Rabani Mauri, "Martyrologium," xvi. Januarii j editio Moguntiaci, a,d. i6a6»
lib.
ii. ,
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January i6.
seen around the coffin, engaged in meditation and holy exercises. Several were healed from different diseases that afflicted them. During the whole time the remains of our saint continued there, no signs of decomposition were visible. It was a constant tradition, also, among the clergy and people of Perrone, that a most agreeable odour emanated from that portico in after times, and even to a late period. ^'
The exact year of St. Fursey's decease cannot be determined, there are so many conflicting statements by various writers on this subject. The years named by different authorities are, a. d. 630, 636, 648, 650, 652, 653, at or after 655, and at 660. ^3 Thus, it will be seen, that a period of thirty years intervenes between the first and last year to which his death has been assigned. ''^ The year first mentioned, 630, rests on a statement given in the English Martyrology. ^s The second date, 636, depends on the authority of Harpsfeld. ^'^ The third date, 648, is that assigned by Mabillon,'7 Fleury,^^ and Rohrbacher;='9 while Dr. Lanigan more cautiously observes, that our saint's death occurred about that year. 3° The fourth date, 652, is the true one, in Colgan's opinion, and he asserts, that it is grounded on the authority of different Irish Annals. 3' De Burgo tells us, that St. Fursey died in the year 653 ;3a while Ware and Harris do not positively decide between this date or a. d. 648. 33 Baronius has recorded the death of Fursey under the year 654. 34 That the illustrious saint did not depart this life, until about the year 655, is the opinion of Mir3eus. 3s The last date assigned for Fursey's death is the year 660, which is the one given by his biographer,
•* Desmay testifies that a priest, who was of good family, had declared to him, whilst acting as chaplain in St. Fursey's church,
at Perrone, he often experienced this agree-
able odour. This priest was the Kev.
Nicholas Le Maire. His account of this
circumstance was most deserving of credit,
because of his great piety and learning. Boyle. It must be—remarked, that the See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibemioe,"
Vita S.
D'—Alton in his " of vol. History Ireland,"
xvi.
xii. , xiii. , xiv. , pp. 85, 86. Also, ibid. . Vita S. Furssei, cap. xix. , pp. 296, 297.
Januarii.
lib.
Fursaei, ii. , cap.
'3 This is the year assigned for his death or 653. See ibiii. , p. 107. Nor is there
"
in the Annales Ultonienses. " See Dr.
any notice of St. Pursey's death in Mr.
O'Donovan's edition of the "Annals of the
" tores," tomus
Rerum Hibernicarum Scrip-
O'Conor's
iv. , p. 54.
'^Colgan, in tlie ninth chapter of his
Four Masters. " ''
Appendix to St. Fursey's acts, at the i6th of January, devotes some space to the dis- cussion of this question.
'5 At the 25th of February. "^Ssecul. Septi. , cap. xviii.
septimo Kalendas Januarii, Anno Incarna-
tionis Dominicae sexceniesimo quinquagesi-
mo tertio, Pontificatus v—ero ejusdem Sancti
Martini Papae quinto. " "Othcia Propria
Sanctorum Hiberniae. " Die xvi. Januarii,
Oihcium in Festo S. Furssei, lect. vi. , p. 6.
"7
"
Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus i. , lib. xiv. , sec. i. , p. 409. — " "'"On croit qu'il mourut I'an 650,"
Histoire Ecclesiastique," livre xxxvii. , sec. 28.
»9See "Histoire Universelle de I'Eglise
Catholique," tome x. , liv. xlix. , p. 279.
3° See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
vol. ii. , chap, xvi. , sec. x. , p. 461. In a note, he adds, that the " Annals otRoscrea" and the " Annals of Boyle" place it in 652. Ware quotes the "Annals of Boyle" as having not 652, but 653. "This date may be reconciled with the other, if we suppose that the Annals of Roscrea anticipated the
««
33
fursey died at Perone, in Picardy, on
Christian era by one year, according to what we find in several other Irish annals.
Either 652 or 653 may be as probable a date as Mabillon's ; and his 650 ought
perhaps be understood about 6$o. " Ibid. , n. 91, p. 462.
3' Especially those of Roscrea and ot
"Annals of Boyle" as published by Mr.
ii. have no entry regarding the death of
St. Fursey, nor even data lor the year 652
3* Sanctum in Cselos emisit Animam
the 1 6th of consecrated to January (a day
his memory), in the year 648, or (as others say) 653, under which year the author of the 'Annals of the Abbey oi Boyle' hath this passage : Anno 653 Fursu Paruna quicvit. In the year 653, Fursey went to rest at Perone. " — Harris' Ware, vol. ii. " Writers of Ireland," book i. , chap, iv. , P- 35-
3"* See "Annales Ecclesiastici, tomus viii. , p. 382.
35 In his Belgian Chronicle, and in the Feasts, at the 1 6th of January.
January i6. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 283
Desmay. This writer says, he happily departed about that year, on the 9th of February, and during the reign of Clovis II. , King of France. s^
Although the i6th of January was specially dedicated to St. Fursey's memory, at Perrone, Desmay relates, it was not owing to the circumstance of his death occurring on that day, but because it had been the anniversary of his canonization by the Church, when he had been enrolled among the number of the saints. 37 Venerable Bede tells us, that soon after the building of the monastery at Lagny, St. Fursey closed his mortal career. 3^
Nearly as great a difference of opinion prevails regarding the day, as respecting the year of St. Fursey's death. His natalis has been variously assigned to the i6th of January, to the 9th of February, to the 4th of March, to the 14th of July,39 and to the 26th of December.
CHAPTER VIII.
ST. FURSEY ESTABLISHES A BRANCH OF HIS INSTITUTE AT PERRONE—THE FAME OF OUR SAINT BECOMES GREATLY EXTENDED—ST. EMILIAN AND A BAND OF IRISH MONKS JOIN HIM—ST. FURSEY MEDITATES A JOURNEY TO ENGLAND—HE TAKES ILL, AND DIES AT MACIERES OR MAZEROELLES—DUKE HAYMON BEHOLDS HIM IN AN APPARITION—CONTENTION FOR THE SAINT'S REMAINS—FURSEY IS BURIED AT PERRONE—THE YEAR AND DAY OF HIS DEATH—NOTICES IN THE CALENDARS —WORKS ATTRIBUTED TO HIM—HIS DISCIPLES—HONOURS PAID TO HIS MEMORY IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES—CONCLUSION.
The virtues and miracles of Fursey were duly reported to Erchinoald.
Moved by his love towards our saint, and by those manifestations of
Almighty power in Furse/s behalf at Lagny, the Patrician felt grateful to the
Omnipotent for having distinguished this particular part of France. He returned special thanks to Heaven, on occasion of a visit paid to our saint.
This lasted some days, during which time the governor disclosed the earnest wish of his heart. It was included in a request that our saint should return
to Perrone, where he might erect a magnificent religious establishment, near the castle, and thus sanctify the place with his constant presence. The
Patrician also declared, he would perpetually grant for use whateve/spot might suit him, and Erchinoald intended that his own body should be buried there after his death, if the Almighty so willed it. On hearing such wishes expressed by the Patrician, Fursey prepared to second them with great zeal and pleasure. He then and there confirmed' this Patrician, it is said, and sent him back to his habitation, rejoicing greatly for the blessings he received, and the successful issue of his suit. Having obtained our saint's assent to build a house at Perrone, for the religious at Lagny, Erchinoald had the further happiness of hearing from the lips of Fursey, that he wished to end his days at the former place.
The mayor of King Clovis then began a simultaneous erection of two
houses at Perrone. =^ One of these was built on the mountain of Cignes, near his own castle, and in connection with the chapel of the
^ tells that two ——most Patricium illico
Desmay us, caps are, "Qui confirmans,"
probably belonging to our saint having etc. Whether we are to infer, from this
religious
been preserved for nine centuries, with the greatest reverence, only a short time before he wrote had been destroyed through the fanaticism of the Calvinists. These impious men committed them to the flames, lest their remote antiquity should reproach the modern
innovations of —their own
'
passage, or not, that Fursey conferred the sacrament of confirmation on Erchinoald may admit of question. An affirmative of this supposition, if well established, would seem to determine the disputed point of our saint having been consecrated bishop.
^ to in his Life of St. According Desmay,
Fursey.
sect. Chap. viii. The words in the old acts
particular
2 78 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January i6.
Apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul. This latter was aften\'ards converted into a collegiate church. Another monastery was erected over his castle, at a place called Mount St. Quintin. 3 When the work had been completed, St. Fursey received an admonition to that effect from Erchinoald, with a request that some Benedictine monks should be sent thither. Wishing to gratify this pious desire, our saint set out for Perrone, having certain monks of Lagny accompanying him. It is said that St. Ultan, with some religious men, had been ordered by his brother to Perrone, and that both brothers met there. However, this latter statement of Desmay is quite improbable, foritseemsaltogetherirreconcilablewiththebestaccounts. Itisdoubtfulif Ultan visited France, during the lifetime of St. Fursey.
While he resided at Lagny, Fursey consecrated all his powers of soul
and body to the Almighty's service. Thus the fame of this invincible
athlete of Christ was greatly extolled, not only throughout France,* but also
among the Saxons. It was specially diffused among the Irish, who rejoiced in the piety of their illustrious countryman. Some left their own island, to
have personal cognizance of his missionary labours, and to share in them. Among these was St. yEmihan,5 who had been distinguished for a pious simplicity of character, and who is said to have been instructed by St.
Fursey, before this latter left Ireland. Emilian,*^ taking some religious
persons with him, resolved to seek again the beloved countenance of his
master, and the edification derivable from his increased sanctity. At length,
after wandering for some time with this devoted band of Irish monks, he
came to Lagny. Here they found that rumour had not exaggerated the
virtues of our saint. By Fursey they were joyfully received, and trained in
the practice of religious perfection. Some time afterwards, knowing by in-
spiration that the time of his death was approaching, St. Fursey resolved on
visiting and consoling his distant religious children. Wherefore, being
assured from a previous knowledge, and from his present dispositions, that St. . ^milian must prove a worthy successor at Lagny, our saint committed
the government of that abbey to him. 7 It is said, that while St. Fursey often enjoyed the society of his munificent patron, Eachinoald, he was obliged also to visit occasionally the pious Queen Baltide,^ who became a religious at Chelles, which was not far distant from his monastery.
The brothers of St. Fursey were yet in England, and he resolved to pay
them a visit, more for the purpose of contributing to that good, which they had effected in the field of his former labours, than from any desire of
ministering to his own gratification. 9
3 According to an old MS. , belonging to the monastery of Mount St. Quintin, St. Eligius, Bishop of Noyon, consecrated this church. His feast occurs on the 1st of December.
On his way thither, he arrived at the
clesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, xvi. , sec. x. , p. 461, and n. 89, p. 462.
'See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nise," xvi. Januarii. Vita S. Furssei, lib. <ln Gaul he is said to have erected many i. , cap. xxxvii. , xxxviii. , p. 82. and ix. monasteries. See Rabanus Maurus' " Mar- Februarii, Vita S. Furssei, cap. xvii. , pp.
tyrologium," at the l6ih of January.
5 This saint is different from ^Emilian, an Irish bishop, who is venerated as patron of Faenza, in Italy. Notices of him will be found at the 6th of November, the day for
his least.
''His feast occurs on the loth of March, "
295, 296, ibid.
° Her feast occurs at the 5th of November. '"Ultan was probably still in his her-
mitage ; whether Foillan was then govern-
ing the monastery of Burghcastle, or living in retirement, I cannot discover. Not long after they both went to the Continent, Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical Histoiy of Ireland," vol. iu, chap, xvi. , sec. x. , n. 90, p. 462.
according to Martyrologium Benedic- tinum. " See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibernire," xvi. Januarii. Vita S. Fursffii,
n. 28, p. 91. Also, Dn
Lanigan's
" Ec-
January i6. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. ilg
village of Macieres, or Mazeroelles,'" which belonged to Duke Haymon, and which had been formerly offered to our saint, on restoring to life the son of its noble possessor. Here the angel of God appeared to Fursey, and revealed to him the Almighty's will, that the hour for his dissolution approached. Shortly afterwards, he was seized with a mortal illness. After he had partaken of Christ's Body and Blood, the time for his eternal reward was at
hand. Commending his spirit to the Lord, he calmly expired. Fursey was received into the realms of everlasting rest," where he heard that consoling
mon that a certain and visible sign should be given regarding his own death. Wherefore, in fulfilment of this promise, while Haymon sat at table with some noble companions, St. Fursey, clothed in sacerdotal vest- ments, and having two attendants with him, appeared to the noble count. '3 Three candles were borne in their hands, which emitted a brilliant light. Their respective bearers, having placed them on the table before the count, immediately disappeared,' Haymon then asked those who sat or stood near, if any person had beheld this wonderful vision. All declared, they had seen nothing unusual. Then the count related the vision and the pro- mises formerly made by St. Fursey, that he would make known the time . ofdeparturefromthislifetothenoblehost. Immediatelyarisingfromtable, Haymon hastened on horseback, with all his household, to assist at the funeral obsequies. When arrived at Masieres, the count reverently entered. The clergy, monks, and holy virgins were collected, with a crowd of villagers, singing requiem hymns to God, and preparing to embalm the body ot His departed servant. The report of Fursey's death soon spread throughout Gaul. When it was fully known at Lagny, the monks of that house, it is said, elected St. Eloquius's superior. He became successor to St. Fursey, because he had been a companion of the latter when first leaving Ireland.
On hearing of Fursey's death, accompanied by a numerous and well- armed force, the illustrious Patrician Erchinoald set out for Macieres, at the
first night-watch. He hastened this march, in order to remove our saint's
body, and by force, if necessary. When he arrived at Mesieres, on the river Alteya, he halted. '^ Then he sent messengers to Duke Haymon, who had placed a guard of soldiers to watch the body. These messengers were instructed to tell Haymon, that Erchinoald entreated and warned him to make no delay in giving up the saint's body, as Fursey had baptized his son, had built up and adorned the monastery at Lagny, ennobling it by his
'° "
See Rohrbacher's Histoire Univer- meals, or for other occasions,
sentence,
done,
thou
good
servant,
enter into the of joy
selle de
tome
'3 The old acts that our saint x. , liv. , say,
" Well
and faithful
the Lord. "" Before this occurrence, St. Fursey had promised Count Hay-
I'Eglise Catholique," xlix. , p. 279.
appeared on this occasion, "cum duobus Levitis. "
Desmay says, that Fursey stood in the mid- die, having a deacon and a sub-deacon on either hand, while he wore sacerdotal orna- ments. These circumstances are not men- tioned in the older acts published by Colgan.
'* In commemoration of this miracle, three candlesticks were placed on the high altar of St. Fursey at Perrone, according to Des- may. Three candies were kept in mem, and
constantly lighted,
'^ See some account of this saint at the
3rd of December.
'* "
See the Bollandists' Acta Sanctorum
Januarii," tomus ii. , xvi. Januarii, lib. ii. , cap. v. , p. 416.
" From a passage in the old acts, we in-
fer, that the life of our saint was intended as
a panegyric or sermon, to be pronounced probably on the i6th of January, said to be the feast of his canonization, or on the feast of his translation, occurring at the 25th of February. See "Acta Sanctorum Hiber- ni<B," xvi. Januarii. Vita S. Furssei, lib. i. , cap. xxxix. , p. 82, and n. 29, p. 91.
old acts of St. Fursey, published by Colgan, were not written for oral delivery, but pro- bably by direction of a monastic superior;
perhaps they were intended for spiritual reading, while the monks partook of their
" There may be reason to suppose, that the
28o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January i6.
exaltedvirtues,andbythemanymiraclestherewrought. For,asthesaint could not be brought thither alive, Erchinoald was resolved that his dead
body should be restored to the king, who so willed it.
He instructed them
to say, likewise, that, should Haymon refuse to comply with this demand, most assuredly he must find on the morrow to whom victory would incline,
if they engaged in battle. To this message Haymon replied, that the King of Heaven had first sent the saint to that spot, where his body then lay, and that Fursey had restored his son to life. These he urged should be regarded
"
as considerations of great importance in settling this question. "
Here,"
continued Haymon, he chose to depart from this life to heavenly bliss,
and to indicate his desire, when long absent, according to a promise
made. It could not be seemly to inflict wounds in presence of him, who, when living, healed the infirm ; nor to kill men, when he believed this saint
capable of restoring them to life. Therefore, if it please the mayor, let two untamed bulls be yolked to the car, on which the body of Fursey shall be placed, and whithersoever Divine Providence shall guide their course, thither
let us peaceably follow. " Having heard such words, the messengers speedily returned to Erchinoald, and laid before him the count's proposal. All were
unanimous in approving it. They suggested it should be carried into execution as soon as possible, that the Divine will might be manifested. '7
Wherefore, according to the advice given by these counsellors, two bulls of great ferocity, and altogether unaccustomed to a yolk, were selected to draw the coffin, in which the saint's body lay ; and it was resolved, wherever they might bear his remains, without being driven, that all should be bound to follow thither, considering their course a Providential direction. This trial —strange as it may appear—was a more rational one than a bloody con- test for the possession of Fursey's remains. It serves, also, to show a great eagerness on the part of ancient French nobles to acquire possession of the precious treasure, so piously desired by all. '^
In accordance with the agreement made between Haymon and Er- chinoald, the two bulls were joined together under a vehicle that bore the coffin, in which the corpse of our saint had been deposited. At the same time, a woman, who had been blind from the day of her birth, and who was thus known by all the inhabitants of her village, asked permission to lift and apply to her eyes the pall covering Fursey's remains. Her request being granted, the moment she raised it to her eyes, vision was fully restored, as a reward for her great faith. As this miracle took place in presence of numbers who attended the funeral, so were the merits of Fursey more at- tested by the Almighty. In a transport of joy and gratitude, this woman proclaimed among the crowd the favour she had obtained through God's mercy, and through the intercession of His holy servant. Whereupon, both hostings there present laid down their arms.
Falling on their knees, before the body of the sanctified confessor, they returned thanks to the Almighty for this miracle which had been wrought. At an early hour in the morning, while the multitude remained prostrate in prayer, the wild animals, drawing the body of Fursey, straightway direct their course to Perrone. Then it was agreed that the Divine will should be obeyed, since that place was selected for deposing the sacred remains. '^ Erchi-
*'See the account of a nearly similar agreement in the life of St. Fanchea, chap. v. , at the 1st of January.
Vita S. Fursasi, cap, xviii. , p. 396.
'» For an account of a similar miracle, the
reader is referred to Jocelin's life of St.
See "Trias Patrick, chap. 195. Colgan's
Thaumaturga," p. 108,
" Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
'* See
ni»," xvi. Januarii. Vita S. Furs»i, lib. ii. , cap, xxi. , p. 85 ; and Md,, ix. Februarii.
Colgan's
January i6. ]
LIVES OF TtlE IRISH SAINTS. 281
noald felt excessively grateful for this indulgence bestowed on him by the Almighty ; and his followers, no less rejoiced at such a consummation of their desires, accompanied the body of their holy patron. In the meantime,
while proceeding on their way, they passed by a spot where a man had been lying. This person had wanted the use of his limbs for many years previous. The lame man accosted those accompanying the coffin, until his voice became hoarse. He asked to be conducted towards the chariot. Thither he was brought, supported by some men, who pitied his case, and hoped for the interposition of Divine mercy in his behalf. The moment this lame man touched our saint's coffin, vigour and strength were imparted to his limbs. Casting 'away his crutches, the cripple ran before the multitude to Perrone, proclaiming God's wonderful power, manifested through St. Fursey. Thus visibly and publicly the Almighty exhibited the merits of our holy confessor, while the praises of that infirm man were approved by the vast multitude present.
At this spot, immediately after the aforesaid miracle had been performed, and while the multitude were about to resume their journey, Bercharius, Duke
of Laon, with an armed military troop, suddenly appeared. He declared, that if the body of St. Fursey was not granted to him, on the instant, he should take it away by force. Bercharius advanced his claim for these
following reasons. He declared, that he accompanied St. Fursey from England to France, that he bestowed a great part of his means for the use of our saint's religious disciples, on account of the love he bore towards their holy superior, which was likewise warmly reciprocated. He announced, that Fursey would have revisited him, while living, if Erchinoald had accorded such permission. ^" Finding that Bercharius was greatly excited, and de- termined on effecting his declared resolutions, those wisest and most ex- perienced endeavoured to appease his violence. They represented that a matter of such importance—however humanly considered—should be left to the dispositions of Divine Providence. To determine the issue of this new claim, the contending parties agreed that two boys, neither of them exceeding the age of seven years, should draw the chariot bearing the coffin. It was ruled that these should be allowed to proceed in whatever direction they pleased. One boy having been chosen by each party, the wild animals were unyolked from the hearse. Those children, with the apparent strength of men fully grown, speedily drew the coffin towards the mountain of Cignes. Here the castle of Erchinoald had been built, and it was very near the site of Perrone. Then Bercharius and Haymon followed with Erchinoald, recog- nisingtheAlmight/swillinthedirectionoftheircourse. Thesacredremains
were in the deposited
then built at Perrone. =*^ In being
of a
after time, this town acquired celebrity owing to the sainfs entombment. Hay-
mon and Bercharius paid their devotions to God, at this place of deposition. In presence of the holy confessor's body they wept, yet both acknowledged the
right of Erchinoald to its possession. Afterwards, returning to their respec- tive places, they lamented the loss of a precious treasure, while bowing to thewillofGod. Furse/sremainslayintheporticoofthenewchurchfor
thirty days, which were yet required to complete this sacred structure.
While the body lay at this spot, a great number of pious pilgrims flocked from every quarter to offer up their devotions. Numbers were constantly
*°See the BoUandists'
tomus xvi. Januarii," ii. ,
cap. v. , p. 416.
" Januarii,
"""
et cseteris fidelibus in Perona Monasterio ih
Corpus vero'ejus ab Ercenwaldo Duce
portico
church,
Acta Sanctorum
Ecclesia S. Petri Apli, juxta et caeterorum
— altare honorifice conditum Apostolorum
est. " Rabani Mauri, "Martyrologium," xvi. Januarii j editio Moguntiaci, a,d. i6a6»
lib.
ii. ,
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [January i6.
seen around the coffin, engaged in meditation and holy exercises. Several were healed from different diseases that afflicted them. During the whole time the remains of our saint continued there, no signs of decomposition were visible. It was a constant tradition, also, among the clergy and people of Perrone, that a most agreeable odour emanated from that portico in after times, and even to a late period. ^'
The exact year of St. Fursey's decease cannot be determined, there are so many conflicting statements by various writers on this subject. The years named by different authorities are, a. d. 630, 636, 648, 650, 652, 653, at or after 655, and at 660. ^3 Thus, it will be seen, that a period of thirty years intervenes between the first and last year to which his death has been assigned. ''^ The year first mentioned, 630, rests on a statement given in the English Martyrology. ^s The second date, 636, depends on the authority of Harpsfeld. ^'^ The third date, 648, is that assigned by Mabillon,'7 Fleury,^^ and Rohrbacher;='9 while Dr. Lanigan more cautiously observes, that our saint's death occurred about that year. 3° The fourth date, 652, is the true one, in Colgan's opinion, and he asserts, that it is grounded on the authority of different Irish Annals. 3' De Burgo tells us, that St. Fursey died in the year 653 ;3a while Ware and Harris do not positively decide between this date or a. d. 648. 33 Baronius has recorded the death of Fursey under the year 654. 34 That the illustrious saint did not depart this life, until about the year 655, is the opinion of Mir3eus. 3s The last date assigned for Fursey's death is the year 660, which is the one given by his biographer,
•* Desmay testifies that a priest, who was of good family, had declared to him, whilst acting as chaplain in St. Fursey's church,
at Perrone, he often experienced this agree-
able odour. This priest was the Kev.
Nicholas Le Maire. His account of this
circumstance was most deserving of credit,
because of his great piety and learning. Boyle. It must be—remarked, that the See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hibemioe,"
Vita S.
D'—Alton in his " of vol. History Ireland,"
xvi.
xii. , xiii. , xiv. , pp. 85, 86. Also, ibid. . Vita S. Furssei, cap. xix. , pp. 296, 297.
Januarii.
lib.
Fursaei, ii. , cap.
'3 This is the year assigned for his death or 653. See ibiii. , p. 107. Nor is there
"
in the Annales Ultonienses. " See Dr.
any notice of St. Pursey's death in Mr.
O'Donovan's edition of the "Annals of the
" tores," tomus
Rerum Hibernicarum Scrip-
O'Conor's
iv. , p. 54.
'^Colgan, in tlie ninth chapter of his
Four Masters. " ''
Appendix to St. Fursey's acts, at the i6th of January, devotes some space to the dis- cussion of this question.
'5 At the 25th of February. "^Ssecul. Septi. , cap. xviii.
septimo Kalendas Januarii, Anno Incarna-
tionis Dominicae sexceniesimo quinquagesi-
mo tertio, Pontificatus v—ero ejusdem Sancti
Martini Papae quinto. " "Othcia Propria
Sanctorum Hiberniae. " Die xvi. Januarii,
Oihcium in Festo S. Furssei, lect. vi. , p. 6.
"7
"
Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus i. , lib. xiv. , sec. i. , p. 409. — " "'"On croit qu'il mourut I'an 650,"
Histoire Ecclesiastique," livre xxxvii. , sec. 28.
»9See "Histoire Universelle de I'Eglise
Catholique," tome x. , liv. xlix. , p. 279.
3° See " Ecclesiastical History of Ireland,"
vol. ii. , chap, xvi. , sec. x. , p. 461. In a note, he adds, that the " Annals otRoscrea" and the " Annals of Boyle" place it in 652. Ware quotes the "Annals of Boyle" as having not 652, but 653. "This date may be reconciled with the other, if we suppose that the Annals of Roscrea anticipated the
««
33
fursey died at Perone, in Picardy, on
Christian era by one year, according to what we find in several other Irish annals.
Either 652 or 653 may be as probable a date as Mabillon's ; and his 650 ought
perhaps be understood about 6$o. " Ibid. , n. 91, p. 462.
3' Especially those of Roscrea and ot
"Annals of Boyle" as published by Mr.
ii. have no entry regarding the death of
St. Fursey, nor even data lor the year 652
3* Sanctum in Cselos emisit Animam
the 1 6th of consecrated to January (a day
his memory), in the year 648, or (as others say) 653, under which year the author of the 'Annals of the Abbey oi Boyle' hath this passage : Anno 653 Fursu Paruna quicvit. In the year 653, Fursey went to rest at Perone. " — Harris' Ware, vol. ii. " Writers of Ireland," book i. , chap, iv. , P- 35-
3"* See "Annales Ecclesiastici, tomus viii. , p. 382.
35 In his Belgian Chronicle, and in the Feasts, at the 1 6th of January.
January i6. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 283
Desmay. This writer says, he happily departed about that year, on the 9th of February, and during the reign of Clovis II. , King of France. s^
Although the i6th of January was specially dedicated to St. Fursey's memory, at Perrone, Desmay relates, it was not owing to the circumstance of his death occurring on that day, but because it had been the anniversary of his canonization by the Church, when he had been enrolled among the number of the saints. 37 Venerable Bede tells us, that soon after the building of the monastery at Lagny, St. Fursey closed his mortal career. 3^
Nearly as great a difference of opinion prevails regarding the day, as respecting the year of St. Fursey's death. His natalis has been variously assigned to the i6th of January, to the 9th of February, to the 4th of March, to the 14th of July,39 and to the 26th of December.
