, sous la
direction
de M.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v5
, and nn.
78, 79, 80, p.
21.
5= See M. Michaud's " Biographie Univer- selle, Ancienne et Modeme," tome v. , p. 528.
53 His feast occurs, at the 28th of May. His Life has been written, by Fortunatus of Poitiers. St. Germain died, a. D. 576.
5^ See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Maii i. Acta S. Brioci, Commentarius Praevius, sect. 2, p. 92.
55 See Lobineau's " Vies des Saints de Bretagne," par M. L'Abbe Tresvaux, tome i. , n, 2, p. 71.
5* See Baillet's " Vies des Saints," tome ii. , p. 24.
disciple of St. Germanus, who had nothing to do with Ireland, proves him a Brittain. And whereas, Bishop Usher conjectures that the master of St. Briocus might have been ano- ther St. Germanus, Bi>hop of Paris, who lived in the following age : His living with Conanus and relation of kindred to him de- monstrate him both a Brittain, and more ancient than the youni^er St. Germanus. "
^' Yet, the BoUandist writer observes, as Briocus flourished towards the close of the sixth century, it might be possible, that he had been born among the Ceretci, in Cam- bria or Wales, or among the Coretani, who had been banished thither. Or, might not the mother of our saint, supj. osed to have been a Saxon by birth, and perhaps also a pagan, have married a Briton, Cerpo, when
May I. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 21
Neither had the Pelagian heresy reached them, nor were the Saxons desirous of carrying their conquests, into those remote regions, which they inhabited. ^* Following the account of Andrew Saussay, who makes St. Germain of Aux- erre ^3 to be a contemporary and master of St. Brioc, the birth of this latter holy man should be referred to the fifth century. However, it is thought, that the original Acts ^4 of St. Brioc had only mentioned a St. Germanus, simply as having been his instructor; and that, subsequently, conjectures were added to distinguish this St. Germanus, as having been of Auxerre, according to some writers, or as having been of Paris,^5 according to others. In the time of the former, the Corritician province had been converted entirely to the Christian faith, although Pelagianism had spread among the Britons, subdued and formed into a tributary Roman province ;^^ while, in the time of St. Germain of Paris, a vast horde of Pagan Saxons had invaded the Island of Great Britain. ^7 However, the Britons continued to preserve the Christian faith, during this time, and therefore, it is thought, that both the parents of St. Brioc had been Christians. ^^ St'll, it has been asserted, his father and mother had been pagans, previous to the time of his birth. °9
That Brioc was destined foran exalted degree of sanctity, in the inscrutable decrees of Divine Providence, appeared, from miraculous revelations made to his mother, while she was asleep. These happened in the middle of the night, and when she was not less involved in a natural darkness, than in the shadow of idolatrous errors. An angel then appeared and told her, she should give birth to a son, who would be dear to the Almighty, who should be crowned with Divine gifts, as likewise become an athlete and a propagator of the Chris- tianReligion. Shewasalsowarnedtoadmonishherhusband,thatheshould avoid the foolish worship of idols. Our saint's mother was astonished, but according to the Holy Angel's command, she related to her husband what had occurred, and delivered to him that message, thus divinely transmitted. But, the husband would not believe, what his wife had told him regarding this matter, even when more than once related. His infidelity continued, until the third night, after this vision already described. Then, the angel appeared to him, while asleep, and repeated what had been already told to Eldruda. When this angel had departed, and morning began to dawn, Cer- pus informed his friends, about all he had heard and seen. Immediately, he broke into pieces those idols, which he had heretofore worshipped. After-
that Cerpo followed his bishop, retiring into Cambria, and might not our saint have been the issue of their marriage in this latter country ? Such is Henschennius' other con- jecture, but, he says, if we admit his supposi- tion, our saint must have been coniempo- raneous with St. German of Paris.
*^ See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Mail i. Acta S. Brioci. , Commentarius Prsevius,
sect. 5, p. 92.
^3 His feast occurs, at the i6th of July.
^'' These are said to have been preserved
at Auvergne, in the Discalced Carmelite House of Claremont, as Lewis Jacob, a Car- melite—who had published some books at Paris—informed Hennschenn. The latter was anxious to preserve this Tract, or a transcript, when dealmg with the Life of St. Brioc, and he applied for that purpose to the Rev. Father Josephus Ignatius a S. Amonio, a Discalced Carmelite "ex Toparchis de Robec. " However, he learned, the charac-
ters were so old and so obliterated, with the exception of a few words here and there, that no person could read them, or draw any meaning from them.
^^ A History of the Life and Writings of St. Germanus, Bishop of Paris, is given by tlie Benedictines, in their " Histoire Lite- raire de la France," tome iii. , Sixieme Siecle, sect, i. , ii. , pp. 310 to 317.
*' According to Fatlier Godefrid Hen- schenn.
^^ To these, St. Augustine and his com- panions were sent as missionaries, by Pope St. Gregory the Great, in the year 596. See Rev. Dr. Lingard's "History of England," vol. i. , chap, ii. , p. 75-
'^ See *' Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Maii i. Acta S. Brioci. Commentarius Prsevius, sects. 2, 3, pp. 91, 92.
°^ From the account of our saint, as con- tained in the Proper Office of Brieux church.
2 2 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
wards, he began to distribute the half of those goods he possessed, for the support and nourishment of poor persons. '°
A due course of time being completed, the mother of our saint gave birth to her son. By Divine monition, the infant was named Brioc. From his mosttenderyears,heledanangelicandapurelife. Whileofimmatureage, his morals were those of a sage, whose sagacious mental powers appeared directing the physical organization of a mere youth. He was observed to advance daily towards perfection, neither spending his youthful years in those trifles, that usually engage children's attention, nor in the idle sports of those, who were of an age to become his play-fellows. When Brioc had attained years, at which his tender age might be formed to useful pursuits ; mindful of that command she had first received from the Angel, his mother delivered him,7' to the care of St, Germain,7^ to receive suitable instruction. But, it is said, that his father wished him to be kept at home, as not intending he should be initiated into Holy Orders, because he destined Brieuc to become heir of his possessions. However, the Angel of God warned his father, that he ^should not oppose his own to the Divine will. He was admonished to commit his son to St. Germain's care. 73 As St. Germain of Paris was not known to have held any peculiar connection with the Britons, Henschen- nius is inclined to disbelieve, that our saint had been committed to his care. He rather thinks, that St. Brioc was sent for his instruction to the neighbour- ing Island of Hibernia, which, after it had received the faith from St. Patrick, became a common school for the Britons and Gauls. Here, he says, that many Germans, or rather Gormans, are known to have flourished, to one of whom, perhaps, our saint had been entrusted for instruction. At a more adult age, it has been conjectured, that Brioc returned into his own country of Britain. In this place, it is thought, that he laboured usefully among his kinsfolk. It is said, also, that he built a monastery there. Then, he passed over to Armorica, also known as Lesser Brittany. ? '* At the time of this voy- age, a certain Count Rigual is stated to have ruled over a part of that country. The era of his government, could it only be discovered, should tlirow addi- tional light on St. Brioc's precise period. 's
CHAPTER II.
ACTS OF ST. BRIEUC WHILE UNDER THE DIRECTION OF ST. GERMANUS—HIS MIRACLES —ORDAINED PRIEST—ST. BRIEUC VISITS GREAT BRITAIN—HE RETURNS TO FRANCE —IDOLATRY THERE PRACTISED—HIS PARENTS AND OTHER INHABITANTS OF BRITTANY ARE CONVERTED TO CHRISTIANITY—HE BUILDS A CHURCH AT GRANDE- LANDE—FORMER CLOSE RELATIONS BETWEEN GREAT AND LESSER BRITAIN—ST. BRIEUC FOUNDS A MONASTERY AT LANDEBAERON—HE AFTERWARDS SETTLED AT THE PLACE, SINCE KNOWN AS SAINT BRIEUC-DES-VAUX—COUNT RIGUEL BESTOWED THE HOUSE AND LANDS OF CHAMP-DU-ROUVRE, WITH ALL THEIR DEPENDENCIES, AS AN ENDOWMENT.
At an early age, Brieuc's father had resolved on committing his son to the charge of St. German, and he sent some persons with him as companions. *
'" The editor adds, in a note, that he does not believe St. Brioc's nation or father had been addicted to the worship of idols. See ibid. Acta S. Brioci, sect, i. , p. 93, and n. (])), p. 94.
'' Supposed to have been bishop of Paris, He ruled from the year 555, or the following year, until a. d. 576, when he died, on the 28th of May. See an account of this holy bishop, in Rev. Alban Butler's " Lives of the
' Such is a statement, contained in the Fathers, Martyrs and other principal Proper Office, read in Brieux church. Saints," vol. v. , May xxviii.
May I. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
23
When they had visited that pious Bishop, full of God's holy spirit, Germanus was enabled to declare the boy's name, his country, and his race, as also to predict, that like a sunbeam, he should enlighten the Christian world, and that he should prove an eloquent gospel preacher. While Brioc saluted the holy Bishop, and humbly knelt at his feet, a white dove flew downwards, and settled on our saint's head. 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.
5= See M. Michaud's " Biographie Univer- selle, Ancienne et Modeme," tome v. , p. 528.
53 His feast occurs, at the 28th of May. His Life has been written, by Fortunatus of Poitiers. St. Germain died, a. D. 576.
5^ See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Maii i. Acta S. Brioci, Commentarius Praevius, sect. 2, p. 92.
55 See Lobineau's " Vies des Saints de Bretagne," par M. L'Abbe Tresvaux, tome i. , n, 2, p. 71.
5* See Baillet's " Vies des Saints," tome ii. , p. 24.
disciple of St. Germanus, who had nothing to do with Ireland, proves him a Brittain. And whereas, Bishop Usher conjectures that the master of St. Briocus might have been ano- ther St. Germanus, Bi>hop of Paris, who lived in the following age : His living with Conanus and relation of kindred to him de- monstrate him both a Brittain, and more ancient than the youni^er St. Germanus. "
^' Yet, the BoUandist writer observes, as Briocus flourished towards the close of the sixth century, it might be possible, that he had been born among the Ceretci, in Cam- bria or Wales, or among the Coretani, who had been banished thither. Or, might not the mother of our saint, supj. osed to have been a Saxon by birth, and perhaps also a pagan, have married a Briton, Cerpo, when
May I. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 21
Neither had the Pelagian heresy reached them, nor were the Saxons desirous of carrying their conquests, into those remote regions, which they inhabited. ^* Following the account of Andrew Saussay, who makes St. Germain of Aux- erre ^3 to be a contemporary and master of St. Brioc, the birth of this latter holy man should be referred to the fifth century. However, it is thought, that the original Acts ^4 of St. Brioc had only mentioned a St. Germanus, simply as having been his instructor; and that, subsequently, conjectures were added to distinguish this St. Germanus, as having been of Auxerre, according to some writers, or as having been of Paris,^5 according to others. In the time of the former, the Corritician province had been converted entirely to the Christian faith, although Pelagianism had spread among the Britons, subdued and formed into a tributary Roman province ;^^ while, in the time of St. Germain of Paris, a vast horde of Pagan Saxons had invaded the Island of Great Britain. ^7 However, the Britons continued to preserve the Christian faith, during this time, and therefore, it is thought, that both the parents of St. Brioc had been Christians. ^^ St'll, it has been asserted, his father and mother had been pagans, previous to the time of his birth. °9
That Brioc was destined foran exalted degree of sanctity, in the inscrutable decrees of Divine Providence, appeared, from miraculous revelations made to his mother, while she was asleep. These happened in the middle of the night, and when she was not less involved in a natural darkness, than in the shadow of idolatrous errors. An angel then appeared and told her, she should give birth to a son, who would be dear to the Almighty, who should be crowned with Divine gifts, as likewise become an athlete and a propagator of the Chris- tianReligion. Shewasalsowarnedtoadmonishherhusband,thatheshould avoid the foolish worship of idols. Our saint's mother was astonished, but according to the Holy Angel's command, she related to her husband what had occurred, and delivered to him that message, thus divinely transmitted. But, the husband would not believe, what his wife had told him regarding this matter, even when more than once related. His infidelity continued, until the third night, after this vision already described. Then, the angel appeared to him, while asleep, and repeated what had been already told to Eldruda. When this angel had departed, and morning began to dawn, Cer- pus informed his friends, about all he had heard and seen. Immediately, he broke into pieces those idols, which he had heretofore worshipped. After-
that Cerpo followed his bishop, retiring into Cambria, and might not our saint have been the issue of their marriage in this latter country ? Such is Henschennius' other con- jecture, but, he says, if we admit his supposi- tion, our saint must have been coniempo- raneous with St. German of Paris.
*^ See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Mail i. Acta S. Brioci. , Commentarius Prsevius,
sect. 5, p. 92.
^3 His feast occurs, at the i6th of July.
^'' These are said to have been preserved
at Auvergne, in the Discalced Carmelite House of Claremont, as Lewis Jacob, a Car- melite—who had published some books at Paris—informed Hennschenn. The latter was anxious to preserve this Tract, or a transcript, when dealmg with the Life of St. Brioc, and he applied for that purpose to the Rev. Father Josephus Ignatius a S. Amonio, a Discalced Carmelite "ex Toparchis de Robec. " However, he learned, the charac-
ters were so old and so obliterated, with the exception of a few words here and there, that no person could read them, or draw any meaning from them.
^^ A History of the Life and Writings of St. Germanus, Bishop of Paris, is given by tlie Benedictines, in their " Histoire Lite- raire de la France," tome iii. , Sixieme Siecle, sect, i. , ii. , pp. 310 to 317.
*' According to Fatlier Godefrid Hen- schenn.
^^ To these, St. Augustine and his com- panions were sent as missionaries, by Pope St. Gregory the Great, in the year 596. See Rev. Dr. Lingard's "History of England," vol. i. , chap, ii. , p. 75-
'^ See *' Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Maii i. Acta S. Brioci. Commentarius Prsevius, sects. 2, 3, pp. 91, 92.
°^ From the account of our saint, as con- tained in the Proper Office of Brieux church.
2 2 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [May i.
wards, he began to distribute the half of those goods he possessed, for the support and nourishment of poor persons. '°
A due course of time being completed, the mother of our saint gave birth to her son. By Divine monition, the infant was named Brioc. From his mosttenderyears,heledanangelicandapurelife. Whileofimmatureage, his morals were those of a sage, whose sagacious mental powers appeared directing the physical organization of a mere youth. He was observed to advance daily towards perfection, neither spending his youthful years in those trifles, that usually engage children's attention, nor in the idle sports of those, who were of an age to become his play-fellows. When Brioc had attained years, at which his tender age might be formed to useful pursuits ; mindful of that command she had first received from the Angel, his mother delivered him,7' to the care of St, Germain,7^ to receive suitable instruction. But, it is said, that his father wished him to be kept at home, as not intending he should be initiated into Holy Orders, because he destined Brieuc to become heir of his possessions. However, the Angel of God warned his father, that he ^should not oppose his own to the Divine will. He was admonished to commit his son to St. Germain's care. 73 As St. Germain of Paris was not known to have held any peculiar connection with the Britons, Henschen- nius is inclined to disbelieve, that our saint had been committed to his care. He rather thinks, that St. Brioc was sent for his instruction to the neighbour- ing Island of Hibernia, which, after it had received the faith from St. Patrick, became a common school for the Britons and Gauls. Here, he says, that many Germans, or rather Gormans, are known to have flourished, to one of whom, perhaps, our saint had been entrusted for instruction. At a more adult age, it has been conjectured, that Brioc returned into his own country of Britain. In this place, it is thought, that he laboured usefully among his kinsfolk. It is said, also, that he built a monastery there. Then, he passed over to Armorica, also known as Lesser Brittany. ? '* At the time of this voy- age, a certain Count Rigual is stated to have ruled over a part of that country. The era of his government, could it only be discovered, should tlirow addi- tional light on St. Brioc's precise period. 's
CHAPTER II.
ACTS OF ST. BRIEUC WHILE UNDER THE DIRECTION OF ST. GERMANUS—HIS MIRACLES —ORDAINED PRIEST—ST. BRIEUC VISITS GREAT BRITAIN—HE RETURNS TO FRANCE —IDOLATRY THERE PRACTISED—HIS PARENTS AND OTHER INHABITANTS OF BRITTANY ARE CONVERTED TO CHRISTIANITY—HE BUILDS A CHURCH AT GRANDE- LANDE—FORMER CLOSE RELATIONS BETWEEN GREAT AND LESSER BRITAIN—ST. BRIEUC FOUNDS A MONASTERY AT LANDEBAERON—HE AFTERWARDS SETTLED AT THE PLACE, SINCE KNOWN AS SAINT BRIEUC-DES-VAUX—COUNT RIGUEL BESTOWED THE HOUSE AND LANDS OF CHAMP-DU-ROUVRE, WITH ALL THEIR DEPENDENCIES, AS AN ENDOWMENT.
At an early age, Brieuc's father had resolved on committing his son to the charge of St. German, and he sent some persons with him as companions. *
'" The editor adds, in a note, that he does not believe St. Brioc's nation or father had been addicted to the worship of idols. See ibid. Acta S. Brioci, sect, i. , p. 93, and n. (])), p. 94.
'' Supposed to have been bishop of Paris, He ruled from the year 555, or the following year, until a. d. 576, when he died, on the 28th of May. See an account of this holy bishop, in Rev. Alban Butler's " Lives of the
' Such is a statement, contained in the Fathers, Martyrs and other principal Proper Office, read in Brieux church. Saints," vol. v. , May xxviii.
May I. ]
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
23
When they had visited that pious Bishop, full of God's holy spirit, Germanus was enabled to declare the boy's name, his country, and his race, as also to predict, that like a sunbeam, he should enlighten the Christian world, and that he should prove an eloquent gospel preacher. While Brioc saluted the holy Bishop, and humbly knelt at his feet, a white dove flew downwards, and settled on our saint's head. 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.
