"S" Thus Guilielmus
Catalogo
Testium Veritatis.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v2
Benedict's Rule.
Now, it so happens, that the verses in ques- tion are so found prefixed to the tract, men- tioned in the text.
Smaragdus was either an abbot of St.
Michael, at the Moselle, in the district of Verdun, or a monk of Anian- nensis, under the Abbot Benedict of the
same place.
^31 Mabillon notes, that besides this work,
Petrusde Marca, Archbishop of Paris,
"
Glossarium Latino- theoriscum in tota biblia veteris et novi Tes- tamenti," which had not then been edited, and a copy of which, Lambecius had taken from the ^nipontan to the Caesarean library.
he wrote a complete
See Lambecius'
"
Commentarii de Biblio- "
theca Csesarea Vindobonensi, tomus ii. , pp. "
415 et seq. Also, Annales Ordinis S.
Benedict! ," tomus iii. , lib. xxxv. , sec. iii. , p. 53-
*3* This and the previous tract were taken from the second tome of Melchior Goldast's '* Rerum Alemanicarum Scriptores," edited at Frankfort-on-the-Maine, A. D. 1606.
=33 Father Peter Francis Chifflet attributes to Raban the book against the Jews, on the authority of a Boherianian manuscript. Yet,
to Amolo, Bishop of Lyons, must this work '*
of right be assigned. See Bellarmin, De
" rum," tomus vii. Mabillon denies on the
Scriptoribus Ecclesiasticis," p. 286.
Ope-
copy of this work was to be found among
With the Philological and Historical Dis-
sertations of Father Philip Labbe, S. J. ,
"Operum," tomus vii. , pp. 282 to 284. Venice edition of 1728, in lol.
=37 In the Abbe " Cursus Com- Migne's
pletus Patrilogias," the works of Raban
Maur are published in six folio volumes, double columns.
the manuscripts of the Colbert Library at "
Paris. See Annales Ordinis S. Benedict! ," tomus iii. , lib. xxxv. , sec. iii. , p. 53.
=^34 a of Raban Dempster gives catalogue
Maur's writings, in " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus ii. , lib. xvi. , num. 1037. pp. 548 to 550.
February 4. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 319
thirtieth year of his age to the very close of his life. =3^ Ever was he inde-
fatigable at study and writing, so that he is proposed as a great example to the monks of Germany, in the beginning of the sixteenth century. So learned and studious were the religious of Raban's time, in France and Germany, that they were not only versed in Latin but in Greek literature.
:
Then was it said in truth " A knowledge of the Scriptures lies in the
monk's cowl. " =39 From the time of Raban's enlightened introduction of liberal
studies and the scholastic exercises, at Fulda, an impetus was given to learn-
ing and piety,24o so that most learned men, especially belonging to the Bene-
dictine institute, spread all over Europe. ^^r But, Raban is declared, to have
been one among the glories of his age, 2Xi^ facile prmceps among the men of
Germany, owing to his wonderful application to study, in his vast range of
knowledge, in his eloquence, in his erudition, in his wisdom, and in the
number, elegance and utility of the works he composed. Before his time, no man had approached him in learning, and after his death, a rival did not
appear in Germany^-^^ to the beginning of the sixteenth century-^^s it may be doubted, if in that nation of great scholarship, even thence to the present time, one equal to Raban could be found. Besides his wonderful and pro- found learning, Raban was still more admirable for his humble and religious life. In the service of God, he toiled by day and night ; and, it is remarked, that he never lost a moment, or an opportunity, to honour and serve the Almighty. His grave conversation was edifying, and therefore this great Pontiff was grateful, acceptable and meritorious in God's sight. While Abbot of Fulda, and Archbishop of Maintz, not alone was the holy prelate exposed to calumnies, contumelies, evil reports and injuries, even from his own subjects, but, he was almost exposed to premature death. For the love of God, however, he bore all adversities with patience, besides he was the meekest of bishops ; and, he not alone refused to visit his rivals and perse- cutors with censures, but, by word or action, he was never known to com- plain of their injustice. The fear and love of God had been a principle to guide his youth, and, in his maturer years, grounded on this rock, he repelled the winds of temptation. His modesty and moderation never permitted his mind or temper to be disturbed ; and, anger never intruded on the evenness ofhisdispositionj while,inthetestimonyofagoodconscience,atalltimes, he rested tranquil in Christ. Constant and regulated in his pious exercises,
fasting, vigil, preaching, alms and prayer were his usual means, for occupying his time. And, when he had reason to believe, that death was gradually approaching, he made still greater efforts to wean his affections from the world, and from its vain deceits. ^^4 When the time ordained for St. Raban's departure approached, it would seem, that he dwelt at a place, known as Vinnicella, Wincella or Wunckel, a village,=^45 on the right bank of the
^38 Trithemius enumerates the order of Raban's works, "non quo sunt editi, sed a nobis collocati. "
^39 Trithemius adds, in reference to the
"
and in his *' De Ecclesi- work, Scriptoribus
asticis. "
=4= Baronius calls him, in words highly
neglect of sacred studies in 1515 :
carum etiam litterarum scientia pariter apud
Germanos et Gallos penitiis defecit. Super- rum," tomus i. , Februarii iv. Vita B. venerunt nova Fratrum instituta Mendican-
tium et novos Studiorum modos cum fami-
Grse-
liari quodam atque campestri genere scri- bendi attulerunt. "
-'^ See the Bollandists'
**
Acta Sancto-
='*° Bellarmine pium ac doctum. "
that Raban was
lib.
="»5 See Mabillon's
sec.
Annales Ordinis S.
says,
"Kque copi,
iii. , cap. iv,, "
13, 14, p. 537.
^4' This Trithemius declares he had shown, Benedicti," tomus iii. , lib. xxxv. , sec. iii. , in " De Viris Illustribus Ord. S. Benedicti," p. 52.
eulogistic, "fulgens Germanise sidus, ac Theologorum verticem. "
Rabani Mauri Archiepiscopi Moguntini, lib.
iii,, cap, iii. , pp. 536, 537. **
^'^ See Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Feb-
ruarii iv.
Vita B. Rabani Mauri Archiepis-
320 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [February 4.
Rhine,aboutthreemilesbelowMayence. Herehewasseizedbyafever,
andconfinedtohisbed. Increasinginitsvirulence,hewasbrought,atlast,
to the extreme agony. Having had some heavenly monition, regarding his
approaching demise, Raban bequeathed his books, partly to Fulda, and
partlytothemonasteryofSt. Alban,withoutthewallsofMayence. Then,
he joyfully prepared to receive the last sacraments of the Church. While
departing to bliss, angels were heard to sing, that as during his pilgrimage this saint deserved to be held in the memory of men, so was he then worthy
to receive the angels' rewards, With prayer he slept sweetly in the Lord,
and, according to John of Trittenhem, in the ninth year of his episcopacy, in the fourth Roman Indiction, and on the sixth of the November Kalends,'*^
A. D. 856. ^47 In one passage of his works, Trithemius states, that Raban, at- tainedthesixty-eighthyearofhisage,atthetimeofhisdeath; yet,thisseems
to conflict with the chronological computation given elsewhere, which must leave St. Raban seventy-one years old, when he departed from this world.
According to Mabillon, he was nearly seventy years old, when he ceased to liyg 248 Yet, the writers of the Literary History of France place his death
at the 4th of February, a. d. 856, and according to their computation, he was then eighty years old. =49 Some writers have placed the death of Raban Maurus, at a. d. 855 ;=5o some have the year 856 for that event ;'5i others again state, that he died a. d. 857. ='52 Trithemius seems to differ, from most other writers, in placing his death, at vi. Kalends of November. By the Annalists^'sa and Calendarists,=54 the 4th day of the month of February is that usually assigned for St. Raban's decease. According to Marianus Scottus,'5S Raban, Archbishop of Mayence, died on the Nones of February, /<f;7a se- cunda. '^^^ The commemoration of St. Hraban, Archbishop of Mayence, is entered by Dempsterj^s? at the 4th of February. ^'ss Camerarius, without any warrant whatever, has placed the festival of St. Raban Maur, at the 4th of January. The German Kalendar has noted the death of the Blessed Raban Maur at the vi. of the October Kalends, or at the 26th day of September. '59 According to his expressed wishes, while alive, after death Raban's remains were brought to Mayence, and buried with great honour in the Church of
St. Albanj^*^" martyr.
=^'
It is thought, by some, that he composed an epitaph
'^ The true date, however, is the 4th of "53 Thus the Annals of Fulda, edited by
February. Chesneus Piiha;us and Freherus, have it. ""
=^+7 Trithemius, Vita S. Rabani Mauri," lib. iii. , cap. iv. , sec. 15.
See, likewise, Mabilion's Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus iii. , lib. xxxv. , sec. iii. , p. 52.
'^''^ See "Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus iii. , lib. xxxv. , sec. iii. , p. 52.
^^4 Thius, Arnold Wion, Dorganius, Men- ard and Ferrarius, "In Generali Catalogo tome V. Neuvieme Siecle, p. 154, and Sanctorum. " Also, Guillelmus, Abbot of Roman Monastery of St. Paul, vAio wrote
*'
trium Scriptorum Germaniee," and in " De Viris Illustribus Ordinis S. Benedicti," lib.
ii. , cap. 39, and Ub. iv. , cap. 81.
'S» 1 hus, as we are informed Lambertus
*45 See
Histoire Literairede la France,"
Table Chronologique, p. 706.
"5° See Trithemius, "In Catalogo Illus-
his Calendar A. D. 1372.
*5S See "Chronicon. " Pertz's " Monu»
menta Germanise Historica," tomus v. , p.
551.
^^^ He was succeeded by Carolus as Arch-
"
Scottus, Sigibertus, the Annals of Fulda,
"
Schasnaburgensis,
In Chronica," Marianus
bishop, and he reigned eight years.
and Trithemius,
cap. iv. , sec. 15.
Marianus Scottus, it must be observed, the
chronicler places his death at A. D. 855. rum," tomus i. , Februarii iv. De B. Rabano Mabillon has inserted his demise under the
year 856. See "Annales Ordinis S. Bene-
dicti," tomus iii. , lib. xxxv. , sec. iii. , p. 52.
"S" Thus Guilielmus Catalogo Testium Veritatis. "
" In
This stood at the south gate of the »" The exact place of his deposition there,
Vita S. lib. Rabani," iii. ,
=s8 ggg
Yet, in Pertz's edition of
Bishop
'S9 See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto-
Eisengrenius,
city.
"^^ in the "
Scoticum. " Menologium "
Forbes' Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p. 191.
x. ,
Mauro. Commentarius sec. praevius,
subs. 54, p. 511.
=^°
February 4. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 321
for himself, and which was afterwards inscribed on his tomb. ^^^ This was a sarcophagus, elevated near the choir wall. A chapel, dedicated to his memory, surrounded it. Thither flocked the faithful in great numbers, and various miracles were wrought at his tomb. Yet, in course of time, these devotions ceased, and the chapel became comparatively deserted. In the year 1515, Cardinal Albert translated the relics of St. Raban Maur and of St. Maximus into the Church of St Maurice, in Halle of Saxony. *^^ During the first year of his Pontificate, Albert, Archbishop of Mayence, according to a pious custom which he observed, having visited the churches of his city,'^-* entered the church of the martyr, St. Alban. Albert, having obtained the sanction of the canons, and the authority of the Holy See, the whole body of Blessed Raban was removed soon after this occasion. ^^5 At Halle, the Blessed Raban Maur's body was brought in solemn procession to the basilica, at the camp or castle of St. Maurice. This seems to be the place, now known as the Castle of Moritzburg, in Halle or Haller-an-der-Saale, a town of Prussian Saxony, siiuated on both sides of the River Saale. Only one wing of that castle now remains, and it is used as a Calvinist Church. '^^ As we have already seen, it may and has been disputed, as to where St. Raban's birth must be referred, and there are writers, who maintain, that he was a native of Scotia. If so, we may fairly enquire, whether he sprung from Major Scotia, or Ireland, or from Minor Scotia, the modern Scotland. Some Scottish writers, indeed, assert—but without a shadow of proof—that he was their
is said to have been in the chapel of Saints
Non meritum aspiciens, sed pietatis opus.
Hraban mihi nomen est, lectio dulcis
Divinse legis semper ubique fuit.
Cui Deus omnipotens tribuas caelestia
regna,
Et veram requiem semper in arce poli. "
=^3
Regarding this translation, Trithemius prepared an account. See Dempster's "Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum,"
tomus ii. , lib. xvi. , num. 1037, p. 551.
="^4 Had it pleased God to spare him, Ma- billon intended to treat about this elevation and translation of St. Raban's body to
"
Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus iii. , lib. xxxv. , sec. iii. , p. 53. He did not live, however, to accomplish this purpose ; but, when he had . commenced the sixth great folio volume
of his Annals, he died, on the feast day of
his patron, St. John the Evangelist, Decem- ber 27th, A. D. 1707. Born in 1632, he was
exactly seventy-five years, one month and four days old, at the time of his death. He brought the Benedictine Annals down to the twelfth century ; and, they were con- tinued, by Father Edmund Martene, to A. D. 1 1 58, where the sixth and last volume closes.
=^5 This event had been commemorated, likewise, by John of Trittenhem in a special
'*
Syntagma. " In it are described the rea- sons for translation, the author, the time and the manner. See John of Trittenhem's
"Vita S. Rabani Mauri," lib. iii. , cap. iv. , sec. 16, 17.
=66
See "Gazetteer of the World," vol. vi. , p. 782.
Y
An-
-^ It is here produced in Latin verse :
" Lector honeste, meam si vis cognoscere vitam,
Tempore mortali discere sic poteris. Urbe quidem hac genitus sum, et sacro
fonte renatus.
In Fulda post haec dogma sacrum di-
dici.
Quo monachus factus seniorum jussa se-
quebar,
Norma mihi vitse regula sancta fuit.
Sed licet incante hanc, nee fixe semper haberem,
Cella tamen mihimet mansio grata fuit. Ast ubi jam plures transissent temporis
Martin and Boniface. See Mabillon's
nales Ordinis S- Benedicti," tomus iii. , lib. XXXV. , sec. iii. , p, 52. —
anni,
Convenere viri vertere fata loci
:
Me abstraxere domo invalidum, Regique tulere,
Poscentes fungi Prsesulis officio,
In quo nee meritum vitae, nee dogma re-
pertum est,
Nee Fastoris opus jure beneplacitum.
Promptus erat animus, sed tardans debile corpus,
Feci, quod poteram, quodqiie Deus de- derat.
Nunc ego te ex tumulo, Frater dilecte, juvando
Commendes Christo me ut precibus Domino ;
Judicis seterni me ut gratia saluet in
sevum,
Vol. II. --No. 6.
"
Saxony, at the proper year. See
322 LIVES 01 THE IRISH SAINTS. [February 4.
countryman. If a Scot, at all, Ireland's claims to his birth seem the most
probable ; for, during Raban's time, learning and piety were troubled by the invasions of the Northmen, at home, while numbers of holy and accomplished Irishmen resorted to the Continent, where a new field was open for their energy and talents. In any case, the Acts of St. Raban Maur cannot fail to inform and to edify every lover of mediaeval learning, and every member of the Universal Church ; whereas, should future writers, with happier efforts than we have been able to exercise, bring the evidences of his birth
and early education more pertinently to Ireland, our country must rejoice in such a discovery, and receive additional honour from a circumstance, reflect- ing so favourably on the genius and holiness of her sons.
Article V. —Reputed Festival of St. Gille, or Gillibert.
[Eleventh and Twelfth Centuries^ The early part of this holy man's life is
involved in complete obscurity. Indeed, it may be said, his very personality
can be called in question. The word Gille or GioUa occurs so frequently, in
our history, as the first part of men's names, that once for all, it may be
necessary to explain its signification. Among the ancient Irish, Giolla
" a
but, it was also assumed, as " a servant. " meaning
youth ;"
Hence, it happened, especially during and after the tenth and eleventh centuries, that families devoted to certain holy persons, called their sons
signified
after them, prefixing the word Giolla, intimating they were to become dedi- cated to, or the servants of, particular saints. After the introduction of
Christianity, we meet many names of men, formed by prefixing those of celebrated saints,^ This word was not only prefixed to the names of saints,
but, likewise, to the name of God,^ of the Lord,3 of Christ,* of Jesus,5 of the
HolyTrinity,^andoftheVirginMary. 7 Sometimes,personswerededicated to the saints, in general,^ and to the angels. 9 These titles were Latinized
into other forms. '° When an adjective, a colour, or of signifying quality
of mind or body is postfixed to Giolla, then it has the ancient signification. " It may be, that the present saint was that Giolla, or Gille, changed to Gille- bert, who presided over the see of Limerick," and who became distinguished for his zeal, while endeavouring to effect reforms, in the Irish ecclesiastical offices and usages of his period. It is probable, he was born about the middle of the eleventh century, or perhaps, at a period somewhat later. It
Mary. "
«
Thus, Giolla-na-Naomh, "the servant of the saints. "
'"
Thus, GioUa-na-naingeal, the servant
oftheangels. "
—' Giolla- Thus, we find,
Article v.
Ailbhe, i. e. , "the servant of St. Ailbhe," GioUa-Aodha, Giolla-Aodhain, Giolla- Breanainn, Giolla- Bhrighde, Giolla-Chao* main, Giolla-Chainnigh, Giolla-Dachaisse, Giolla-Chaoimhgin, Giolla-Chiarainn, Giol-
*°
Thus, Christianus, Marianus, Patricia-
la-Dacholmain, GioUa-Choluim, Giolla- nus, Brigidianus, &c.
" *'
Chomain, Giolla-Chomghaill, GioUa-Dom- " Thus, Giolla-Dubh, the black" or hangairt, Giolla-Finnein, Giolla-Fionnain, black-haired youth ;" GioUa-ruadh, "the Giolla-Mochua, Giolla-Molaisse, Giolla- red-haired youth ;" Giolla-riabhach, "the Moninne, Giolla Phatraig," &c. , &c.
=
" the servant of God. "
swarthy youth;" Giolla-buidhe, "the yel-
Thus,Giolla-De,
•'Thus, GioUa-na-Choimhdhe, "the ser-
youth;" Giolla-odhar, GioUa-maol,
vant of the Lord. "
*Thus, Giolla-Chriost, "the servant of Christ. "
of the Four Masters," vol. iii. , n. (c), pp. 2, 3.
5 Thus, Giolla-Iosa, "the servant of Esbog or Gilla-Espuic. See "History of
Jesus. " Ireland," book ii. , part i. , chap, i,, p. 597. *"
Thus, Giolla-na-Trionoide, "the ser- vant of the Trinity. "
'Thus, Giolla-Muire, "the servant of
O'Mahony's edition, and Acta Sanctorum Hibemiie," viii. Martii. De S. Beoado, &c. , n. 6, p. 563.
low
&c. , &c. See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals
"
Keating and Colgan style him Gilla-
February 4. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 323
has been stated, likewise, that he deserves to rank with the saints. The
anonymous calendar, published by O'Sullivan Beare,'3 enters St. Gilbert, at this day. And Henry Fitzsimon places him, on the list of Irish Saints, as a bishop, at the 4th of February. ^'* He flourished in the eleventh and twelfth centuries,asweunderstandtheallusionsmadetohim. Itisdoubtful,whether he was an Ostman^s or an Irishman, by descent ; but, it is not unlikely, he was a native of Limerick, where the Danes had long been settled, and where they seem very generally to have become Christians, before the time of his birth. There is no reason for supposing, however, that Gille was a Dane ; for, although many Ostmen dwelt in Limerick, at that time, the Irish element was probably very numerous, and the see might have had an Irish bishop to preside over it. The influence of King Muirceartach O'Brian of Thomond, and the usual order of succession, most likely should secure a native prelate for pastor. Several years before his promotion there, Gillibert had travelled abroad,andhethenbecameacquaintedwithSt. Anselm,atRouen. From a letter he wrote to this latter prelate,^^ it would seem, Gillibert had been consecrated in Ireland. Sometime, after having been placed over Limerick, in his letter to Anselm, this celebrated bishop is congratuled, on having, at last, induced the untameable minds of the Normans, to observe the regular decrees of the holy fathers, with regard to the election and consecration of abbotsandbishops,whilehethanksGodforsuchavictory. ^7 Hence,itmay safely be inferred, that Gillebert had been Bishop of Limerick, a. d, 1106, or even before it, since, in that year, Henry I. , King of England, had settled his disputes, and had agreed to terms, regarding the investitures, &c. , with Anselm. ^^ Gillebert adds, that he sends, as a token of his attachment, a little present of twenty-five small pearls, and of some value, ^9 requesting that Anselmshouldnotbeunmindfulinprayerofhim. ^^ Tothisletter,Anselm replied, reminding Gillebert of their mutual affection, after their acquaintance formerly at Rouen, while he is thanked for his present, and for his congratu- lations. Now that he knows of Gillebert having been advanced to the episcopal dignity, Anselm makes bold to request, and even to advise him, as prudence had procured him such a position, that he should exert himself with earnestness, towards correcting and extirpating, so far as he can, whatever may be wrong, and to plant instead, religious and salutary influences. ^"^ He asks, moreover, that Gillebert should secure the co-operation of his king, of the other bishops, and of all others he could influence, to obtain such desir- able advantages. ^* He concludes, by asking for Gillibert's prayers. '^s Dr.
*^ See "Historise Catholicse Ibernias
Compendium," tomus i. , lib. iv. , cap. x. ,
p. 49;
"* See ibid. ^ cap. xii. , p. 54. Capgrave tome xiv. , liv. Ixv. , sect, xlvi. , pp. 86 to
is quoted as an authority.
*s He is assumed to have been so, by
J. J. A. Worsaae, in ** An Account of the Danes and Norwegians in England, Scot- land, and Ireland. " The Norwegians in Ireland, sect, vi. , p. 344.
89.
^9 These were probably of the sort, known
as Irish diamonds, or some of the coloured
and polished stones, used formerly for oma- ments in Ireland.
2° See this epistle, in Ussher's ** Veterum
EpistolarumHibernicarum Sylloge. " Epist.
same place.
^31 Mabillon notes, that besides this work,
Petrusde Marca, Archbishop of Paris,
"
Glossarium Latino- theoriscum in tota biblia veteris et novi Tes- tamenti," which had not then been edited, and a copy of which, Lambecius had taken from the ^nipontan to the Caesarean library.
he wrote a complete
See Lambecius'
"
Commentarii de Biblio- "
theca Csesarea Vindobonensi, tomus ii. , pp. "
415 et seq. Also, Annales Ordinis S.
Benedict! ," tomus iii. , lib. xxxv. , sec. iii. , p. 53-
*3* This and the previous tract were taken from the second tome of Melchior Goldast's '* Rerum Alemanicarum Scriptores," edited at Frankfort-on-the-Maine, A. D. 1606.
=33 Father Peter Francis Chifflet attributes to Raban the book against the Jews, on the authority of a Boherianian manuscript. Yet,
to Amolo, Bishop of Lyons, must this work '*
of right be assigned. See Bellarmin, De
" rum," tomus vii. Mabillon denies on the
Scriptoribus Ecclesiasticis," p. 286.
Ope-
copy of this work was to be found among
With the Philological and Historical Dis-
sertations of Father Philip Labbe, S. J. ,
"Operum," tomus vii. , pp. 282 to 284. Venice edition of 1728, in lol.
=37 In the Abbe " Cursus Com- Migne's
pletus Patrilogias," the works of Raban
Maur are published in six folio volumes, double columns.
the manuscripts of the Colbert Library at "
Paris. See Annales Ordinis S. Benedict! ," tomus iii. , lib. xxxv. , sec. iii. , p. 53.
=^34 a of Raban Dempster gives catalogue
Maur's writings, in " Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum," tomus ii. , lib. xvi. , num. 1037. pp. 548 to 550.
February 4. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 319
thirtieth year of his age to the very close of his life. =3^ Ever was he inde-
fatigable at study and writing, so that he is proposed as a great example to the monks of Germany, in the beginning of the sixteenth century. So learned and studious were the religious of Raban's time, in France and Germany, that they were not only versed in Latin but in Greek literature.
:
Then was it said in truth " A knowledge of the Scriptures lies in the
monk's cowl. " =39 From the time of Raban's enlightened introduction of liberal
studies and the scholastic exercises, at Fulda, an impetus was given to learn-
ing and piety,24o so that most learned men, especially belonging to the Bene-
dictine institute, spread all over Europe. ^^r But, Raban is declared, to have
been one among the glories of his age, 2Xi^ facile prmceps among the men of
Germany, owing to his wonderful application to study, in his vast range of
knowledge, in his eloquence, in his erudition, in his wisdom, and in the
number, elegance and utility of the works he composed. Before his time, no man had approached him in learning, and after his death, a rival did not
appear in Germany^-^^ to the beginning of the sixteenth century-^^s it may be doubted, if in that nation of great scholarship, even thence to the present time, one equal to Raban could be found. Besides his wonderful and pro- found learning, Raban was still more admirable for his humble and religious life. In the service of God, he toiled by day and night ; and, it is remarked, that he never lost a moment, or an opportunity, to honour and serve the Almighty. His grave conversation was edifying, and therefore this great Pontiff was grateful, acceptable and meritorious in God's sight. While Abbot of Fulda, and Archbishop of Maintz, not alone was the holy prelate exposed to calumnies, contumelies, evil reports and injuries, even from his own subjects, but, he was almost exposed to premature death. For the love of God, however, he bore all adversities with patience, besides he was the meekest of bishops ; and, he not alone refused to visit his rivals and perse- cutors with censures, but, by word or action, he was never known to com- plain of their injustice. The fear and love of God had been a principle to guide his youth, and, in his maturer years, grounded on this rock, he repelled the winds of temptation. His modesty and moderation never permitted his mind or temper to be disturbed ; and, anger never intruded on the evenness ofhisdispositionj while,inthetestimonyofagoodconscience,atalltimes, he rested tranquil in Christ. Constant and regulated in his pious exercises,
fasting, vigil, preaching, alms and prayer were his usual means, for occupying his time. And, when he had reason to believe, that death was gradually approaching, he made still greater efforts to wean his affections from the world, and from its vain deceits. ^^4 When the time ordained for St. Raban's departure approached, it would seem, that he dwelt at a place, known as Vinnicella, Wincella or Wunckel, a village,=^45 on the right bank of the
^38 Trithemius enumerates the order of Raban's works, "non quo sunt editi, sed a nobis collocati. "
^39 Trithemius adds, in reference to the
"
and in his *' De Ecclesi- work, Scriptoribus
asticis. "
=4= Baronius calls him, in words highly
neglect of sacred studies in 1515 :
carum etiam litterarum scientia pariter apud
Germanos et Gallos penitiis defecit. Super- rum," tomus i. , Februarii iv. Vita B. venerunt nova Fratrum instituta Mendican-
tium et novos Studiorum modos cum fami-
Grse-
liari quodam atque campestri genere scri- bendi attulerunt. "
-'^ See the Bollandists'
**
Acta Sancto-
='*° Bellarmine pium ac doctum. "
that Raban was
lib.
="»5 See Mabillon's
sec.
Annales Ordinis S.
says,
"Kque copi,
iii. , cap. iv,, "
13, 14, p. 537.
^4' This Trithemius declares he had shown, Benedicti," tomus iii. , lib. xxxv. , sec. iii. , in " De Viris Illustribus Ord. S. Benedicti," p. 52.
eulogistic, "fulgens Germanise sidus, ac Theologorum verticem. "
Rabani Mauri Archiepiscopi Moguntini, lib.
iii,, cap, iii. , pp. 536, 537. **
^'^ See Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Feb-
ruarii iv.
Vita B. Rabani Mauri Archiepis-
320 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [February 4.
Rhine,aboutthreemilesbelowMayence. Herehewasseizedbyafever,
andconfinedtohisbed. Increasinginitsvirulence,hewasbrought,atlast,
to the extreme agony. Having had some heavenly monition, regarding his
approaching demise, Raban bequeathed his books, partly to Fulda, and
partlytothemonasteryofSt. Alban,withoutthewallsofMayence. Then,
he joyfully prepared to receive the last sacraments of the Church. While
departing to bliss, angels were heard to sing, that as during his pilgrimage this saint deserved to be held in the memory of men, so was he then worthy
to receive the angels' rewards, With prayer he slept sweetly in the Lord,
and, according to John of Trittenhem, in the ninth year of his episcopacy, in the fourth Roman Indiction, and on the sixth of the November Kalends,'*^
A. D. 856. ^47 In one passage of his works, Trithemius states, that Raban, at- tainedthesixty-eighthyearofhisage,atthetimeofhisdeath; yet,thisseems
to conflict with the chronological computation given elsewhere, which must leave St. Raban seventy-one years old, when he departed from this world.
According to Mabillon, he was nearly seventy years old, when he ceased to liyg 248 Yet, the writers of the Literary History of France place his death
at the 4th of February, a. d. 856, and according to their computation, he was then eighty years old. =49 Some writers have placed the death of Raban Maurus, at a. d. 855 ;=5o some have the year 856 for that event ;'5i others again state, that he died a. d. 857. ='52 Trithemius seems to differ, from most other writers, in placing his death, at vi. Kalends of November. By the Annalists^'sa and Calendarists,=54 the 4th day of the month of February is that usually assigned for St. Raban's decease. According to Marianus Scottus,'5S Raban, Archbishop of Mayence, died on the Nones of February, /<f;7a se- cunda. '^^^ The commemoration of St. Hraban, Archbishop of Mayence, is entered by Dempsterj^s? at the 4th of February. ^'ss Camerarius, without any warrant whatever, has placed the festival of St. Raban Maur, at the 4th of January. The German Kalendar has noted the death of the Blessed Raban Maur at the vi. of the October Kalends, or at the 26th day of September. '59 According to his expressed wishes, while alive, after death Raban's remains were brought to Mayence, and buried with great honour in the Church of
St. Albanj^*^" martyr.
=^'
It is thought, by some, that he composed an epitaph
'^ The true date, however, is the 4th of "53 Thus the Annals of Fulda, edited by
February. Chesneus Piiha;us and Freherus, have it. ""
=^+7 Trithemius, Vita S. Rabani Mauri," lib. iii. , cap. iv. , sec. 15.
See, likewise, Mabilion's Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus iii. , lib. xxxv. , sec. iii. , p. 52.
'^''^ See "Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus iii. , lib. xxxv. , sec. iii. , p. 52.
^^4 Thius, Arnold Wion, Dorganius, Men- ard and Ferrarius, "In Generali Catalogo tome V. Neuvieme Siecle, p. 154, and Sanctorum. " Also, Guillelmus, Abbot of Roman Monastery of St. Paul, vAio wrote
*'
trium Scriptorum Germaniee," and in " De Viris Illustribus Ordinis S. Benedicti," lib.
ii. , cap. 39, and Ub. iv. , cap. 81.
'S» 1 hus, as we are informed Lambertus
*45 See
Histoire Literairede la France,"
Table Chronologique, p. 706.
"5° See Trithemius, "In Catalogo Illus-
his Calendar A. D. 1372.
*5S See "Chronicon. " Pertz's " Monu»
menta Germanise Historica," tomus v. , p.
551.
^^^ He was succeeded by Carolus as Arch-
"
Scottus, Sigibertus, the Annals of Fulda,
"
Schasnaburgensis,
In Chronica," Marianus
bishop, and he reigned eight years.
and Trithemius,
cap. iv. , sec. 15.
Marianus Scottus, it must be observed, the
chronicler places his death at A. D. 855. rum," tomus i. , Februarii iv. De B. Rabano Mabillon has inserted his demise under the
year 856. See "Annales Ordinis S. Bene-
dicti," tomus iii. , lib. xxxv. , sec. iii. , p. 52.
"S" Thus Guilielmus Catalogo Testium Veritatis. "
" In
This stood at the south gate of the »" The exact place of his deposition there,
Vita S. lib. Rabani," iii. ,
=s8 ggg
Yet, in Pertz's edition of
Bishop
'S9 See the Bollandists' "Acta Sancto-
Eisengrenius,
city.
"^^ in the "
Scoticum. " Menologium "
Forbes' Kalendars of Scottish Saints," p. 191.
x. ,
Mauro. Commentarius sec. praevius,
subs. 54, p. 511.
=^°
February 4. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 321
for himself, and which was afterwards inscribed on his tomb. ^^^ This was a sarcophagus, elevated near the choir wall. A chapel, dedicated to his memory, surrounded it. Thither flocked the faithful in great numbers, and various miracles were wrought at his tomb. Yet, in course of time, these devotions ceased, and the chapel became comparatively deserted. In the year 1515, Cardinal Albert translated the relics of St. Raban Maur and of St. Maximus into the Church of St Maurice, in Halle of Saxony. *^^ During the first year of his Pontificate, Albert, Archbishop of Mayence, according to a pious custom which he observed, having visited the churches of his city,'^-* entered the church of the martyr, St. Alban. Albert, having obtained the sanction of the canons, and the authority of the Holy See, the whole body of Blessed Raban was removed soon after this occasion. ^^5 At Halle, the Blessed Raban Maur's body was brought in solemn procession to the basilica, at the camp or castle of St. Maurice. This seems to be the place, now known as the Castle of Moritzburg, in Halle or Haller-an-der-Saale, a town of Prussian Saxony, siiuated on both sides of the River Saale. Only one wing of that castle now remains, and it is used as a Calvinist Church. '^^ As we have already seen, it may and has been disputed, as to where St. Raban's birth must be referred, and there are writers, who maintain, that he was a native of Scotia. If so, we may fairly enquire, whether he sprung from Major Scotia, or Ireland, or from Minor Scotia, the modern Scotland. Some Scottish writers, indeed, assert—but without a shadow of proof—that he was their
is said to have been in the chapel of Saints
Non meritum aspiciens, sed pietatis opus.
Hraban mihi nomen est, lectio dulcis
Divinse legis semper ubique fuit.
Cui Deus omnipotens tribuas caelestia
regna,
Et veram requiem semper in arce poli. "
=^3
Regarding this translation, Trithemius prepared an account. See Dempster's "Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum,"
tomus ii. , lib. xvi. , num. 1037, p. 551.
="^4 Had it pleased God to spare him, Ma- billon intended to treat about this elevation and translation of St. Raban's body to
"
Annales Ordinis S. Benedicti," tomus iii. , lib. xxxv. , sec. iii. , p. 53. He did not live, however, to accomplish this purpose ; but, when he had . commenced the sixth great folio volume
of his Annals, he died, on the feast day of
his patron, St. John the Evangelist, Decem- ber 27th, A. D. 1707. Born in 1632, he was
exactly seventy-five years, one month and four days old, at the time of his death. He brought the Benedictine Annals down to the twelfth century ; and, they were con- tinued, by Father Edmund Martene, to A. D. 1 1 58, where the sixth and last volume closes.
=^5 This event had been commemorated, likewise, by John of Trittenhem in a special
'*
Syntagma. " In it are described the rea- sons for translation, the author, the time and the manner. See John of Trittenhem's
"Vita S. Rabani Mauri," lib. iii. , cap. iv. , sec. 16, 17.
=66
See "Gazetteer of the World," vol. vi. , p. 782.
Y
An-
-^ It is here produced in Latin verse :
" Lector honeste, meam si vis cognoscere vitam,
Tempore mortali discere sic poteris. Urbe quidem hac genitus sum, et sacro
fonte renatus.
In Fulda post haec dogma sacrum di-
dici.
Quo monachus factus seniorum jussa se-
quebar,
Norma mihi vitse regula sancta fuit.
Sed licet incante hanc, nee fixe semper haberem,
Cella tamen mihimet mansio grata fuit. Ast ubi jam plures transissent temporis
Martin and Boniface. See Mabillon's
nales Ordinis S- Benedicti," tomus iii. , lib. XXXV. , sec. iii. , p, 52. —
anni,
Convenere viri vertere fata loci
:
Me abstraxere domo invalidum, Regique tulere,
Poscentes fungi Prsesulis officio,
In quo nee meritum vitae, nee dogma re-
pertum est,
Nee Fastoris opus jure beneplacitum.
Promptus erat animus, sed tardans debile corpus,
Feci, quod poteram, quodqiie Deus de- derat.
Nunc ego te ex tumulo, Frater dilecte, juvando
Commendes Christo me ut precibus Domino ;
Judicis seterni me ut gratia saluet in
sevum,
Vol. II. --No. 6.
"
Saxony, at the proper year. See
322 LIVES 01 THE IRISH SAINTS. [February 4.
countryman. If a Scot, at all, Ireland's claims to his birth seem the most
probable ; for, during Raban's time, learning and piety were troubled by the invasions of the Northmen, at home, while numbers of holy and accomplished Irishmen resorted to the Continent, where a new field was open for their energy and talents. In any case, the Acts of St. Raban Maur cannot fail to inform and to edify every lover of mediaeval learning, and every member of the Universal Church ; whereas, should future writers, with happier efforts than we have been able to exercise, bring the evidences of his birth
and early education more pertinently to Ireland, our country must rejoice in such a discovery, and receive additional honour from a circumstance, reflect- ing so favourably on the genius and holiness of her sons.
Article V. —Reputed Festival of St. Gille, or Gillibert.
[Eleventh and Twelfth Centuries^ The early part of this holy man's life is
involved in complete obscurity. Indeed, it may be said, his very personality
can be called in question. The word Gille or GioUa occurs so frequently, in
our history, as the first part of men's names, that once for all, it may be
necessary to explain its signification. Among the ancient Irish, Giolla
" a
but, it was also assumed, as " a servant. " meaning
youth ;"
Hence, it happened, especially during and after the tenth and eleventh centuries, that families devoted to certain holy persons, called their sons
signified
after them, prefixing the word Giolla, intimating they were to become dedi- cated to, or the servants of, particular saints. After the introduction of
Christianity, we meet many names of men, formed by prefixing those of celebrated saints,^ This word was not only prefixed to the names of saints,
but, likewise, to the name of God,^ of the Lord,3 of Christ,* of Jesus,5 of the
HolyTrinity,^andoftheVirginMary. 7 Sometimes,personswerededicated to the saints, in general,^ and to the angels. 9 These titles were Latinized
into other forms. '° When an adjective, a colour, or of signifying quality
of mind or body is postfixed to Giolla, then it has the ancient signification. " It may be, that the present saint was that Giolla, or Gille, changed to Gille- bert, who presided over the see of Limerick," and who became distinguished for his zeal, while endeavouring to effect reforms, in the Irish ecclesiastical offices and usages of his period. It is probable, he was born about the middle of the eleventh century, or perhaps, at a period somewhat later. It
Mary. "
«
Thus, Giolla-na-Naomh, "the servant of the saints. "
'"
Thus, GioUa-na-naingeal, the servant
oftheangels. "
—' Giolla- Thus, we find,
Article v.
Ailbhe, i. e. , "the servant of St. Ailbhe," GioUa-Aodha, Giolla-Aodhain, Giolla- Breanainn, Giolla- Bhrighde, Giolla-Chao* main, Giolla-Chainnigh, Giolla-Dachaisse, Giolla-Chaoimhgin, Giolla-Chiarainn, Giol-
*°
Thus, Christianus, Marianus, Patricia-
la-Dacholmain, GioUa-Choluim, Giolla- nus, Brigidianus, &c.
" *'
Chomain, Giolla-Chomghaill, GioUa-Dom- " Thus, Giolla-Dubh, the black" or hangairt, Giolla-Finnein, Giolla-Fionnain, black-haired youth ;" GioUa-ruadh, "the Giolla-Mochua, Giolla-Molaisse, Giolla- red-haired youth ;" Giolla-riabhach, "the Moninne, Giolla Phatraig," &c. , &c.
=
" the servant of God. "
swarthy youth;" Giolla-buidhe, "the yel-
Thus,Giolla-De,
•'Thus, GioUa-na-Choimhdhe, "the ser-
youth;" Giolla-odhar, GioUa-maol,
vant of the Lord. "
*Thus, Giolla-Chriost, "the servant of Christ. "
of the Four Masters," vol. iii. , n. (c), pp. 2, 3.
5 Thus, Giolla-Iosa, "the servant of Esbog or Gilla-Espuic. See "History of
Jesus. " Ireland," book ii. , part i. , chap, i,, p. 597. *"
Thus, Giolla-na-Trionoide, "the ser- vant of the Trinity. "
'Thus, Giolla-Muire, "the servant of
O'Mahony's edition, and Acta Sanctorum Hibemiie," viii. Martii. De S. Beoado, &c. , n. 6, p. 563.
low
&c. , &c. See Dr. O'Donovan's "Annals
"
Keating and Colgan style him Gilla-
February 4. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 323
has been stated, likewise, that he deserves to rank with the saints. The
anonymous calendar, published by O'Sullivan Beare,'3 enters St. Gilbert, at this day. And Henry Fitzsimon places him, on the list of Irish Saints, as a bishop, at the 4th of February. ^'* He flourished in the eleventh and twelfth centuries,asweunderstandtheallusionsmadetohim. Itisdoubtful,whether he was an Ostman^s or an Irishman, by descent ; but, it is not unlikely, he was a native of Limerick, where the Danes had long been settled, and where they seem very generally to have become Christians, before the time of his birth. There is no reason for supposing, however, that Gille was a Dane ; for, although many Ostmen dwelt in Limerick, at that time, the Irish element was probably very numerous, and the see might have had an Irish bishop to preside over it. The influence of King Muirceartach O'Brian of Thomond, and the usual order of succession, most likely should secure a native prelate for pastor. Several years before his promotion there, Gillibert had travelled abroad,andhethenbecameacquaintedwithSt. Anselm,atRouen. From a letter he wrote to this latter prelate,^^ it would seem, Gillibert had been consecrated in Ireland. Sometime, after having been placed over Limerick, in his letter to Anselm, this celebrated bishop is congratuled, on having, at last, induced the untameable minds of the Normans, to observe the regular decrees of the holy fathers, with regard to the election and consecration of abbotsandbishops,whilehethanksGodforsuchavictory. ^7 Hence,itmay safely be inferred, that Gillebert had been Bishop of Limerick, a. d, 1106, or even before it, since, in that year, Henry I. , King of England, had settled his disputes, and had agreed to terms, regarding the investitures, &c. , with Anselm. ^^ Gillebert adds, that he sends, as a token of his attachment, a little present of twenty-five small pearls, and of some value, ^9 requesting that Anselmshouldnotbeunmindfulinprayerofhim. ^^ Tothisletter,Anselm replied, reminding Gillebert of their mutual affection, after their acquaintance formerly at Rouen, while he is thanked for his present, and for his congratu- lations. Now that he knows of Gillebert having been advanced to the episcopal dignity, Anselm makes bold to request, and even to advise him, as prudence had procured him such a position, that he should exert himself with earnestness, towards correcting and extirpating, so far as he can, whatever may be wrong, and to plant instead, religious and salutary influences. ^"^ He asks, moreover, that Gillebert should secure the co-operation of his king, of the other bishops, and of all others he could influence, to obtain such desir- able advantages. ^* He concludes, by asking for Gillibert's prayers. '^s Dr.
*^ See "Historise Catholicse Ibernias
Compendium," tomus i. , lib. iv. , cap. x. ,
p. 49;
"* See ibid. ^ cap. xii. , p. 54. Capgrave tome xiv. , liv. Ixv. , sect, xlvi. , pp. 86 to
is quoted as an authority.
*s He is assumed to have been so, by
J. J. A. Worsaae, in ** An Account of the Danes and Norwegians in England, Scot- land, and Ireland. " The Norwegians in Ireland, sect, vi. , p. 344.
89.
^9 These were probably of the sort, known
as Irish diamonds, or some of the coloured
and polished stones, used formerly for oma- ments in Ireland.
2° See this epistle, in Ussher's ** Veterum
EpistolarumHibernicarum Sylloge. " Epist.
