Whether his consecration as bishop followed soon
afterwards
or not seems to be undetermined; but, some writers refer his consecration to a.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v7
The holy Abbot told him, that
to go abroad for the service of souls was not returning to the world, but that
it was a work, most agreeable to God, and therefore, that he ought not decline
it. " I desire said the " but the will of God and I feel nothing," saint, ;
myself ready to do anything for his greater glory, and for the salvation of souls. " Having thus given vent to his interior desires, he immediately despatched the messengers to state, that he should leave on the day follow- ing. Samson and a young deacon, as his companion, set out on a couple of horsesforhisfather'spalace. Theypassedthroughavastwood,accordingtothe Legend, and the hooting of the owls, as also the various strange sounds of an Unpeopled land, filled both with alarm, but especially the young deacon. They saw an old woman 9 emerge from the forest, with wildly flowing grey hair, and with a huge boar-spear in her hand. The deacon screamed to Samson, not to be afraid, but beat his owr n horse, and the
rough
sped along
road at a tearing gallop, until his horse stumbled ; he was thrown, and he fell stunned on the road. Samson crossed himself, and desiring the pursuer to stay her course, he caught the evil woman. She was a witch, and he asked her who she was. He then ordered her to restore his friend to conscious- ness,andbecauseshewasunabletodoso,hekilledher; thinkinghedidGod a service, in ridding the world ofa witch. The young deacon was afterwards
restored to and both consciousness,
" You wera
their nottohavebeentransfixedwithhergreatspear,"saidSamson. Inhisflight,
the deacon had lost his cloak. However, Samson had picked it up and then
restored it to him. 10 When Samson came to his father, after a journey
of three days, it was found he was ill, in soul, as also in body, because Anion
concealed a mortal sin, which he had formerly committed. This, however, he
now confessed, openly in the presence of his wife, his son and the deacon.
Thereupon, being absolved, he effectually resolved on a penitential life, for
the future. With the consent of his wife, and which she readily gave, he pro-
mised to spend the remainder of his days in a monastery. This promise,
after his recovery, Anion fulfilled. His wife Anna also embraced the same
11
kind of life.
They both joined in offering the rest of their children to God's
here related occurred while he was in the monastery of St. Iltut.
9 In the Latin Life of St. Samson, she is
"
able to effect any good. This legend, in its chief features, seems to confirm the Celtic traditions of evil spirits haunting their prime-
val woods, and meditating only mischief against those who disturbed their solitudes,
10
See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of the Saints," vol. vii. , July 28, p. 605.
" She formed afterwards a religious corn-
munity of women, and lived holily with them for the rest ol her life. See Les Petits Bollan-
distes, "Vies des Saints," tome ix. , xxviiic Jour de Juillet, p. 84.
Theomacha," and she explained, that her family were prevaricators, and that she alone of their evil race remained in the wood, to which she had been confined. This evil wood-spirit also stated, that her husband had died there, that her mother and eight sisters still lived in a forest far apart, that
from her infancy she had practised nothing but what was sinful, and that she was not
called
pursued
journey.
lucky
holy service. These wereplaced under the care of Samson, their lirst-born. Sam-
son prophetically told them, that his brothers, indeed, should all be very good,
and that they should become the servants of God; but, he stated, that his little
July 28. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 413 sister would follow the world, and its vanities. This prediction afterwards
12
happened, as he had declared.
The example set by Anion and Anna was imitated by their near relations
Umbrafel and his wife Afrella, with their three children. All of these,
renouncing their worldly possessions, adopted a suggestion of the saint, to found religious houses. They agreed to do so, and exacted from him a pro- mise, that he should assist at their consecration. To this request he willingly assented,andthenSamsonblessedhiswholefamily. Oftheothermembershe took leave; but Samson, his father, his uncle and the deacon, travelled onwards to St. Piro's monastery, yet by a different route from that heretofore pursued. On their way, according to the Legend of our saint's Life, while Anion went before, he noticed the trail of a large serpent on the withered grass, and his brother Umbrafel was informed, that the dreaded monster was known to be lurking in that wood. However, he was encouraged not to fear, as their souls were then wholly given to God. Then St. Samson, who learned what they had been talking about, consoled them by quoting the words of Christ : "Amen, I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, remove from hence to yonder place, and it shall
" Elect of God, it shallbebetter,thatyoudonotgoalone; therefore,permitmetoaccompany
" I not returned the you. " go alone,"
and
to wait a while, and to pray, as he was about to advance, while they were to
remove;
nothing
shall be
impossible
keep silence regarding the issue. His uncle then said
:
saint,
you remain here, until I return victorious. " The Legend relates, that
Samson then advanced, and soon the dragon appeared creeping along over the desert plain, having his crest erect, and vomiting flames of fire. Then,
Samson began to recite the whole Psalm " The Lord is my light and my
:
salvation, whom shall I fear. " 1 * On seeing Samson, the dragon turned in
dread, as if to seek a hiding place, and there hissing, he gnawed and tore his own body. When the saint approached, he drew a circle round the serpent, with his staff, while at the same time he recited the Psalm: "Praise ye the God of gods," &c. ' 5 Then inviting his companions to come, and to witness the wonders of Divine Omnipotence, they approached to behold the serpent creeping tardily, and faintly moving within that circle, unable to raise his head, or to venture beyond it. Afterwards, Samson spent the rest of that day on the spot, while instructing his attendants regarding the Gospel precepts, and the necessity of having faith in the Creator, who would not suffer the malignant creature to injure them. The day being nearly spent, he doomed the serpent to die in their presence, before proceeding on the
thanks to the the travellers then Almighty,
rest of their 16 long journey.
Giving
pursued their journey together, and on the third day these reached the monas-
tery of St. Piro. There, too, they found holy Dubricius, who was accus-
tomed to spend the Lent on his Island. The latter received them very joy-
fully, and especially did he console St. Samson's father and uncle with
words of spiritual encouragement, in return for the temporal sacrifices
1 they had made. ?
St. Dubricius took some pains to learn from the Deacon, who had accom-
12
See Bishop Challoner's "Britannia arcumque de se inepte faciens, evomuit
Sancta," part ii. , pp. 42, 43. 13 St. Matt. xvii. 19. 14SeePsalmsxxvi.
15 See Psalms exxxv. 2.
16 We then read: "Nee mora,
supra caudam stans, caputque sursum levans,
omne venenum, et mortuus est. "
*7 See "Acta Sanctorum," totnus vi. ,
Juliixxviii. DeS. SamsoneEpiscopeConf. Dolae in Britannia Armorica. Vita S. Sam-
to
See Right Rev. Patrick F. Moran's
serpens
sonis, cap. l8
iii. ,
pp. 579
581.
to x3 He then directed them you. "
"when God is with but, do me;
4i4
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 28.
panied St. Samson, all the particulars of their late journey. He was charmed with those virtues and miracles wrought by our saint, and believing that every thing should prosper there for the monks under his management, Samson was appointed baker for the monastery. In this humble position, he did not escape the censures and envy of one who had preceded him in office; but, so far from the injury intended being hurtful to his reputation, it actually brought his merits into clearer light, and Bishop Dubricius eagerly desired, that he should be elevated to a higher position in that religious establishment.
According to one account, the sudden death of St. Piro was owing to an unfortunate accident, by which he stumbled into a deep pit of water, whence he was drawn alive. His death, however, followed that same night. Others state, that Piro left Wales, and went to Ireland. When St. Kieran desired to
return,
it is
said,
to
Saigher,
18 Samson was
unanimously
chosen as over Abbot,
the monastery, in St. Piro's Island. It would seem his strict ideas regarding rule
and discipline were not pleasing to many among the monks, although he
laboured with great suavity of manner to enforce his authority. These immortified brothers deemed their abbot to be more fitted for leading a her-
mit'slife,thanfordirectingareligiouscommunity. Inhisturn,St. Samson thus succeeded St. Piro, over the government of that house, where he ruled for a year and a-half. 1 ? He seta great example of self-restraint ; for, while meals were served at table, he always retired from it, both hungry and thirsty.
At this time, the fame of Irish scholarship was very much extended, espe- cially throughout Britain, and many of the natives there, desiring to perfect themselves in learning, had passed over to our Island. The peculiarities of
his station, and a longing to effect greater good, urged St. Samson to desire
a change of position. His stay as an abbot in Wales was not very long ; for, about the year 516, having been visited by some most skilful and learned Irish monks, for further improvement in the way of God, he went over with them to Ireland. 20 He had obtained permission, likewise, from Bishop Dubricius, who hoped, moreover, that he should derive great benefit by a courseofstudyinitsschools. 21 Thezealousmissionarywasurgedtoremain as a there
dwelling.
and example, to all that came near him, but he refused this proffered dignity.
Samson instructed great numbers in the way of everlasting salvation, and
confirmed his doctrine by great miracles. He cured many who were blind,
he healed many lepers, while he released many persons possessed by the
devil. In Ireland, he applied himelf to the acquisition of sacred and profane
learning. There Samson was received by all the religious, whose acquaint-
ance he formed, as if he had been an Angel, sent by the Lord. He rested
monastery called, ;' but, at this distance of time, it does not seem practicable to identify the sea- port thus denominated. 2 « The stay of St. Samson in Ireland was not for a very long time, when he was prepared again for a return to Britain. While
abbot,by religiouscommunity
22 He word preachedby
in a for a time near the sea-coast. It is in Arce Aetride 3
"
Early Irish Missions," No. i. , p. 27.
19 Yet, his Life in tlie Book of Llandaff
nis S. Benedicti," tomus i. , saec. i. Vita S.
Samsonis, cap. xxxviii.
2i The Right Rev. Patrick F. Moran calls
this Rath Airthir. Sec "Early Irish Missions," No. i. , p. 27.
s* In some Manuscript copies of our saint's Acts, the name is written Etri /Etri, and Ethri. The circumstances after- wards narrated in the text lead forcibly to the conclusion, that the place must have been in the northern part of Ireland.
states, that he presided for three years and a-half.
20 See Mabillon's "Acta Sanctorum Ordi-
nis S. Benedicti," tomus i. , soec. i. Vita S.
Samsonis, cap. xxxvii.
21
e
Saints," tome ix. , xxviii Jour de Juillet,
p. 85.
23
See Mabillon'sj" Acta Sanctorum Ordi-
SeeLesPetitsBollandistes "Viesdes
July 28. ] LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. 415
waiting a passage, and the vessel being ready to sail, a favourable wind came from the north. The sailors then desired him to come on board, but Samson answered : "We should first have God's permission before we embark. " This greatly displeased them, but he said : "Go in peace, but as God wills it, returning to-day, we shall equally sail on to-morrow. " It so happened, that some sort of insanity had attacked an Abbot living in a neighbouring monastery, and messengers came to Samson to ask his pious intervention. He found the afflicted man bound, on his arrival ; but, soon was he restored bythesainttohisreasonandtohealth,bothofbodyandofmind. On recovery, he not only gave his monastery but all his substance to Samson. He even resolved to follow our saint to Britain, and thenceforth, he became
2
a constant companion. s Although refusing to become abbot there, Samson
promised the monks to send them a suitable person to be their superior ;
then bestowing his blessing on them, he proceeded to the port, where he expected to find the ship. Those who had left on the previous day found
the wind to veer suddenly in an opposite direction, and they were obliged to return. Now, feeling assured, that Samson had been inspired, they waited
his approach, and they expected a change of wind the next day. On his return from Ireland, Samson brought with him two horses, which appear to
The wind*»had changed for the
Island, in which Samson had previously lived.
Finding his father and his uncle on returning to Wales excelling in devotion
all the other brethren, he sent the latter relative to take the management of that
monastic institution in Ireland, and which had been transferred to him by
the former abbot. His uncle Umbrafel said, with great humility : "You
know, elect of God, that at your suggestion, we have left all carnal affections,
and that as you are altogether spiritual, so ought we to follow you not car-
" You brother indeed,
Then his uncle meekly
have been intended to draw his chariot.
desired 26 on that direction, early
he went on and a board, having
morning
prosperous voyage, on the day after their departure, their vessel reached that
but
Umbrafel, shall become an exile and a pilgrim. "
nally
spiritually. "
replied :
:
priest,
Then Samson
" Thanks be to God. " At this time, he was not a
but Samson
said
knew by Divine revelation, that he should become one in after time. He thenpartedforIreland,havingreceivedoursaint'sblessing. Withhisfather
2
and two other companions, ^ Samson journeyed to a wild desert on the
shores of the River Severn. Leaving his fellow travellers in a castle which they had there discovered, he goes further into the wilderness, and dwells in a secret cave which had an opening towards the east. There he lived a life of great abstinence, holding intercourse with angels, and every Lord's day visitingthethreebrotherswhom. hehadleftinthecastle. 28 There,too,Samson led an exceedingly mortified life ; he only consumed one loaf of bread each week, and his thirst was satisfied by a draught of water, procured from a well, which had first flowed from the earth, where his staff ha—d been fixed in the
whence it At the sprung.
of a 29 said to have been synod
ground
25 Regarding him, the old writer of St.
"
Samson's Life observes :
dem acta, et bonam conversationem post ruinam scio, sed nomen nescio. Referenti- bus autem mini de eo litteris transmarinis supra jam insignitis, in Penetale monasterio quievisse, atque inibi optimam et arduam vitam duxisse, certum teneo. "
26 See Les Petits Bollandistes' "Viesdes e
Saints," tome ix. , xxviii Jour de Juillet, p. 85.
8? See
"
of the Royal Institution
cujus bona qui-
who accompanied Samson from Ireland, and the brother of that priest, who had borne an evil mind towards him.
28 "At a time that I was in Britain," says the old writer, " the place was held in great reverence, and an oratory was built on the spot where holy Samson was wont to cele- brate Mass and to hold communion with
Christ every Sabbath day. "
request
2? These are said to have been, that Abbot
Journal
416 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 28.
held at Caerleon 3° by St. Dubricius—he became Abbot over a monastery founded by St. Germanus. Those ecclesiastics, who took part in it, con- sidered he should not devote himself alone to self-sacrifice and self-sanctifica- tion. Accordingly, he was summoned thither, and he obeyed the order. Then he reluctantly assumed the office, which had been imposed on him.
Whether his consecration as bishop followed soon afterwards or not seems to be undetermined; but, some writers refer his consecration to a. d. 520, with- out his having been assigned to any fixed See. 31 While ruling over the monastery of St. Germanus, the latter holy prelate is said by some writers to have consecrated him as bishop, about the year 550. If this be admitted, such an incident must have happened, only a few years before the death of the venerable Archbishop. However, we find a very different account of this eventinhislife, asrelatedbytheoldwriterofhisActs.
ThewholecareerofSt. Samsonwasillustratedbymiracles. Onaparticular night, he had a vision, when he saw a great number of persons surrounding him, and among these were three bishops, having glittering mitres on their heads, and clothed in rich vestments. As they were entering a church, Samson humbly yet eagerly asked their names, and he was told, that they were St. Peter, St. James, the brother of our Lord, and St. John the Evangelist, and that they had been specially s^pt by our Lord Jesus Christ, to confirm the elect priest ofGod. Then,theyproceededindueformthroughthewholepontificalser- vice of his consecration, and having received their benediction, those bishops departed. On awaking, Samson had a conviction, that he had beeen con- secrated as bishop. The day appointed for his consecration had been fixed, itappears,fortheFeastdenominatedCathedraS. Petri. 32 ThelearnedArch- bishop Ussher totally errs, when he states, that St. Samson was set in the Cathedra B. Petri Apostoli. 33 According to an ancient decree and usage in the Cambrian Church, three bishops should be present to perform that function ; two were already appointed to assist, while the third consecrating bishop had not yet been named. However, St. Dubricius had a vision, in which an angel declared, that he should be the consecrating bishop, and that Samson should afterwards become an Archbishop. Whereupon, full of joy, Dubricius caused the chiefs of his congregation to understand what he had both seen and heard. Allthenagreed,heshouldbetheconsecratingprelate. Whenthetimearrived, behold a new miracle ! While Dubricius and his assistants were engaged at the ceremonies, a white dove appeared once more, and it remained immove- ableaboveSt. Samson'shead. 3* Amurmurofsurpriseescapedfromthewhole congregation, who witnessed this vision ; but the dove remained motionless and undisturbed, until the ceremonies were over. 35 Besides this portent,
Dubricius and his two assistants saw fire proceeding from the mouth and nostrils of Samson, while he sung the Mass. Moreover, from the first day of his
of Cornwall, 1869," No. x. , Chronicles of Cornish Saints, by the Rev. John Adams, M. A. , iv. S. Samson.
St. Peter's chair at Rome had been assigned to the 18th of January.
"
3i Sec
30 See Bishop Challoner's "Britannia quitates," cap. x. , p. 277.
"
31 See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of Saints," tome ix. , xxviii Jour dc Juillet,
Sancta,"part ii. , p. 42. 34 See Les Petits Bollandisles,
Vies des
the Fathers, Martyrs, and other principal Saints," vol. vii. , July xxviii.
32 In the early times of the Church, this festival was celebrated on the 22nd of Feb-
p. 87.
3s See Mabillon's "Acta Sanctorum
Ordinis S. Benedicti. " Vita S. Gildie, cap. v. , tomus i. , sax. i. , p. 1 30.
** See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi. , Julii de Sanctis, xv. Formerly, both the Antio- xxviii. I)e S. Samsone Episcopo Conf. chian and Roman feast of St. Peter's chair Dolae in Britannia At morica. Vila S. Sam-
fell on that day. In later ages, the feast of sonis, cap. , iv. , v. , pp. 581 to 584.
ruary.
See " S. Sermo Opera," Augustini,
Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Anti-
July 28. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 417
ordination as priest, whenever he chaunted the liturgy of the Holy Sacrifice,
Angels were present at the Altar, and they were seen by him. Even they
frequently broke the clean oblation with him, as he held the Bread of Angels
6
C H APTER II I.
A DEMONIAC HEALED IJY ST. SAMSON—THROUGH A VISION, SAMSON IS ADMONISHED TO LEAVE THE GREATER FOR THE LESSER BRITTANY—FOR A TIME HE RESIDES IN CORNWALL, WHERE MANY MIRACLES ARE WROUGHT—HE ARRIVES IN FRANCE —HIS RELIGIOUS HABITATION AT DOL—HIS INTERFERENCE ON BEHALF OF DISTRESSED PERSONS—HIS RECEPTION AT COURT BY KING CHILDEBERT—THE SEE OF DOL.
At one time, when St. Samson visited Bishop Dubricius, who had been in bad
health, the latter asked him to receive a certain Deacon, named Morinus. When
Samson saw that person, placing a sign of the cross on his forehead, accord-
ing to a usual custom, he then took that Deacon by the hand, and bestowed
onhimthekissofpeace. Afterawhile,inpresenceofDubriciusandofthe
"
in his hands. 3
Fishermen take into the net, dear Father, all the fish they can catch in the sea, and when these are landed, they separate the good from the bad. " Whereupon, Dubricius looked solemn and rather displeased, as he had a great regard for that Deacon, and he had entrusted him with the discharge of duties, requiring great care and trust. Yet, Samson had a Divine inspira- tion, regarding the future of that Deacon, whom he nevertheless received. The Legend relates, that a demon took possession of him, but Samson prayed for his release. Soon the afflicted cleric raged and foamed, when a fever attacked him, and he became delirious. This being notified to Samson, the
latter hastened to his bedside. On seeing him, the demoniac cried out : " Come, come, I entreat you, elect of God, and beseech your Lord for me, that I perish not ; for, on account of your miraculous virtue, and on account of my secret sins now unveiled, I am exhibited as unworthy to dwell with the saints, because from my infancy to this time, I have practised magic arts. Forthatdemon youhaveseenonmyshoulderhasbeenalwaysmyteacher, and he had caused me to indulge in habits most odious to the Almighty, and unknowntomen,untilthisverymoment. But,now,Iamnotlongerper- mitted to live in wickedness, and therefore, I beseech you, to pray the Lord our Saviour for my soul's redemption, even though it suffer torments. " He then made an open confession of all his sins, and poured forth floods of tears. Afterwards, he seemed more composed, and from that moment forward, the Deacon spoke not a word ; but, towards the middle of the night, while assist- ants prayed around his bedside, life departed. In the morning, Samson directed his body to be conveyed without the monastery, and to be buried. The holy man's charity ceased not, in constant prayer, and in fasting for three days and three nights, while he shed tears and beseeching the Almighty not to cast off the departed for ever, but to grant him rest, after his crimes had been penitentially expiated. When falling asleep after much fatigue, Samson had a vision, in which he was directed to bring the body within the monastery, when having celebrated Masses for the offending brother, full release from his sins
Chapter hi. —' In the Legend, he is an apparition presenting theappearance ofa represented as having been an iEthiops, or negro.
Deacon, he said :
ID
4 i8 LIVES OF 1HE IRISH SAINTS. [July 28.
hadbeenobtained. Atthattime,hissoulhadbeenadmittedtothehappinessof Heaven. 2 OneEasternightywhileSamsonwassingingtheMass,inanecstasy of fervour he fell into a trance, and then he saw a tall man appear, surrounded with a halo of glory, at his side. At first, surprised by such an apparition, the saint trembled, but he was soon reassured, when he heard these words
:
addressed to him " Be comforted, O saint of God, and have courage, for
thou art devoted to the Lord and beloved by him. Wherefore, without any fear, listen to the message of the Almighty, which I am commissioned to speak. Thou art not destined to remain any longer in this country, for thou must become a pilgrim, while in another place beyond the sea shalt thou be exalted in the Church, and be worthy of superior sacerdotal dignity. " These and other words of encouragement that Angel spoke, until the brothers arrived to assist at the morning office, when he took leave and in a graceful mannerleftSt. Samson. Thelatternowlearned,thatthroughHisheavenly messenger, the Almighty thus bade him to leave Wales and to part for Armo- rica. 4 Deeming that such a vision was not devoid of providential direction, the holy man revolved all that he had heard and seen in mind, and in a spirit of trust and faith, his resolution was soon formed. When the Easter office ended, he made instant preparations to visit his mother and his aunt. According to a promise he had long before given them, he now consecrated their churches and religious establishments. He also rejoiced, because his father and brothers were living most edifying lives in religion. But, it appears, that his sister had lapsed into grievous sin, and that she lived in a publiclyscandalousmanner. Notwithstandingthenearrelationship,hewas most reluctantly obliged to conquer fraternal affection and to excommunicate her.
His relatives and disciples were greatly distressed, when he resolved on leaving Greater Britain. However, he bade them farewell, when many persons accompanied him to a certain monastery called Doct,s in the Latin Life. Arriving there, he asked to be introduced to one of the wisest monks among
6
them, when one Juniavus, or Viniavus, or Vivianus, was brought to him, as
having the reputation of being divinely inspired, and as having the spirit of prophecy. On their first meeting, this man greeted Samson with profound respect, and gave thanks to God for his arrival. After a little conversation, themonkaskedthemotiveforSt. Samson'sjourney,andonlearningit, he
declared, that on no account should the holy pilgrim delay in prosecuting his travels, and that he should give praise to the Lord in the words of the Gospel. To a request, that he might be permitted to remain for a short time in their monastery, the monk replied, it was not expedient, that he should do so, for the monks there had relaxed their former rigorous rule, while Samson was
2 Such is the substance of an account, con- tained in what is called the Second Book of St. Samson's Acts. This appears to have been a Latin Lection or Sermon, delivered on his festival, to certain brethren who are addressed in it ; a great part of this dis- course is very diffuse and rhetorical, while the relation of a few legends, during his life- time and after his death, referring to St. Samson, is all it contains. See the Bollan- dists' "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi. , Julii
xxviii. De S.
Conf. Dolse in Britannia Armoi ica, num. 7, 8, 9,
p. 589-
Samsone^ Episcopo
3 The meaning attaching to the words,
" cum quadam nocte Paschre Missam canta- ret," has the signification, that this happened during a dark hour in the morning.
4 Tigernomail—or whoever wrote the
Latin Life of our saint
Samson's father, "utnarrare postea suum patrem audivimus. " But, perhaps, the
writer means, that Enoch, his authority, heard this from Amwh.
s it is difficult to identify this place, in any part of Cornwall.
6 to a difference of in According writing,
variousLivesofSt. Samson. Thewriterof
tne Life, as published by the Bollandists, has "Juniavum nomine, qui et ipse Britannica
—was told all this
by
July 28. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 419
so very perfect, that his rest among them should become a subject of reproach rather than of edification for them. Wherefore, he was recommended to pro- ceed in peace. However, he was destined to show forth the power of God, before he took shipping for the Continent. Whereupon, filled with admiration on account of the learning and wisdom of that devout monk, his admonition was received by Samson as if it had been an oracle from Heaven. Accordingly, there he left that ship, which had conveyed him to the place. He then filled a cart with his books and vestments. He harnessed to it the two horses which he had brought from Ireland, 7 and he knew not whither to move, but as the Lord directed. In obedience to the Divine command, Samson had crossed the Severn sea, with his cousin St. Maglorius, and many other — He is said to have been about
of assigned to a. d. 522 by some 8 when he had resolved on leaving Greater for Lesser Brittany. The time of his arrival in Cornwall was shortly after his consecration as bishop, and it should seem to coincide with the period of St. Petrock 9 and of St. Constantine;10 so that we may suppose, these three holy men often held spiritual conferences together. Memorials of their dwelling on Cornish soil still remain, and contiguous one to the other
pious companions. — forty-one years age at this period
near the northern coast.
On his journey, Samson proceeded and passed by a certain village
called Tricurium, where on the left hand side, he saw men worshipping in a
fane," and with profane rites, an abominable idol standing on the summit of
a lofty hill. 12 He then desired his company to wait, and to be silent, when
descendingfromhischariot. Takingtwocompanionswithhim,hehastened
to that spot, and gently admonished the idolaters and Guedian their chief,
that instead of adoring an image, they ought to worship the one God, who
created all things. Guedian, then told the man of God, that the people were
not guilty of " mathematics"—meaning magic—for with the stone they were
only playing and making merry. But, it was a relic of paganism, which
Samsoncouldnotendure,andheutteredthreatsofDivinevengeance. His
exhortations were received in a variety of ways, by the assembled multitude;
some deemed his interference with their worship inexcusable and deserving
their reproof; some were indignant ; o—thers mocked him ; while a few seemed
to take his pious admonitions seriously and the more especially, when the
power of God was manifested through him. Two remarkable miracles are
connected with those incidents ; one that of a boy, who had fallen from his
horse in the idolatrous village, and who had broken his neck, while his neigh-
boursbewailedsuchamisfortune. However,Samsontookoccasiontoobserve:
"
See, if your idol can lend any help to this dead youth ? but, if you promise to adore it no longer, I shall restore him to life, through God's assistance. " This request was agreed to by the multitude present, and Samson ordered
them to retire, until he had prayed for nearly two hours. Afterwards, in pre- sence of the multitude, the boy revived. Count Guedian and all his people
lingua cum illis Lux vocitabatur. "
7 See Right Rev. Patrick F. Moran's
" Probably one of those upright circular stone enclosures, which are to be found in Cornwall, as elsewhere in Great Britain and Ireland.
""Onthatmountain,"saysthenarrator, "I have myself been, and I have adored and have felt with my own hand the sign of the cross, which holy Samson himself en- graved with iron on a stone which stands there. "
I3 According to the Liber Landaven-
sis.
'* Dean Cressy maintains the affirmative
" Early Irish Missions," No. i. , p. 27. 8"
See Baillet's Les Vies des Saints,"
&c,tomevii. , xxviii. JourdeJuillet, sect.
iv. , pp. 808, 809. AParis, 1 701 et seq. t 8vo. Twelve Tomes.
9 His feast is held on the 4th of June. See at that date the Sixth Volume of this work, for his Acts, Art. ii.
10 See his Acts, in the Third Volume of this work, at the nth of March, the date for his festival, Art. ii.
42o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 28.
at once fell on their knees before Samson, and afterwards they utterly destroyed their former idol.
to go abroad for the service of souls was not returning to the world, but that
it was a work, most agreeable to God, and therefore, that he ought not decline
it. " I desire said the " but the will of God and I feel nothing," saint, ;
myself ready to do anything for his greater glory, and for the salvation of souls. " Having thus given vent to his interior desires, he immediately despatched the messengers to state, that he should leave on the day follow- ing. Samson and a young deacon, as his companion, set out on a couple of horsesforhisfather'spalace. Theypassedthroughavastwood,accordingtothe Legend, and the hooting of the owls, as also the various strange sounds of an Unpeopled land, filled both with alarm, but especially the young deacon. They saw an old woman 9 emerge from the forest, with wildly flowing grey hair, and with a huge boar-spear in her hand. The deacon screamed to Samson, not to be afraid, but beat his owr n horse, and the
rough
sped along
road at a tearing gallop, until his horse stumbled ; he was thrown, and he fell stunned on the road. Samson crossed himself, and desiring the pursuer to stay her course, he caught the evil woman. She was a witch, and he asked her who she was. He then ordered her to restore his friend to conscious- ness,andbecauseshewasunabletodoso,hekilledher; thinkinghedidGod a service, in ridding the world ofa witch. The young deacon was afterwards
restored to and both consciousness,
" You wera
their nottohavebeentransfixedwithhergreatspear,"saidSamson. Inhisflight,
the deacon had lost his cloak. However, Samson had picked it up and then
restored it to him. 10 When Samson came to his father, after a journey
of three days, it was found he was ill, in soul, as also in body, because Anion
concealed a mortal sin, which he had formerly committed. This, however, he
now confessed, openly in the presence of his wife, his son and the deacon.
Thereupon, being absolved, he effectually resolved on a penitential life, for
the future. With the consent of his wife, and which she readily gave, he pro-
mised to spend the remainder of his days in a monastery. This promise,
after his recovery, Anion fulfilled. His wife Anna also embraced the same
11
kind of life.
They both joined in offering the rest of their children to God's
here related occurred while he was in the monastery of St. Iltut.
9 In the Latin Life of St. Samson, she is
"
able to effect any good. This legend, in its chief features, seems to confirm the Celtic traditions of evil spirits haunting their prime-
val woods, and meditating only mischief against those who disturbed their solitudes,
10
See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of the Saints," vol. vii. , July 28, p. 605.
" She formed afterwards a religious corn-
munity of women, and lived holily with them for the rest ol her life. See Les Petits Bollan-
distes, "Vies des Saints," tome ix. , xxviiic Jour de Juillet, p. 84.
Theomacha," and she explained, that her family were prevaricators, and that she alone of their evil race remained in the wood, to which she had been confined. This evil wood-spirit also stated, that her husband had died there, that her mother and eight sisters still lived in a forest far apart, that
from her infancy she had practised nothing but what was sinful, and that she was not
called
pursued
journey.
lucky
holy service. These wereplaced under the care of Samson, their lirst-born. Sam-
son prophetically told them, that his brothers, indeed, should all be very good,
and that they should become the servants of God; but, he stated, that his little
July 28. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 413 sister would follow the world, and its vanities. This prediction afterwards
12
happened, as he had declared.
The example set by Anion and Anna was imitated by their near relations
Umbrafel and his wife Afrella, with their three children. All of these,
renouncing their worldly possessions, adopted a suggestion of the saint, to found religious houses. They agreed to do so, and exacted from him a pro- mise, that he should assist at their consecration. To this request he willingly assented,andthenSamsonblessedhiswholefamily. Oftheothermembershe took leave; but Samson, his father, his uncle and the deacon, travelled onwards to St. Piro's monastery, yet by a different route from that heretofore pursued. On their way, according to the Legend of our saint's Life, while Anion went before, he noticed the trail of a large serpent on the withered grass, and his brother Umbrafel was informed, that the dreaded monster was known to be lurking in that wood. However, he was encouraged not to fear, as their souls were then wholly given to God. Then St. Samson, who learned what they had been talking about, consoled them by quoting the words of Christ : "Amen, I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, remove from hence to yonder place, and it shall
" Elect of God, it shallbebetter,thatyoudonotgoalone; therefore,permitmetoaccompany
" I not returned the you. " go alone,"
and
to wait a while, and to pray, as he was about to advance, while they were to
remove;
nothing
shall be
impossible
keep silence regarding the issue. His uncle then said
:
saint,
you remain here, until I return victorious. " The Legend relates, that
Samson then advanced, and soon the dragon appeared creeping along over the desert plain, having his crest erect, and vomiting flames of fire. Then,
Samson began to recite the whole Psalm " The Lord is my light and my
:
salvation, whom shall I fear. " 1 * On seeing Samson, the dragon turned in
dread, as if to seek a hiding place, and there hissing, he gnawed and tore his own body. When the saint approached, he drew a circle round the serpent, with his staff, while at the same time he recited the Psalm: "Praise ye the God of gods," &c. ' 5 Then inviting his companions to come, and to witness the wonders of Divine Omnipotence, they approached to behold the serpent creeping tardily, and faintly moving within that circle, unable to raise his head, or to venture beyond it. Afterwards, Samson spent the rest of that day on the spot, while instructing his attendants regarding the Gospel precepts, and the necessity of having faith in the Creator, who would not suffer the malignant creature to injure them. The day being nearly spent, he doomed the serpent to die in their presence, before proceeding on the
thanks to the the travellers then Almighty,
rest of their 16 long journey.
Giving
pursued their journey together, and on the third day these reached the monas-
tery of St. Piro. There, too, they found holy Dubricius, who was accus-
tomed to spend the Lent on his Island. The latter received them very joy-
fully, and especially did he console St. Samson's father and uncle with
words of spiritual encouragement, in return for the temporal sacrifices
1 they had made. ?
St. Dubricius took some pains to learn from the Deacon, who had accom-
12
See Bishop Challoner's "Britannia arcumque de se inepte faciens, evomuit
Sancta," part ii. , pp. 42, 43. 13 St. Matt. xvii. 19. 14SeePsalmsxxvi.
15 See Psalms exxxv. 2.
16 We then read: "Nee mora,
supra caudam stans, caputque sursum levans,
omne venenum, et mortuus est. "
*7 See "Acta Sanctorum," totnus vi. ,
Juliixxviii. DeS. SamsoneEpiscopeConf. Dolae in Britannia Armorica. Vita S. Sam-
to
See Right Rev. Patrick F. Moran's
serpens
sonis, cap. l8
iii. ,
pp. 579
581.
to x3 He then directed them you. "
"when God is with but, do me;
4i4
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 28.
panied St. Samson, all the particulars of their late journey. He was charmed with those virtues and miracles wrought by our saint, and believing that every thing should prosper there for the monks under his management, Samson was appointed baker for the monastery. In this humble position, he did not escape the censures and envy of one who had preceded him in office; but, so far from the injury intended being hurtful to his reputation, it actually brought his merits into clearer light, and Bishop Dubricius eagerly desired, that he should be elevated to a higher position in that religious establishment.
According to one account, the sudden death of St. Piro was owing to an unfortunate accident, by which he stumbled into a deep pit of water, whence he was drawn alive. His death, however, followed that same night. Others state, that Piro left Wales, and went to Ireland. When St. Kieran desired to
return,
it is
said,
to
Saigher,
18 Samson was
unanimously
chosen as over Abbot,
the monastery, in St. Piro's Island. It would seem his strict ideas regarding rule
and discipline were not pleasing to many among the monks, although he
laboured with great suavity of manner to enforce his authority. These immortified brothers deemed their abbot to be more fitted for leading a her-
mit'slife,thanfordirectingareligiouscommunity. Inhisturn,St. Samson thus succeeded St. Piro, over the government of that house, where he ruled for a year and a-half. 1 ? He seta great example of self-restraint ; for, while meals were served at table, he always retired from it, both hungry and thirsty.
At this time, the fame of Irish scholarship was very much extended, espe- cially throughout Britain, and many of the natives there, desiring to perfect themselves in learning, had passed over to our Island. The peculiarities of
his station, and a longing to effect greater good, urged St. Samson to desire
a change of position. His stay as an abbot in Wales was not very long ; for, about the year 516, having been visited by some most skilful and learned Irish monks, for further improvement in the way of God, he went over with them to Ireland. 20 He had obtained permission, likewise, from Bishop Dubricius, who hoped, moreover, that he should derive great benefit by a courseofstudyinitsschools. 21 Thezealousmissionarywasurgedtoremain as a there
dwelling.
and example, to all that came near him, but he refused this proffered dignity.
Samson instructed great numbers in the way of everlasting salvation, and
confirmed his doctrine by great miracles. He cured many who were blind,
he healed many lepers, while he released many persons possessed by the
devil. In Ireland, he applied himelf to the acquisition of sacred and profane
learning. There Samson was received by all the religious, whose acquaint-
ance he formed, as if he had been an Angel, sent by the Lord. He rested
monastery called, ;' but, at this distance of time, it does not seem practicable to identify the sea- port thus denominated. 2 « The stay of St. Samson in Ireland was not for a very long time, when he was prepared again for a return to Britain. While
abbot,by religiouscommunity
22 He word preachedby
in a for a time near the sea-coast. It is in Arce Aetride 3
"
Early Irish Missions," No. i. , p. 27.
19 Yet, his Life in tlie Book of Llandaff
nis S. Benedicti," tomus i. , saec. i. Vita S.
Samsonis, cap. xxxviii.
2i The Right Rev. Patrick F. Moran calls
this Rath Airthir. Sec "Early Irish Missions," No. i. , p. 27.
s* In some Manuscript copies of our saint's Acts, the name is written Etri /Etri, and Ethri. The circumstances after- wards narrated in the text lead forcibly to the conclusion, that the place must have been in the northern part of Ireland.
states, that he presided for three years and a-half.
20 See Mabillon's "Acta Sanctorum Ordi-
nis S. Benedicti," tomus i. , soec. i. Vita S.
Samsonis, cap. xxxvii.
21
e
Saints," tome ix. , xxviii Jour de Juillet,
p. 85.
23
See Mabillon'sj" Acta Sanctorum Ordi-
SeeLesPetitsBollandistes "Viesdes
July 28. ] LIVES OE THE IRISH SAINTS. 415
waiting a passage, and the vessel being ready to sail, a favourable wind came from the north. The sailors then desired him to come on board, but Samson answered : "We should first have God's permission before we embark. " This greatly displeased them, but he said : "Go in peace, but as God wills it, returning to-day, we shall equally sail on to-morrow. " It so happened, that some sort of insanity had attacked an Abbot living in a neighbouring monastery, and messengers came to Samson to ask his pious intervention. He found the afflicted man bound, on his arrival ; but, soon was he restored bythesainttohisreasonandtohealth,bothofbodyandofmind. On recovery, he not only gave his monastery but all his substance to Samson. He even resolved to follow our saint to Britain, and thenceforth, he became
2
a constant companion. s Although refusing to become abbot there, Samson
promised the monks to send them a suitable person to be their superior ;
then bestowing his blessing on them, he proceeded to the port, where he expected to find the ship. Those who had left on the previous day found
the wind to veer suddenly in an opposite direction, and they were obliged to return. Now, feeling assured, that Samson had been inspired, they waited
his approach, and they expected a change of wind the next day. On his return from Ireland, Samson brought with him two horses, which appear to
The wind*»had changed for the
Island, in which Samson had previously lived.
Finding his father and his uncle on returning to Wales excelling in devotion
all the other brethren, he sent the latter relative to take the management of that
monastic institution in Ireland, and which had been transferred to him by
the former abbot. His uncle Umbrafel said, with great humility : "You
know, elect of God, that at your suggestion, we have left all carnal affections,
and that as you are altogether spiritual, so ought we to follow you not car-
" You brother indeed,
Then his uncle meekly
have been intended to draw his chariot.
desired 26 on that direction, early
he went on and a board, having
morning
prosperous voyage, on the day after their departure, their vessel reached that
but
Umbrafel, shall become an exile and a pilgrim. "
nally
spiritually. "
replied :
:
priest,
Then Samson
" Thanks be to God. " At this time, he was not a
but Samson
said
knew by Divine revelation, that he should become one in after time. He thenpartedforIreland,havingreceivedoursaint'sblessing. Withhisfather
2
and two other companions, ^ Samson journeyed to a wild desert on the
shores of the River Severn. Leaving his fellow travellers in a castle which they had there discovered, he goes further into the wilderness, and dwells in a secret cave which had an opening towards the east. There he lived a life of great abstinence, holding intercourse with angels, and every Lord's day visitingthethreebrotherswhom. hehadleftinthecastle. 28 There,too,Samson led an exceedingly mortified life ; he only consumed one loaf of bread each week, and his thirst was satisfied by a draught of water, procured from a well, which had first flowed from the earth, where his staff ha—d been fixed in the
whence it At the sprung.
of a 29 said to have been synod
ground
25 Regarding him, the old writer of St.
"
Samson's Life observes :
dem acta, et bonam conversationem post ruinam scio, sed nomen nescio. Referenti- bus autem mini de eo litteris transmarinis supra jam insignitis, in Penetale monasterio quievisse, atque inibi optimam et arduam vitam duxisse, certum teneo. "
26 See Les Petits Bollandistes' "Viesdes e
Saints," tome ix. , xxviii Jour de Juillet, p. 85.
8? See
"
of the Royal Institution
cujus bona qui-
who accompanied Samson from Ireland, and the brother of that priest, who had borne an evil mind towards him.
28 "At a time that I was in Britain," says the old writer, " the place was held in great reverence, and an oratory was built on the spot where holy Samson was wont to cele- brate Mass and to hold communion with
Christ every Sabbath day. "
request
2? These are said to have been, that Abbot
Journal
416 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 28.
held at Caerleon 3° by St. Dubricius—he became Abbot over a monastery founded by St. Germanus. Those ecclesiastics, who took part in it, con- sidered he should not devote himself alone to self-sacrifice and self-sanctifica- tion. Accordingly, he was summoned thither, and he obeyed the order. Then he reluctantly assumed the office, which had been imposed on him.
Whether his consecration as bishop followed soon afterwards or not seems to be undetermined; but, some writers refer his consecration to a. d. 520, with- out his having been assigned to any fixed See. 31 While ruling over the monastery of St. Germanus, the latter holy prelate is said by some writers to have consecrated him as bishop, about the year 550. If this be admitted, such an incident must have happened, only a few years before the death of the venerable Archbishop. However, we find a very different account of this eventinhislife, asrelatedbytheoldwriterofhisActs.
ThewholecareerofSt. Samsonwasillustratedbymiracles. Onaparticular night, he had a vision, when he saw a great number of persons surrounding him, and among these were three bishops, having glittering mitres on their heads, and clothed in rich vestments. As they were entering a church, Samson humbly yet eagerly asked their names, and he was told, that they were St. Peter, St. James, the brother of our Lord, and St. John the Evangelist, and that they had been specially s^pt by our Lord Jesus Christ, to confirm the elect priest ofGod. Then,theyproceededindueformthroughthewholepontificalser- vice of his consecration, and having received their benediction, those bishops departed. On awaking, Samson had a conviction, that he had beeen con- secrated as bishop. The day appointed for his consecration had been fixed, itappears,fortheFeastdenominatedCathedraS. Petri. 32 ThelearnedArch- bishop Ussher totally errs, when he states, that St. Samson was set in the Cathedra B. Petri Apostoli. 33 According to an ancient decree and usage in the Cambrian Church, three bishops should be present to perform that function ; two were already appointed to assist, while the third consecrating bishop had not yet been named. However, St. Dubricius had a vision, in which an angel declared, that he should be the consecrating bishop, and that Samson should afterwards become an Archbishop. Whereupon, full of joy, Dubricius caused the chiefs of his congregation to understand what he had both seen and heard. Allthenagreed,heshouldbetheconsecratingprelate. Whenthetimearrived, behold a new miracle ! While Dubricius and his assistants were engaged at the ceremonies, a white dove appeared once more, and it remained immove- ableaboveSt. Samson'shead. 3* Amurmurofsurpriseescapedfromthewhole congregation, who witnessed this vision ; but the dove remained motionless and undisturbed, until the ceremonies were over. 35 Besides this portent,
Dubricius and his two assistants saw fire proceeding from the mouth and nostrils of Samson, while he sung the Mass. Moreover, from the first day of his
of Cornwall, 1869," No. x. , Chronicles of Cornish Saints, by the Rev. John Adams, M. A. , iv. S. Samson.
St. Peter's chair at Rome had been assigned to the 18th of January.
"
3i Sec
30 See Bishop Challoner's "Britannia quitates," cap. x. , p. 277.
"
31 See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of Saints," tome ix. , xxviii Jour dc Juillet,
Sancta,"part ii. , p. 42. 34 See Les Petits Bollandisles,
Vies des
the Fathers, Martyrs, and other principal Saints," vol. vii. , July xxviii.
32 In the early times of the Church, this festival was celebrated on the 22nd of Feb-
p. 87.
3s See Mabillon's "Acta Sanctorum
Ordinis S. Benedicti. " Vita S. Gildie, cap. v. , tomus i. , sax. i. , p. 1 30.
** See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi. , Julii de Sanctis, xv. Formerly, both the Antio- xxviii. I)e S. Samsone Episcopo Conf. chian and Roman feast of St. Peter's chair Dolae in Britannia At morica. Vila S. Sam-
fell on that day. In later ages, the feast of sonis, cap. , iv. , v. , pp. 581 to 584.
ruary.
See " S. Sermo Opera," Augustini,
Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Anti-
July 28. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 417
ordination as priest, whenever he chaunted the liturgy of the Holy Sacrifice,
Angels were present at the Altar, and they were seen by him. Even they
frequently broke the clean oblation with him, as he held the Bread of Angels
6
C H APTER II I.
A DEMONIAC HEALED IJY ST. SAMSON—THROUGH A VISION, SAMSON IS ADMONISHED TO LEAVE THE GREATER FOR THE LESSER BRITTANY—FOR A TIME HE RESIDES IN CORNWALL, WHERE MANY MIRACLES ARE WROUGHT—HE ARRIVES IN FRANCE —HIS RELIGIOUS HABITATION AT DOL—HIS INTERFERENCE ON BEHALF OF DISTRESSED PERSONS—HIS RECEPTION AT COURT BY KING CHILDEBERT—THE SEE OF DOL.
At one time, when St. Samson visited Bishop Dubricius, who had been in bad
health, the latter asked him to receive a certain Deacon, named Morinus. When
Samson saw that person, placing a sign of the cross on his forehead, accord-
ing to a usual custom, he then took that Deacon by the hand, and bestowed
onhimthekissofpeace. Afterawhile,inpresenceofDubriciusandofthe
"
in his hands. 3
Fishermen take into the net, dear Father, all the fish they can catch in the sea, and when these are landed, they separate the good from the bad. " Whereupon, Dubricius looked solemn and rather displeased, as he had a great regard for that Deacon, and he had entrusted him with the discharge of duties, requiring great care and trust. Yet, Samson had a Divine inspira- tion, regarding the future of that Deacon, whom he nevertheless received. The Legend relates, that a demon took possession of him, but Samson prayed for his release. Soon the afflicted cleric raged and foamed, when a fever attacked him, and he became delirious. This being notified to Samson, the
latter hastened to his bedside. On seeing him, the demoniac cried out : " Come, come, I entreat you, elect of God, and beseech your Lord for me, that I perish not ; for, on account of your miraculous virtue, and on account of my secret sins now unveiled, I am exhibited as unworthy to dwell with the saints, because from my infancy to this time, I have practised magic arts. Forthatdemon youhaveseenonmyshoulderhasbeenalwaysmyteacher, and he had caused me to indulge in habits most odious to the Almighty, and unknowntomen,untilthisverymoment. But,now,Iamnotlongerper- mitted to live in wickedness, and therefore, I beseech you, to pray the Lord our Saviour for my soul's redemption, even though it suffer torments. " He then made an open confession of all his sins, and poured forth floods of tears. Afterwards, he seemed more composed, and from that moment forward, the Deacon spoke not a word ; but, towards the middle of the night, while assist- ants prayed around his bedside, life departed. In the morning, Samson directed his body to be conveyed without the monastery, and to be buried. The holy man's charity ceased not, in constant prayer, and in fasting for three days and three nights, while he shed tears and beseeching the Almighty not to cast off the departed for ever, but to grant him rest, after his crimes had been penitentially expiated. When falling asleep after much fatigue, Samson had a vision, in which he was directed to bring the body within the monastery, when having celebrated Masses for the offending brother, full release from his sins
Chapter hi. —' In the Legend, he is an apparition presenting theappearance ofa represented as having been an iEthiops, or negro.
Deacon, he said :
ID
4 i8 LIVES OF 1HE IRISH SAINTS. [July 28.
hadbeenobtained. Atthattime,hissoulhadbeenadmittedtothehappinessof Heaven. 2 OneEasternightywhileSamsonwassingingtheMass,inanecstasy of fervour he fell into a trance, and then he saw a tall man appear, surrounded with a halo of glory, at his side. At first, surprised by such an apparition, the saint trembled, but he was soon reassured, when he heard these words
:
addressed to him " Be comforted, O saint of God, and have courage, for
thou art devoted to the Lord and beloved by him. Wherefore, without any fear, listen to the message of the Almighty, which I am commissioned to speak. Thou art not destined to remain any longer in this country, for thou must become a pilgrim, while in another place beyond the sea shalt thou be exalted in the Church, and be worthy of superior sacerdotal dignity. " These and other words of encouragement that Angel spoke, until the brothers arrived to assist at the morning office, when he took leave and in a graceful mannerleftSt. Samson. Thelatternowlearned,thatthroughHisheavenly messenger, the Almighty thus bade him to leave Wales and to part for Armo- rica. 4 Deeming that such a vision was not devoid of providential direction, the holy man revolved all that he had heard and seen in mind, and in a spirit of trust and faith, his resolution was soon formed. When the Easter office ended, he made instant preparations to visit his mother and his aunt. According to a promise he had long before given them, he now consecrated their churches and religious establishments. He also rejoiced, because his father and brothers were living most edifying lives in religion. But, it appears, that his sister had lapsed into grievous sin, and that she lived in a publiclyscandalousmanner. Notwithstandingthenearrelationship,hewas most reluctantly obliged to conquer fraternal affection and to excommunicate her.
His relatives and disciples were greatly distressed, when he resolved on leaving Greater Britain. However, he bade them farewell, when many persons accompanied him to a certain monastery called Doct,s in the Latin Life. Arriving there, he asked to be introduced to one of the wisest monks among
6
them, when one Juniavus, or Viniavus, or Vivianus, was brought to him, as
having the reputation of being divinely inspired, and as having the spirit of prophecy. On their first meeting, this man greeted Samson with profound respect, and gave thanks to God for his arrival. After a little conversation, themonkaskedthemotiveforSt. Samson'sjourney,andonlearningit, he
declared, that on no account should the holy pilgrim delay in prosecuting his travels, and that he should give praise to the Lord in the words of the Gospel. To a request, that he might be permitted to remain for a short time in their monastery, the monk replied, it was not expedient, that he should do so, for the monks there had relaxed their former rigorous rule, while Samson was
2 Such is the substance of an account, con- tained in what is called the Second Book of St. Samson's Acts. This appears to have been a Latin Lection or Sermon, delivered on his festival, to certain brethren who are addressed in it ; a great part of this dis- course is very diffuse and rhetorical, while the relation of a few legends, during his life- time and after his death, referring to St. Samson, is all it contains. See the Bollan- dists' "Acta Sanctorum," tomus vi. , Julii
xxviii. De S.
Conf. Dolse in Britannia Armoi ica, num. 7, 8, 9,
p. 589-
Samsone^ Episcopo
3 The meaning attaching to the words,
" cum quadam nocte Paschre Missam canta- ret," has the signification, that this happened during a dark hour in the morning.
4 Tigernomail—or whoever wrote the
Latin Life of our saint
Samson's father, "utnarrare postea suum patrem audivimus. " But, perhaps, the
writer means, that Enoch, his authority, heard this from Amwh.
s it is difficult to identify this place, in any part of Cornwall.
6 to a difference of in According writing,
variousLivesofSt. Samson. Thewriterof
tne Life, as published by the Bollandists, has "Juniavum nomine, qui et ipse Britannica
—was told all this
by
July 28. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 419
so very perfect, that his rest among them should become a subject of reproach rather than of edification for them. Wherefore, he was recommended to pro- ceed in peace. However, he was destined to show forth the power of God, before he took shipping for the Continent. Whereupon, filled with admiration on account of the learning and wisdom of that devout monk, his admonition was received by Samson as if it had been an oracle from Heaven. Accordingly, there he left that ship, which had conveyed him to the place. He then filled a cart with his books and vestments. He harnessed to it the two horses which he had brought from Ireland, 7 and he knew not whither to move, but as the Lord directed. In obedience to the Divine command, Samson had crossed the Severn sea, with his cousin St. Maglorius, and many other — He is said to have been about
of assigned to a. d. 522 by some 8 when he had resolved on leaving Greater for Lesser Brittany. The time of his arrival in Cornwall was shortly after his consecration as bishop, and it should seem to coincide with the period of St. Petrock 9 and of St. Constantine;10 so that we may suppose, these three holy men often held spiritual conferences together. Memorials of their dwelling on Cornish soil still remain, and contiguous one to the other
pious companions. — forty-one years age at this period
near the northern coast.
On his journey, Samson proceeded and passed by a certain village
called Tricurium, where on the left hand side, he saw men worshipping in a
fane," and with profane rites, an abominable idol standing on the summit of
a lofty hill. 12 He then desired his company to wait, and to be silent, when
descendingfromhischariot. Takingtwocompanionswithhim,hehastened
to that spot, and gently admonished the idolaters and Guedian their chief,
that instead of adoring an image, they ought to worship the one God, who
created all things. Guedian, then told the man of God, that the people were
not guilty of " mathematics"—meaning magic—for with the stone they were
only playing and making merry. But, it was a relic of paganism, which
Samsoncouldnotendure,andheutteredthreatsofDivinevengeance. His
exhortations were received in a variety of ways, by the assembled multitude;
some deemed his interference with their worship inexcusable and deserving
their reproof; some were indignant ; o—thers mocked him ; while a few seemed
to take his pious admonitions seriously and the more especially, when the
power of God was manifested through him. Two remarkable miracles are
connected with those incidents ; one that of a boy, who had fallen from his
horse in the idolatrous village, and who had broken his neck, while his neigh-
boursbewailedsuchamisfortune. However,Samsontookoccasiontoobserve:
"
See, if your idol can lend any help to this dead youth ? but, if you promise to adore it no longer, I shall restore him to life, through God's assistance. " This request was agreed to by the multitude present, and Samson ordered
them to retire, until he had prayed for nearly two hours. Afterwards, in pre- sence of the multitude, the boy revived. Count Guedian and all his people
lingua cum illis Lux vocitabatur. "
7 See Right Rev. Patrick F. Moran's
" Probably one of those upright circular stone enclosures, which are to be found in Cornwall, as elsewhere in Great Britain and Ireland.
""Onthatmountain,"saysthenarrator, "I have myself been, and I have adored and have felt with my own hand the sign of the cross, which holy Samson himself en- graved with iron on a stone which stands there. "
I3 According to the Liber Landaven-
sis.
'* Dean Cressy maintains the affirmative
" Early Irish Missions," No. i. , p. 27. 8"
See Baillet's Les Vies des Saints,"
&c,tomevii. , xxviii. JourdeJuillet, sect.
iv. , pp. 808, 809. AParis, 1 701 et seq. t 8vo. Twelve Tomes.
9 His feast is held on the 4th of June. See at that date the Sixth Volume of this work, for his Acts, Art. ii.
10 See his Acts, in the Third Volume of this work, at the nth of March, the date for his festival, Art. ii.
42o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 28.
at once fell on their knees before Samson, and afterwards they utterly destroyed their former idol.
