Florianus
Acta Sanctorum, May 4
Source text: Public Domain. English translation/apparatus/encoding: CC BY-NC 4.0, Wroot Press.
https://actasanctorum.org/may/day-04/florianus.html
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ON S. FLORIANUS, CHIEF OF THE OFFICE, AND COMPANION MARTYRS AT LAURIACUM,
IN RIVERSIDE NORICUM, OR UPPER AUSTRIA.

UNDER DIOCLETIAN

[Preface]

Florianus, Chief of the Office, Martyr at Lauriacum in Riverside Noricum or Upper Austria (S.)

Various Companions, Martyrs at Lauriacum in Riverside Noricum or Upper Austria

BY THE AUTHOR G. H.

Noricum, in Western Illyricum in the Notitia
of the Empire under Constantine the Great and his
posterity included; is reckoned that region, which from
the Oenus river, the boundary of the Rhætias and Vindelicia,
to the Pannonias even extended, [In Riverside Noricum]
divided into Riverside Noricum and Mediterranean Noricum.
Each under its own Governor or Prefect stood:
and Riverside Noricum was neighboring to the Danube, whose city
chief was Lauriacum, the Seat of the Governor or Prefect, and
for the first Christians Episcopal. [at Lauriacum now Lorch,] But this city by
Attila destroyed, the Chair was to Passau translated. A vestige
of the city of Lauriacum is preserved in the village Lorch, as Laurich
and Lorich, whence contracted Lorch, in Upper Austria,
not far from the inrush of the Anasus or Anesus river into
the Danube, where also the town Anasum or Ensium, commonly
Enss, which from the citadel of Lauriacum constructed is reckoned. This
place was the wrestling-ground of martyrdom for S. Florianus, Chief of the Office,
whose dignity in the cited Notitia of the Western Empire
thus is explained: [S. Florianus, Chief of the Office, suffered,] The Office has the worshipful man the Duke
of Pannonia the first in this manner: a Chief of the same body,
and the rest of the Officials. We do not doubt but that under Diocletian
there was in the said Noricum a similar Office, whose Chief
was S. Florianus: unless with Pancirolo and others Pannonia a part
be called Noricum, and so be established S. Florianus the Chief of the Office
in the said at the same time Pannonia, in whose confine and boundary was
the Cæcian fortification, in which resided S. Florianus.

[2] [remembered in the sacred Calendars.] The sacred memory of S. Florianus exists in the Martyrology of B.
Rabanus, from Abbot of Fulda in the year DCCCXLVII created Archbishop
of Mainz, whose these are the words: On the fourth Nones
of May the Passion of S. Florianus the Martyr, in the time of Diocletian
and Maximian the Emperors, the most wicked Governor Aquilinus
raging, at Riverside Noricum:
who when he saw himself overcome by Florianus, ordered
him to undergo a capital sentence, and to be led to the river
Anesus, and there to be cast headlong from the bridge. These things Rabanus:
before whom of the same Saint the memory had been inserted in the ancient
Hieronymian Martyrology, but the reading of the place ill perturbed
was with these words, And in Nuricopense of places, for in
Riverside Noricum at the place Lauriacum: as these in the Martyrology of Ado are emended in this manner: On the same day in Riverside
Noricum at the place Lauriacum of S. Florianus, who by the command of the Governor
and presently, all who stood around seeing,
the eyes of his caster-down burst. Like things
have Usuard, Bellinus, Maurolycus, Molanus, and others with
the present Roman Martyrology. But greater encomia exhibit
Notker, Canisius, Galesinius, and others, which from the very Acts of the Martyrdom
are taken.

[3] The ancient Acts of the passion of S. Florianus various we have obtained:
but those we esteem first, [Double Acts are given from MSS.] which in the first place we give from the codex
MS. Utrecht of S. Salvator, and the Legend of the Saints of Poland,
in the year MDXI at Cracow printed, collated with the Acts of S.
Florentius who in Gaul suffered, of whom below we shall treat. The same Acts
but more contracted exist in the very old MS. Trier of the monastery
of S. Maximinus, and another Passional MS. Bödeken in the diocese
of Paderborn of Westphalia: of which a part with the same words
exists in the Breviary of Passau, in the year MDV printed. The same,
but with diction somewhat unpolished, edited Surius. Other Acts
somewhat more recent we subjoin, from the codex MS. of the Charterhouse
of Gaming, to us by John Gamans submitted, and it is noted that
the history of the martyrdom was gravely composed and written:
the miracles nevertheless about the end to seem by
another adjoined: of which some compendium, but with other things mixed in,
edited John Cuspinian in his Austria, near the end,
where S. Florianus among the Patrons of Austria he reckons: [The patronage of Austria and neighboring Dioceses,] and as
such he is reported in the proper Offices of the Saints of the Cathedral Church
and of the whole diocese of Vienna, which we have in the year
MDCXXXII printed, in which some compendium of the Life, into
three lessons divided and at Matins in the second Nocturn
wont to be recited, is exhibited; which same is reported in
the Proper of the Saints of the diocese of Passau, in the year MDCVIII
printed. The same Saint's memory to be celebrated in the diocese
of Regensburg and Salzburg, we know from the proper Offices of the same
Churches.

[4] A memorable monument of him also produced Matthew
Rader volume 1 of Bavaria sancta page 18, [a temple and monastery of S. Florianus.] when among
other things he reports the following: There was founded to his memory
an illustrious temple: there was added in later ages a monastery,
for the companions of D. Benedict to inhabit: which thence
again, the age reducing all things into antiquity,
by Angelbert the Bishop of Passau restored, to those professing
D. Augustine's discipline assigned,
which finally Altmann the Prelate again falling to ruin,
into greater splendor brought, by posterity S. Florianus
called. These things Rader. The same confirms Wiguleus
Hund in the Bishops of Passau, asserting Engelbert,
above Angelbert, to have sat from the year of Christ
MXLV until the year MLXV, and the monastery of S. Florianus
by the Hungarians destroyed, by him repaired and
to the Canons of S. Augustine restored. Then he adds by
Altmann, his successor, in the year MLXXX the monastery
of S. Florianus with marvelous severity reformed. There is there
even now a Provostry of the Canons Regular of S.
Augustine, midway between the cities Linz and Steyr.

[5] Adds the above-praised Rader, that in the very church of S. Florianus
his whole life in fifteen subjects to be viewed
represents; [Miracles] and the eleven prior images in the Acts sufficiently
are explained, in the rest these are indicated: A fountain by the sick
drunk to not a few was for health. Soon at his buried
Relics a dead man into life returned. The two last
effigies admonish by the example of a charcoal-burner, into the midst
having fallen of a fire, and by the vows of S. Florianus snatched out,
that he against the perils of fires a present
protection is. And because a Tribune or Centurion he was
the histories hand down, [chiefly in protection against fire.] also in warlike tumults his
vows and aid are to be sought, nor have been in vain demanded.
These things Rader from the letters of Sebastian von Adelzhausen,
Prefect of that toparchy, to him sent. Andreas Brunner book 4
of the Annals of Bavaria, the martyrdom of S. Florianus reported, adds;
that to the fury of fires raging against roofs the name of Florianus
to this day is opposed; and by many proofs in every
age it has been shown, that this protection to houses against
flames was for safety. Hence such a deprecation to S. Florianus,
after the Acts of the martyrdom, written is found: O Martyr
holy Florianus, guard us by night and morning, from the harmful fire's
hurt and from all confusion of the world.

[6] In the Cathedral Churches and dioceses of Vienna
and Passau is celebrated under a double rite the feast of SS. Florianus
and his companion Martyrs, [Companion Martyrs.] and the Prayer is recited from
the Common of many Martyrs: God who grantest us
the birthdays of Thy holy Martyrs Florianus and his companions
to venerate. That these are the XL Martyrs, below
in the Acts reported, indicates Peter de Natalibus book 4 of the Catalogue
chapter 125; and asserts that shut up and with want afflicted,
at length in prison they gave up the spirit. The same is handed down
in the Compendium MS. of the Acts, from the indicated Charterhouse of Gaming
to us transmitted. But the remembered Brunner, Forty,
he says, his fellow-soldiers through various of cruelty
examples drawn, with bodies lacerated, the faith entire
and unconquered souls to the triumph with him
carried. Those forty Martyrs celebrate Richard Whitford in the Martyrology
in English printed, and Canisius in the German, and others. Another controversy is moved
from the Acts of S. Florentius the Presbyter, who at Roye and at Saumur
in Gaul is venerated on September XXII, [Whether his brother S. Florentius the Presbyter?] and is believed to have died
about the year CCCC. Of him the Acts we have obtained from four
MS. codices, and they are said to be written under the grandsons of Charles
the Great in the ninth century of Christ: in which it is established that S. Florentius
was the brother of S. Florianus, and with him in Riverside Noricum
served as a soldier, and torments for the faith bore: but when he was with him
into the river to be cast, by an Angel commanded into the Gauls to go,
to the Sacerdotal consecration from S. Martin to be received.
Of these a compendium exists in Mombritius and Vincent
book 12 of the Speculum Historiale chapter 68. But these things
to us are less approved, both on account of the deepest about this S. Florentius
in the chief Acts of S. Florianus silence, and because the times
agree not, since under his martyrdom S. Martin
not yet to have been born is certain. Accordingly we doubt whether from
the Acts of S. Florianus those were stitched on by the author, who the Acts
of S. Florentius, as he prefaces, succinctly written amplified.
But these will be more diligently to be sifted on the said September XXII.

ACTS

From various MS. codices and the Legend of the Saints of Poland printed.

Florianus, Chief of the Office, Martyr at Lauriacum in Riverside Noricum or Upper Austria (S.)

Various Companions, Martyrs at Lauriacum in Riverside Noricum or Upper Austria. BHL Number: 3054

FROM MSS.

In those days, under Diocletian and Maximian
the Emperors, was made a persecution of the Christians,
when in diverse contests contending the Christians,
the punishments inflicted by the tyrants with devoted mind for the Lord
they received, [In the persecution of Diocletian,] that of the promises of Christ partakers
they might be made. [a] Then certain ones in the mountains
and rocks hid themselves, but certain ones in caves
of the rocks lurked, and so through many punishments
from this life were freed. Then, sanctity and faith
through patience their athletes [b] crowned and through victory
to life everlasting led. Then the impious
Judges, commanded by the Emperors, the contest against
the soldiers of Christ waged: but the athletes bravely labored
and overcame their madness; the venerable
faith indeed in all things conquered. Therefore in those days
when there had come of the sacrilegious Princes the precept
at Riverside Noricum, administering [c] Aquilinus
the Governor; then arriving the governor in the camp of Lauriacum
began vehemently to inquire for the Christians, [by Aquilinus the Governor of Riverside Noricum,] and
were apprehended certain of the Saints to the number of forty:
who very long contending, and with many punishments
tortured, were put into prison. To whose
confession [d] B. Florianus rejoicing approached: [forty Christians being taken] who
when he dwelt at [e] the city Cetia, hearing the fame
of the Saints who agonized for Christ, said
to his own: It behooves me to Lauriacum to walk to
the Governor, and there for Christ's name diverse punishments
to sustain. And bidding farewell to his own he undertook the journey.

[2] But when he had come not far from Lauriacum,
entering the bridge by which the river is wont to be crossed, he was met
with those with whom before he had served as a soldier, who sent
had been to persecute the Christians. [S. Florianus of his own accord offers himself to the lictors:] And when them he asked
whither they went, they said to him: Hast thou not
heard the precepts of the Emperors which have come
to the Governor, where they command all men
libations to the gods to offer and present, but those who will not,
with diverse punishments to perish? These hearing
B. Florianus, said: Brothers and fellow-soldiers, why
others do you seek? If you wish, take me, because truly a Christian
I am, and here in your presence I am. But they
these hearing, [he refuses to sacrifice to the gods] at once apprehended him led
to the Governor, saying: Why others do we seek?
for the first and Chief of our Office Florianus
to him: Florianus, why are these things of thee said?
Come, sacrifice to the gods, like me or thy fellow-soldiers,
that thou mayest live with us, and not with the contemners be punished
according to the precepts of the Emperors. B. Florianus
answered: This I certainly am not about to do:
but what to thee is commanded, exercise. Then the Governor
moved on the way, force to him to be brought commanded, that even
unwilling he should sacrifice. [he implores divine aid:] But blessed Florianus raised
his voice to the Lord, and said: Lord God
mine, in Thee I have hoped, and Thee to deny I cannot; but
to Thee I serve as a soldier, and to Thee I offer a sacrifice of praise: protect
me Thy right hand, because Thy name is blessed
in heaven and earth. Lord, give me of enduring
strength, and receive me among Thy holy and elect athletes,
who before me converted and confessed name
Thy holy [f]. Confirm me, that Thee I may praise and to Thee
bless: because Thou art blessed unto the ages. Amen.

[3] But Aquilinus the Governor these things hearing, derided
him, [a full confession of the faith he makes.] saying: Why foolishly dost thou speak, and deridest
the precepts of the Kings? B. Florianus answered: I
indeed, when human soldiery I exercised, secretly
worshipped my God: whence nevertheless could not
the devil me draw away. But now thou of my body
indeed power hast, but my soul
to touch thou canst not: for God alone over it has
power. To thy command moreover I obey as much
as becomes a soldier: but this to me no one will be able to persuade,
that to idols I should sacrifice: for I those phantasms
do not adore. But in wrath and fury turned the Governor,
ordered him with cudgels to be beaten. Florianus said: So much
be angry, as in my body thou seest thyself to have
power, or as much as to thee is granted. But if
thou wilt know that I fear not thy torments, a fire
kindle; and in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ
I ascend upon it. But the soldiers began him to beat. [The blows inflicted with cheerful countenance he receives] But when they beat him, says to him the Governor:
Sacrifice to the gods, Florianus, and free thyself from the torments. B.
Florianus answered: I a true sacrifice offer
now to the Lord Jesus Christ, who me has deigned
even to this hour to lead, and to this exaltation
in which now I am. These the holy man saying;
ordered him the Governor again to be beaten. But when
B. Florianus was being beaten, so cheerful a countenance he showed,
as if in joy or in great gladness he were established. [and the laceration of his shoulders:]
Then the Governor ordered his shoulders with sharp irons
Florianus the more glorified God, and always himself

[4] Then the most wicked Governor, when himself overcome
to be he saw in all things, gave him a sentence, and ordered
him to be led to the river Anesus, and there to be cast headlong from
the bridge, on the fourth Nones of May. But blessed Florianus
the given against him sentence of this kind rejoicing, [they are ordered to be cast headlong into the river:] and exulting
into life eternal, which the Lord promised
to those loving Him, so cheerful went on, as if to a laver
he were led [h]. But when he had come to the place
where they had him to cast, they bound to him a stone
to the neck. But B. Florianus was asking the soldiers who
held him, that they would permit him to pray to the Lord.
But standing B. Florianus against the East,
extending his hands to heaven, said: Lord Jesus
Christ, [and the prayer made he is submerged.] receive my soul. Then bending
his knees he prayed about the space of one hour, so that they feared
and dreaded him to touch who had led him. Then
arriving a youth, full of the rage of cruelty, said to
the soldiers: Why do you stand and do not the command of the Governor?
And these saying he cast him headlong from the bridge into
the river: and at once his eyes burst.

[5] But the river receiving the martyr of Christ was affrighted,
and its waves raised, [The body carried to a rock, by an eagle is protected:] in a certain more eminent
place on a rock his body deposited. Then by the assent
of divine favor, arriving an eagle, with its wings spread in
the manner of a cross him protected. But B. Florianus manifested
himself to a certain woman, in heart to God devoted; and
admonished that she should bury him in the ground in a more secret place:
and with certain indications designated to her the place where she should bury him,
or where she to burial should deliver him. But the woman
this vision having learned yoked the animals, and to the river
hastened: and the body seeking found, and upon
in shrubs and leaves she wrapped him, feigning
herself as to a little garden to be enclosed to lead. But as she led
to the place where to her he had designated, it was made
that the animals were wearied by the too great heat of the sun, and
they stood, so that they could not walk nor proceed
further. Then the woman with anxious mind prayed to
the Lord, that to her divine mercy would come to aid. And
at once in that same place a most abundant fountain burst forth, and
to the testimony of the holy Martyr perseveres even unto
the present day, in which the animals healed began
further to walk. So she came to the place where to her himself
he had revealed, and where him the woman, on account of the eminent
and most bitter persecution, under the ground deposited [k]:
in which place are made great healings, the sick are healed, those fevered
are cured, the possessed are freed, and all
who from faith shall have besought, mercy will obtain
[l]. But done were these things in the time of Diocletian and
Maximian the Emperors, acting the most wicked Governor
Aquilinus; reigning Our Lord Jesus
Christ, to whom is honor and glory and power unto the ages
of ages. Amen.

ANNOTATIONS.












OTHER ACTS

From the MS. of the Charterhouse of Gaming.

Florianus, Chief of the Office, Martyr at Lauriacum in Riverside Noricum or Upper Austria (S.)

Various Companions, Martyrs at Lauriacum in Riverside Noricum or Upper Austria. BHL Number: 3058

FROM MSS.

[1] Florianus, by race [a] Teutonic, of the Imperial
soldiery through Eastern Bavaria a Chief
was. For it is found in the Chronicle, that when the whole
world to the Romans was subject, [S. Florianus Chief of the soldiery in Riverside Noricum
] they had in every
region a soldiery, to their obedience for an annual stipend
appointed; that if ever a region or some
province to the Roman power to rebel should presume,
the soldiery of the various regions, the audacity of those repugnant
forthwith would refrain. Whence when Eastern [b]
Bavaria (which formerly Riverside new, but now [c]
Austria is called, whose boundaries from the Oenus river
even to the confines of Pannonia extend) to the Roman
was subject Empire; as through
Governors, who to the city of Lauriacum by them
were sent, plainly is shown; they had in the same
province a copious soldiery. And because S. Florianus
in dignity of estate and family the rest surpassed, the Chieftaincy
of the same soldiery he merited to obtain. For he was
residing in the camp, which then [d] Cecia, but now
Zeizelmaur is called: which with all its appurtenances
by divine ordination yielded to the Church in possession;
that as with the treasure of his Relics it was adorned;
so also with the holding of his estates
it was enriched: and that which living in his own person he had used,
in the same also dead through his servants
he might enjoy.

[2] In those times the gentile savagery two boars
sent forth most savage, Diocletian namely and Maximian,
who with nefarious teeth the vineyard of the Lord to destruction
might devastate. [in the persecution of Diocletian,] For when there yielded to the same
the care of the monarchy to be governed; soon with the Imperial
fasces swelling, ardently they desired that race
elect from the midst to take away, which the renowned mother Church
to the heavenly Spouse joined had begotten. Wherefore
the gentiles rage and the peoples meditate vain things,
and the Kings into one come together against Christ. [under the Governor Aquilinus]
Then the Emperors sent an edict into all
provinces and kingdoms, that whosoever to Christ divinity
should ascribe, the loss of death under diverse
punishments should suffer. Of this command therefore the executor
was a man unbridled, a savage beast, of human blood
greedy, by name Aquilinus, who when the bounds of the Norici
the Governor's Office discharging he entered, to search
everywhere began the dwellings of the faithful, like a lion
roaring, seeking whom he might devour. Entering at length
full of cruelty the noble camp of Lauriacum
(which by abundance of riches, by valor of arms, by the multitude
of the people, by the amplitude of the walls, by the celebrity of fame,
so the rest excelled, that scarcely the Roman
citadel to be preferred to it it suffered) began to persecute and
to bind all, who themselves Christians professed.
Apprehended therefore was a great multitude of the faithful: [after a great multitude of the faithful was taken]
who before the Tribunal of the judge being set, ready they were
for the faith of Christ to all demanding to render a reason;
not those fearing, who power have
of the corruptible mass of the body to dissolve, but rather
Him who besides the body also the soul to send is able
into gehenna. And because no kind of torment their
adamantine breasts could change, therefore they mocked
the empty efforts of the Governor, his threats and
promises to a light wind most like reckoning. Wherefore
he orders some to be slain, some to be thrust back into prison,
until he should devise, by what of torments
endeavors of the solace of the present life they might be deprived, if
his commands to obey they should contemn. Spread abroad
therefore a rumor through the whole circuit of the region of
the Martyrs' glorious contest.

[3] Meanwhile Florianus, the renowned soldier of Christ, flourishing
as a palm exalted, [kindled with desire of martyrdom,] and as a cedar in Lebanon
sprouting, to earthly things by a slender root clung, ready
the opportunity being got the precious pearl of the heavenly
Kingdom all things sold to procure, and Christ's
footsteps naked to follow. For the vows of the Christian
religion covered the ornaments of secular soldiery, after
the likeness of grain under chaff lurking. Who when
at the city Cecia honorable, as is said, he was held;
he heard how Aquilinus the Governor with rash daring
the Confessors of the Christian name with dire of stripes
torments rooted out: and condoling from the marrow
their innocence, with desire soon is kindled
of suffering; that as he went before in dignity transitory,
so he might excel in the everlasting. For compassionate charity
in his heart this had effected, that rather of the present life
he would be deprived, [taking with him forty Christian soldiers] than the dire slaying of the faithful's hearing
lamentable to endure. With such desires therefore inflamed,
his remaining companions faithfully he exhorts; that
to his own and likewise sending forth by hand, the journey with
forty soldiers in haste he undertook, his own land
as Abraham leaving behind. Approaching
moreover the walls of Lauriacum, where the Saints the winepress treading
of martyrdom, their garments with ruddy blood
had sprinkled; he saw the messengers of the aforesaid tyrant from afar
to advance, ready in the manner of little foxes the vineyard
of the Lord with nefarious bites to demolish. Whom when
upon the bridge of the Anesus undaunted he had met, the cause
of their swift journey he inquires. To whom with placid countenance,
as to a reverend man, forthwith they answered: [he meets the lictors,]
Hast thou not known that the Roman Princes, decrees
sent, the whole world with such have bound, that
everywhere of places the majesty of the gods, through whom the Roman
power flourishes and the commonwealth increase receives,
with sacrifices ought to be honored? Moreover to be apprehended
they order certain madmen, who Christ ignominiously
crucified worship, and our gods most invincible
contemning, their temples assert to be overthrown:
and unless from the sacrilegious superstition they shall cease, and our gods
shall adore, with diverse punishments they shall perish.
The Governor therefore directed us, that of this sect the sacrilegious
we should search out, and bound to his sight present.
Forthwith the Martyr undaunted, [he professes himself a Christian:] because he desired
to be dissolved and to be with Christ; said to the legates: Brothers and
fellow-soldiers, if you seek the servants of the Lord Jesus Christ,
who from the heavens to the earth coming by His death the empire
of death overcame, and the human race as
announce to the Governor, that I a Christian
am, and here at hand I am. Moreover let the Governor know, that to that God alone I serve as a soldier, and all hard things to suffer for His love
I desire.

[4] These heard the soldiers, who had been sent, with gall
moved, stopped their ears, like the deaf asp,
which closes its ears, that it cannot hear the voice
of the enchanter charming wisely. [presented to the Judge,] And apprehending
him they presented to the aforesaid Judge, saying: What
else do we seek? Behold Florianus the Chief of our Office,
by a malign suggestion deceived, confesses himself to be
like a barren fig tree, which fruit does not bear,
but the ground uselessly occupies, envying also another's
fertility, against him with too great fury is inflamed: [he is not moved by flatteries or threats,]
condescending nevertheless to his nobility, with bland first
discourses him he approaches, if perhaps so he could him
from his purpose recall. But he in his vow immutably
persisting, with the harshest terrors of threats
he strives to bend his heart to the sacrifices of idols.
Which terrors of threats also being in vain expended
commanded Aquilinus, that according to the Imperial precepts the great
Jupiter more swiftly he should adore, otherwise as a rebel
against the Empire more grievously he would be punished. But he, because a living and pleasing
to the Lord himself he had given a holocaust, the simulacrum of Jupiter
spurned, saying to the Governor: I will not worship
thy stones, of the honor of deity empty: but thou, who art stony,
and of reason like stones art destitute, to stony gods owest honor
to expend. Then the Governor with wrath filled, orders him
unwilling to be dragged to the sacrifice, if perhaps so he could be overcome.
But blessed Florianus with eyes raised to heaven
prayed, saying: Lord Jesus Christ, [he invokes Christ before all] hope and
the highest salvation of all invoking Thee, in Thee I have hoped
and Thee to deny I cannot: but to Thee I serve as a soldier, and of praise
to me of enduring strength. Receive me to Thy holy Athletes,
who before me converted, confessed name
Thine. Clothe me, Lord, with the white stole of Thy virtue:
confirm Thy Holy Spirit in me,
and permit me not to be changed by the devil, since
the counsel of the malignant has besieged me, and the fat bulls
to tear me apart desire. But Thou, pious Shepherd, the shield
of Thy protection take, and Thou come to the aid
of Thy recruit: because Thou art blessed unto the ages of ages.
Amen.

[5] Soon a fervid flame kindled the breast of the Judge,
full of the tinder of wraths, [with cudgels he is beaten,] in that no to his precepts
reverence he saw to be shown. He ordered therefore that the sides
of him with his back with cudgel-blows strongly should be beaten.
But when longer he was beaten, so a countenance
cheerful he showed forth, as if a refreshment he enjoyed. And
wishing an example of his constancy to the faithful to afford,
he said to the Governor: Of my body the power
thou hast; but not of the soul. Therefore harm as much as thou canst:
because in no way to thy precepts will I acquiesce. But that
thou mayest know that thy torments I dread not, a fire
vehement to be kindled command, and upon it
in the name of my God secure I will walk. Then the Governor,
amid the dire torments of stripes, to him again was persuading,
that to the gods he should offer libations, [ready to walk through fire.] and said to him: Florianus
most friendly, assent to my precepts, and with immense
gifts I will honor thee. B. Florianus answered: To thy command
I obey as much as becomes a soldier. But far be it
from me, that to demons I should sacrifice or, their phantasms
adore. Moreover thy words, as full
of mockery, I spurn: but Christ the true God I adore,
whom also I worshipped when still human soldiery
I exercised.

[6] After these things orders him the Tyrant much more grievously
to be cudgeled, [still more grievously he is cudgeled,] that that precious stone more polished, into the structure
of the supernal Jerusalem more apt might be made. But neither
could he be overcome: since the interior man of so great contemplation
the sweetness had tasted, that the exterior
the blows inflicted least felt. Then the most wicked
Aquilinus more sharply raging, ordered the shoulders of the holy man
with iron hooks to be torn out by the roots. [with iron hooks he is lacerated,] But God Himself to him
with His shoulders so overshadowed, that all kinds of punishments
he reckoned for nothing: nay for Christ's name
with the sword of faith strenuously fighting, the profane torturers
utterly he confuted.

[7] But seeing the Governor, that him to overcome he could not,
sharpening his tongue, like a sword, he raged
and said: Behold this magician than us stronger appears, and
unless with the sentence of dire death he be pressed, with magic studies
the whole people he will subvert: and what is worse,
the superstitious presumption of the Christians so will be strengthened,
that the temples of our gods be destroyed,
and there be made a last error worse than the former: [the sentence of death received he exults:] more therefore
it is fitting one man to be slain, than the whole
people into error to be led. Forthwith he gave
against him a sentence saying; Let a stony mass be hung
on his neck, and let him be cast headlong from the bridge into the river
Anesus: that his followers by this punishment terrified,
from their folly may recover. Thus the stony Aquilinus, for love
of the stony gods, with a stone punishes the Athlete of Christ
most brave, while to the stones to offer libations he spurns.
Blessed therefore Florianus, the sentence of death over him given,
rejoicing and exulting went to the place of punishment: since
to life he believed himself to come eternal. But when
the middle of the bridge, where to be cast headlong he had been ordered,
he had reached; [he prays with hands spread,] they hung on his neck a stone most heavy:
the ministers nevertheless of the nefarious crime, overcome by the prayer
of the Martyr, of praying space granted. And standing
against the parts of the East, with hands spread to God
he offered on the altar of his heart of pure prayers the holocausts:
because the fervor of divine love his breast with a living
flame already had kindled. But the Lord gave so great
power to the prayers within himself poured, that the savage torturers
their hands feared to put upon him. And when of praying
space of one hour about already he had completed, running up
saying: Why here all day in idleness do you tarry? Why the unconquered
Governor's commands do you neglect: Are also you with the sacrilegious dogma
corrupted? And rushing upon him furious,
the most brave wrestler of Christ, in prayer standing,
and the mass of the stone on the neck bearing, cast into the river.
Forthwith by the just judgment of God a punishment merited for
the daring of so great a crime he received: [he is cast headlong from the bridge into the river.] for his eyes burst,
that the interior blindness of the heart by the exterior gloom
manifest might be made. But the Martyr to the depths falling, received
the wave stupefied the venerable body of the falling one; and
into the high itself raising, [the minister of the casting-down deprived of his eyes.] on the summit of a certain stone
placed it. And so by God's providence it was made, that
to the Martyr holy having suffered for the rock Christ, through the hanging
of a heavy rock, was given a place of rest on
an eminent rock. And soon the hardness of the rock by the Divine nod
into itself along the length of the Martyr bent, a place
for the holy body of resting granted, just as
at present is discerned. Which done Christ,
the most firm guardian of His beloved, a guardian
for him from heaven an eagle destined; that through a bird of reason
destitute, the irrational acts of the mad Governor He might confute. [His body by an Eagle is guarded,]
Which as a guardian most faithful, not devouring,
but conserving the lifeless body; of the salvific Cross
the sign with wings spread over it expressed: that the creature
rational it might detest, which the faith of Christ
to evacuate strove, and the mystery of the Cross abhorred.

[8] Then a certain religious widow, by name [f] Valeria,
with the gift of all virtues most rich, [by Valeria the widow to be buried he is carried away.] by B. Florianus
through a vision admonished, the most sacred body secretly
to be buried snatched. And because the rage of the Gentiles
she dreaded, in that she was still a lamp hidden
under a bushel, she wrapped around the reverend body and treasure
with shrubs and leaves, and on a vehicle places it,
as if her garden with the aid of a hedge she would dispose to fortify.
And although that star most bright, with little branches hidden,
an eclipse of the body suffered; with miracles nevertheless
with rays she gleamed. For when that faithful matron
her journey for fear of the Gentiles to hide strove;
the animals, which the holy body drew, [the animals are wearied,] with thirst and heat
wearied, when they had come almost to the place, where the Martyr
himself to be buried had shown, so failed, that further
to proceed they could not. But the prudent woman,
sending her hand to strong things, the help of divine mercy
suppliantly demanded, saying in these words:
Lord Jesus Christ, whose gifts are at hand
to all, who with pure heart Thy suffrages ask:
be present to me Thy handmaid, and make me the begun journey to finish.
Soon Christ's benignity, which His Saints
magnifies, willing also the venerable Relics of the aforesaid
Martyr with glory to adorn, ordered to burst from the earth
But this therefore, that through all elements the sanctity
of the glorious Martyr might be proved. For the water, into the high
raising itself, [by which the animals refreshed, recover their strength.] the sacred body reverently on the rock's
summit placed: the rock's hardness, from the element of fire
proceeding, into itself bent, a place of resting
granted: the air an eagle as guardian directs: the earth from the abyss
sufficiently the animals, the precious burden bearing, of the begun
course of the journey without the obstacle of weariness they accomplished.

[9] But the said widow coming to the place to her
divinely assigned, [the body is buried:] with due devotion delivered
it to ecclesiastical burial with haste,
on account of the impending most bitter persecution's dread.
And that with ampler reverence the body buried
might be venerated on the earth, the Lord showed near
his tomb very many miracles, how celebrated in
the court of the heavenly fatherland he was held. For as many sick
thither flowed together, the benefit of health
received. But done were these things about the year of the Lord
the Emperors.

[10] In a certain monastery to him dedicated, the birthday
of the aforesaid Martyr was kept: to which solemnity
when a very great multitude of men from diverse regions
had flowed together, [There is healed suddenly one grievously wounded,] a certain Soldier also for devotion's
sake, having mortal enmities, arrives. Who when
by his enemies in the cemetery with most grievous wounds had been
hurt; by force compelled to the monastery
he fled, falling before the altar half-alive. Where when
for a little he had rested, all marveling he rose
unharmed, all the wounds healed.

[11] When a certain client a certain chapel, in
honor of the aforesaid Martyr consecrated, [the burner of the chapel of S. Florianus suddenly dies:] with a violent
arm for plunder's sake had broken; and evil to evil adding,
after the despoiling with fire utterly
had devastated; into the service of his Lord again he betook himself.
And when he stood before him as if secure, a cup
holding in his hand, by divine judgment suddenly he fell, and
the spirit breathed out. But that chapel a long time
without the benefit of restoration existing, it happened that
to that chapel was contiguous, so grievous
the Abbacy to abandon he was compelled. [the restorer receives the dignity of Abbot,] At the same time a certain
monk of the same Order, who B. Florianus
specially loved, by some chance supervening, heard
of the chapel's desolation, and of the Abbot's deposition.
And calling him, who deposed had been, counsel to him gave, that to God and B. Florianus he should promise,
that the ruined chapel he would restore, and without doubt
the grade he would receive of his former dignity. Who when a vow
of this kind he had emitted, and also afterward had completed;
to his former honor in a brief space he merited
to be elevated.

[12] When three thieves a certain chapel of S. Florianus
intended to despoil, nor entrance could have
through the door; [The Image against the thief turns itself.] one of them by the roof broken leaped in:
and seeking an instrument, by which the lock he might break,
that for the rest of his companions he might prepare an entrance; to whatever
part the thief turned, thither also the image
of the aforesaid Martyr turned itself. Which when the thief considered
and stood stupefied, he is rebuked by his companions outside
standing, why delay he made in opening: and
narrating to them the vision, [the chapel's despoilers two being extinguished,] they ordered that the face of the image,
with the altar's cloth he should veil, that it could not behold what he did.
Using therefore their counsel, the companions he let in, who
carried away thence whatever they wished: and when not
far from the church they had departed, one of them, who the face
of the image to veil had ordered, into fury turned,
miserably expired. But the other on a horse sitting,
into the Danube himself cast, and so life
ended. [the third is amended.] But the third who within had been, seeing the vengeance
divine, compunct in heart to the Priest
hastens, and to him all things which were done in order
confesses.

[13] A certain religious woman so long a time had been sick,
that of the strength of body altogether destitute, [There are healed]
the use even of her feet she could not have. And when
thus she lay, she saw a dream, as if a multitude
of the languishing near the fountain of S. Florianus rested, [a nun of the strength of body destitute,] and
health from heaven awaited. But these making a stay there
some little while, one of the sick
cried saying: The benefit of cure we receive not,
unless first there come such a woman, by name expressed.
But awaking the woman to the Priest the vision
recites, and that her to the fountain to be led he should cause, and a Mass
for her of the aforesaid Martyr he should perform, more earnestly entreats.
The Priest therefore her petition satisfying,
her to be carried over, and at the fountain to be deposited ordered: he indeed
the office of the Mass began. Wonderful to say! About
the middle of the Mass, the woman to her knees raised herself, and after
that she who by the hands of the bearers supported had entered, the office
completed, through the merits of the aforesaid Martyr, to the cloister
without aid returned.

[14] When a certain workman, there where the Saint
is buried, from the wall of the monastery had fallen; [from a fall having suffered a rupture in the genitals,] and with broken
genitals with most vehement pain weighed down,
in the monastery resided; the others going out, he himself outside
to go forth could not. Wherefore to the altar in the midst
of the monastery placed he bowed himself: where when for a little
time he had rested, he rose sound, no thenceforth
from the same rupture grievance feeling.

[15] These and other benefits which to enumerate long
it would be, the Lord through the merits of B. Florianus daily works.
Therefore, most blessed Florianus, of purple innocence the flower;
at the eventide of mortal life, [The Saint is invoked:] which dawns
to the Saints into rest; at the end of the course of the present stadium,
while the prize is received of the merciful God; to us slowly
running, by thy faith, hope and charity, that to the kingdom
we may come supernal, succor now and forever.
Which to us to grant may deign the Father and the Son
and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ANNOTATIONS.

sailed, might be doubted. Known is Florianus who to his brother
Tacitus the Emperor having endeavored to succeed, within sixty days died, living
then S. Florianus.

the ancient dominion of the Norici, and S. Florianus among the Bavarian Saints by
Rader book 1 of Bavaria sancta and Andreas Brunner book 4 of the Annals
of the Boii and others is reported: and to him S. Tozzo Bishop of Augsburg in
Waltenhofen, on the river Lycus in Bavaria, built a church in the 7th century,
of which consult the Life of S. Tozzo January 16 number 10. Of the Boii's
vestiges over the Anisus in Austria treats Lazius on the Migrations of nations
book 7 page 227.


between the mountain Kalenberg and the Abendwerth, not far from the town Tulln, 4
German leagues distant from Vienna. Consult Lazius book 12 of the Roman Republic
section 7 chapter 9, Merian in the Topography of Austria, and others.

taken asserts Cuspinian. But 40 soldiers in the prior Acts before
Lauriacum taken, with many punishments tortured, are said shut up in prisons.




ON THE TRANSLATION OF THE BODY INTO POLAND, AND ITS CULT.

Florianus, Chief of the Office, Martyr at Lauriacum in Riverside Noricum or Upper Austria (S.)

Various Companions, Martyrs at Lauriacum in Riverside Noricum or Upper Austria

BY THE AUTHOR G. H.

[1] Two of the Sacred body of B. Florianus the Martyr are indicated
Translations: one from Riverside Noricum or Austria
the upper to the city of Rome: the other thence into Poland.
But in what manner the prior Translation happened, hitherto
we could not attain. [The body carried to Rome is handed down] Very many calamities suffered Austria
from the Hungarians neighboring still Heathen, by whom the monastery
ancient of S. Florianus to have been destroyed above from Wiguleus
Hund we said. Perhaps then some monks, of the Benedictine
family, the fury of the Hungarians shunning, fled into
Italy, and with singular love toward S. Florianus their Patron
kindled, his sacred Relics together with the Acts of the martyrdom
with them carried to Rome, and to some Supreme Pontiff
offered. That these things so could have been done is not what we should doubt.
That in fact this or in some similar manner it was done, [and thence into Poland:] gather
the Poles from the Acts of the second Translation, when the sacred Body
from Rome into Poland was carried.

[2] The History of the Translation describes Martin Cromer,
book six of the Polish Affairs in Casimir from the Sandomir
Duke into the Prince of all Poland assumed, [The History of the Translation by Cromer described] and these things hands down:
He had obtained from the Supreme Pontiff Lucius, of that name
the third, the Relics of Florianus the Martyr, and these by
Ægidius Bishop of Modena brought, to the seventh
mile from Cracow, with a huge of every kind of
men throng; and with a solemn pomp of Priests to meet
having advanced, reverently had received and in the suburban
of Cracow northern, which afterward into the form
of a town reduced Cleparia now is called, having built
furniture had endowed, and a College of Priests
Canons in it had instituted, having attributed to them a rich revenue
both from his own and from the beneficence of Bishop Gedeon:
but particularly to the Provost the greatest
part of the incomes, from the parish of S. Michael of the Rock
detached he had assigned, and with the highest veneration the new
guest and Patron he was attending. By chance the day,
to the Martyr's memory sacred, which on the fourth Nones
of May anniversary was instituted, had come: there Casimir
that whole day to the divine office in the church of the Saint, and to pious
to the needy and afflicted bounty gave. These things there Cromer.
Reigned Prince Casimir from the year MCLXXVII,
until the year MCXCIV. But Gedeon or Gedeo, the XVI
Bishop of Cracow, assumed in the year MCLXVI sat
twenty years, dead MCLXXXVI, at Cracow buried:
in whose time S. Florianus' Relics to Cracow brought,
and a church in his name founded. So the Lives of the Archbishops
and Bishops of Cracow, after Christopher
Katski by John Cæsarius in the year MDCXXXIII
edited. And these of the Prince and Bishop who the sacred Relics
received. But who gave was Lucius III the Pope, who
presided over the Church from the year MCLXXXI until the year MCLXXXV.
But who by the command of the Pontiff brought the Relics into Poland
was Ægidius, of the Garzoni family, of Bologna, afterward
created Bishop of Modena, namely in the year MCXCV. From the year
then MCCVI Archbishop of Ravenna, in this translation
by later writers through a certain πρόληψις is called
Bishop of Modena.

[3] But S. Florianus a soldier and Martyr into the kingdom
of Poland as Patron was assumed, [The patronage and cult in Poland.] and is venerated on this fourth day
of May, and where there shall not be a Church of S. Florianus the day before the Vespers
of the Finding of the holy Cross are said, and by the Chapter is made of
S. Florianus, with a commemoration of the holy Cross and S. Monica.
But where there shall be a church of S. Florianus, entire Vespers
of him are made. Moreover both the Hymns at Vespers and Lauds, and
various Antiphons and Responsories are taken and adorned
from the Acts of the passion of S. Florianus already given. [The Lessons of him.] Of all the compendium
is contained in three Lessons, which on the first day
in the second Nocturn at Matins are recited, and here
are subjoined.

[4] Florianus the Martyr suffered under Diocletian and
Maximian the Emperors, in the tenth persecution, and that
the last. When at * Thecia he had heard, forty
soldiers, who under his standards once stipends earned,
to Lauriacum of Noricum for martyrdom's cause sent away, [Of his own accord he offers himself to the Governor,] and
there with various torments consumed to have been; in haste to that
town he betook himself: shameful thinking, a veteran in
so beautiful a victory by recruits to be conquered. Apprehended
he is presented to Aquilinus the Prefect. Who when in the confession
of Jesus Christ constantly he persevered; with cudgels,
by the Prefect's command, once and again he is beaten on the shoulders,
then with sharp iron grievously he is scourged. At the last,
he is ordered to be cast.

[5] Rejoicing went from the sight of the Judge Florianus.
At the bridge where he came, he obtains time of prayer. [The Martyr dies:] In
which when a whole hour he tarried; a more audacious one
runs up, and the Martyr into the river cast, into
which forthwith fell gloom and darkness. But behold
to God's servants serve all things: carries the river the Saint's
body, and at a rock exposes it. Sent by God of unusual
magnitude an eagle, which the body of the Saint from every
injury protected. Appears at length in dreams to a pious
certain woman Valeria, and that his body she should bury, [The body to Rome is carried,]
admonishes. To Rome afterward it is transferred, and with the chief
Deacons Stephen and Laurence is placed,
to the great consolation and protection of the city. For at his coming all the fury of the barbarians, which then the city and all
Italy was vexing, subsided, and the wished-for peace was restored.

[6] At length in the year of the Lord one thousand one hundred
eighty-three, Casimir, [and to Cracow is transferred in the year 1183] in war and peace illustrious
Prince of Poland, together with Gedeon Bishop
of Cracow, to Lucius the Third the supreme Pontiff
sent; praying, that to them of some of the holy
Martyrs the bones he would impart, who to the nation and city
against the Prussians, Tartars, and other barbarous nations
for a wall and rampart might be. Sent therefore through
Ægidius Bishop of Modena the sacred bones. The nation
whole with its King to seven miles so great a guest
to meet poured forth advances. Deposited honorably
the Martyr in the temple by Casimir built: a part of the body
into the chief temple is carried, and in a marble
altar enclosed. And as Jerusalem in Stephen,
Rome in Laurence; so in its own rejoices Poland in Florianus.

[7] Some memory of the Translation of S. Florianus the Martyr
is noted in the MS. Florarium Sanctorum on the day XXVIII
of April. Among other Relics, [some particle at Lisbon.] which from Prague to Lisbon in the year
MDLXXXVII brought to the church of the Professed House of the Society
of Jesus, by us on January XXV are remembered, is
some Relic of S. Florianus the Martyr, in the XII reliquary
placed. In the Diary of the Metropolitan of Prague is said an
of S. Florianus the Martyr notable fragment brought from Aachen
to the aforesaid church, in the year MCCCLXXII by Charles IV
the Emperor, whose in this kind notable zeal everywhere
in this work to be praised comes: and therefore we asked, if any of that
Relic ancient instrument there be held, to be sent us,
but answer we received that it is not found. Is venerated S. Florianus
the Martyr, also on this day at Vicenza and Jesi in Picenum, [other Martyrs called Florianus.] and Scopuli
are said to have the body of S. Florianus some Martyr,
but from the said Florianus diverse. Of these treats Ferrarius in the Catalogue
of the Saints of Italy.

ANNOTATIONS.

* otherwise Cecia
