Synesius the Martyr
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/synesius-the-martyr.html
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ON S. SYNESIUS THE MARTYR.

LAID TO REST AT LUCCA IN ETRURIA.

[Commentary]

Synesius the Martyr, laid to rest at Lucca in Etruria (S.)

BHL Number: 7576

BY THE AUTHOR G. H.

Among the Sacred bodies of the Saints, which in the city
of Lucca's churches in Etruria very many are preserved,
is the body of S. Synesius the Martyr, [Memorials in the Calendars,] whose memory
is celebrated in the ancient Martyrologies of the Church
of Lucca, which Francis Maria Florentinius after the Martyrology
Hieronymian by him edited adjoined: in which
these are had: IV Nones of May of S. Senesius the Martyr.
On the same day they remembered him the Carthusians of Brussels, in
the written additions to Greven with these words: In the city of Lucca
of S. Senesius the Martyr. Ferrarius in the Catalogue of the Saints
of Italy, in the year MDCVIII printed, under the name of S. Sentius
honors him, on the same IV of May, with these words: Sentius, a soldier
and Martyr, at Lucca on this day has veneration. The body
of him in the greater temple religiously is preserved,
and his memory anniversary with a double rite, not
only in the city, but also through the diocese is celebrated.
Yet the Acts of the Martyr so perished, that neither the place, nor
the time nor the kind of martyrdom to be known has happened.
For only remain his relics, with an inscription,
the name of Martyr containing. And in an Annotation he adds:
Whether on this day his passion is recalled, [and in Ferrarius] or the Finding or
Translation, nor that indeed is known. By what then indication
was known? The same Ferrarius edited in the year MDCXXV
a general Catalogue of the Saints, who in the Roman Martyrology
are not, and there thus wrote: At Lucca in Etruria
of S. Senesius the Soldier and Martyr, and, as in the Notes he adds
otherwise Sentius. From the tables of the Church of Lucca. The body
of him in the Cathedral Church is preserved. At Cyzicus he suffered
under Licinius it is handed down: whose body first to Rome
under Damasus the Pontiff, then to Lucca was translated,
as have the MS. monuments of the Church of Lucca: from
which Cæsar Franciotti, in the History and Lives of the Saints
of Lucca, in the year MDCXIII had edited in Italian the Martyrdom and
translation of the body of S. Senesius.

[2] We in our Roman journey twice those Acts in Latin transcribed,
first at Florence in the Medicean library of the Great
Duke, [The martyrdom at Cyzicus under Licinius falsely attributed from the Acts of S. Theogenes.] in shelf 20 found, then at Lucca from the MS. Legendary
of the Cathedral Church. But while each thing we examine,
we detected him, who such Acts in the XIII century after the made
into a new altar translation composed, in the same manner to have deluded the credulity of the people of Lucca, S. Synesius' passion by himself found
falsely asserting; just as about the Life of S. Frigidian, the chief
Patron of the people of Lucca, was done by him, who that that Saint
an Irishman to be and in Ireland known to persuade, under his
name substituted the history of S. Finnian Bishop of Moville,
to be given on the X day of September; and the same he did in S. Silao, another
Patron of the church of Lucca, applying to him the Life of S. Sinnan,
given by us on March VIII. Surely the whole series of the martyrdom,
which here is attributed to S. Synesius, pertains to S. Theogenes under
Licinius at Cyzicus having suffered, by us on his birthday, the day III
of January edited, from various MSS. likewise from Mombritius and the Contests
of the Martyrs of the month of January, and there exist but contracted
in Vincent of Beauvais book 13 of the Speculum historiale
chapter 60, and in Peter de Natalibus book 2 of the Catalogue chapter 41.
From the same Acts their eulogies took the Greeks in the Menology
of Basil the Emperor, the MS. Synaxarion of Clermont, the Menaea
printed and the MS. of Milan of the Ambrosian library,
the Latin also Martyrologists Florus, Rabanus, Notker and others
in various MSS. so that there is given no place of doubting, but that they are the Acts
of the said Theogenes the Martyr, with a few things here and there changed attributed
to S. Synesius the Martyr.

[3] But the imposture more appears in the Translation of the body,
where the same who had buried the body at Cyzicus in Villa-Adamantis
under Licinius, would have carried to Rome, [with gross errors adjoined of the body translated to Rome,] where by Damasus
the Pope with marvelous veneration received it is said,
and that at that time, when they were compelled to sacrifice, or certainly
if they contemned that to do, with the sword their heads
were amputated. It is certain meanwhile that Damasus' election in years
about LX after the departure of the tyrants was made. But light
these would be unless more absurd things followed these: At the death of
B. Damasus the Pope succeeded in the Episcopate the venerable
Orosius. At that time held the Roman Empire
Constantius the grandson of the Great Constantine the Emperor,
who sought and obtained from the said Pope Orosius the body
of the now often named Martyr, and led to the Lucanian
city, and built the Church of B. Peter, and near
the altar placed the body of the aforesaid Martyr. These things are
in the MS. Florentine. But where the dreaming author understood that some
Pope Orosius there was, and he the successor of S. Damasus.
To whom in the year CCCLXXXII having ended life, succeeded S. Siricius,
but who then reigned Constantius the grandson of Constantine the Great?
There was of him a son Constantius, but he in the year CCCLXI from
life had departed, and in the said year CCCLXXXII reigned Gratian,
Valentinian the younger and Theodosius. He who afterward the Acts
in the Legendary of Lucca found described, that the said errors
he might emend, the already related thus contracted. At length by Orosius
of the holy Apostolic See in his stead he was received; reigning
the Emperor of the Romans, by power was sought S.
Synesius by Orosius of the Roman Church the Pontiff,
that to the royal power he should come, just as was done.
But the body of B. Senesius received he was led
to the Lucanian city, and outside the gate of the city placed
in the church of S. Peter &c.

[4] These things there. Which all as mere dreams rightly neglected
Cæsar Franciotti, and the body of S. Senesius to Lucca brought
in the year DCCLXXXVII established, [whether the body to Lucca was translated in the 8th century.] when this Church of Lucca
presided over Joannes I the Bishop. Seems Franciotti by this
relying conjecture, that the said Bishop the body of S. Regulus Archbishop
African from Populonia, where he had been by King Totila's
soldiers martyrdom suffered, to Lucca translated; as Ferdinand
Ughelli volume 1 of Italia sacra in the Bishops of Lucca,
an ancient instrument adduced, explains, and on the Kalends
of September it will be to be said. Besides the same Joannes sitting,
the city Lucca was ennobled with a miraculous of Christ crucified image,
which they say by Nicomedes was effigied: this to us when
in the year MDCLXII at Lucca for several days we stayed, to be venerated
opened the chief Canons of the Cathedral Church.
But of it can be read, what the remembered Franciotti more largely
describes.

[5] But that to S. Synesius we may return, this is certain,
at whatever time the body was brought to Lucca, there
in the eleventh century of Christ it was with due veneration preserved
in the church of S. Peter, outside the walls of the Lucanian city. For
as the Acts in the MS. Florentine have, then by the sons of the same
Church and the Lucanian people in the same Church marvelously
was made a crypt, [In the crypt deposited in the 11th century,] and in it becomingly was placed
the body by Anselm Bishop of the aforesaid city, the Clergy
and people much assembling: who that already said
Bishop afterward, not much time running, of the Roman
Church the See honorably held, and Pope
Alexander II was named: in which assuredly place
many exuberate benefits, to the praise and glory
of the name of Jesus Christ. These things there. The said Anselm chosen
was Bishop of Lucca in the year MLVI, but the Roman Pontiff
created in the year MLXI, Alexander II is called, dead
XXII April of the year MLXXIII. By this Alexander II
constituted Bishop of Lucca his nephew S. Anselm, whose
Life we illustrated on the day XVIII of March. Then
were substituted the Bishops Gothifredus, Rangerius,
Rodulphus, and afterward in the year MCXVIII succeeded Benedict,
having died in the year MCXXVII. Under whom these things about the body
of S. Synesius performed are handed down in the said MS. Florentine.

[6] When in that place through hidden passages of the earth
water more often redounded, [on account of the abundance of water elevated,] and almost even to the middle of the altar
grew up, Benedict, by the grace of God of the holy Lucanian
Church servant and Bishop, solicitous stood
about the treasure hidden, lest namely the water growing up
the bones of the most blessed Martyr should touch, and through this in some way
the holy body be hurt. Whence it was made,
that the aforesaid Pontiff from the Brethren counsel sought
what to be done there was need: very much indeed in the place
aforesaid of the whole Lucanian people, for reverence of the most holy
Martyr, devotion was frequented: who also
of the water's redundance, which they saw, nevertheless
doubted. It seemed therefore to the Bishop and his
Brethren a better and more useful counsel, that this doubt
from the midst removing, the people's pious intention
they should consult, and the devotion of the same about the divine
cult and the Relics of the Martyr they should augment.
Accordingly to the aforesaid church of S. Peter the greater coming,
the altar, under which lay the Martyr Senesius,
is broken: the place, in which lay hidden the venerable treasure,
is opened: outside the crypt, by the Pontiff's and his
Brethren's hands, with great reverence is carried;
and above before the altar of the Prince of the Apostles,
meanwhile of most honest men diligently
sought and applied guard, is placed.

[7] What there vigils, how solemnly and how
celebrated, [and in a new altar deposited in the year 1124.] and by the Pontiff himself and by all in turn
the Clergy of the city, for eight days continuous there passing the night,
how great also and how assiduous of men
the concourse; how great toward the Martyr (as is their
custom) of most devout women the frequency,
with wax tapers and lights, which very many on each were brought
to the vigils, through the whole night and day not there
failing, no one's ever tongue suffices to narrate.
On the eighth at length day assembled at S. Peter's
the whole city, and from the whole Bishopric the greatest
multitude. Was present also Benedict the Pontiff, together
with all his Clergy; and a procession celebrated held,
the altar which was rebuilt wonderfully he blessed,
and through the grace of the Holy Spirit consecrated: under
which of the Blessed Martyr Senesius diligently and reverently
the bones laid up rest
In the year a thousand a hundred twice twelve;
And on August's day now sixth and twice ninth [August 24,]
To whose oratory whosoever faithfully and with right intention
assemble, divine through the intercession
of the Martyr received benefits, not without health
of mind and body to their own return. We believe assuredly that by his intervention, those who assemble,
are gladdened; and the Lucanian city by the merits of the same is protected
and defended, through Our Lord Jesus
Christ, to whom is honor and glory unto the ages of ages.
Amen.

[8] Thus far the author of the Life of S. Senesius in the MS. Florentine.
But on account of the demolition to be made of the said church
of S. Peter for the necessity of the war, [translated into the Cathedral church in the year 1513.] which it was feared
by the Florentines to be declared against the Lucanian city,
the venerable bodies of S. Senesius and BB. Romeus and
Avertanus, by the consent and authority of the R. D. Vicar
of the most Reverend D. Cardinal Bishop of Lucca and
also of the Chapter of the said Cathedral church, as well
as of the magnificent Lords of the magnificent city
of Lucca, from the same church of S. Peter to the Cathedral church
of S. Martin of Lucca, with great solemnity,
in the year MDXIII were translated, at the good pleasure
of the depositors to be restored to the new church of S. Peter
the Greater: as more largely is contained in the public Tables, by us
on February XXV at the Life of S. Avertanus § 3 edited. [with the intention of restoring it.] Franciotti
in the Catalogue of the Saints, whose sacred bodies in the Cathedral
church are kept, thus interjects: The body of S. Senesius, in deposit, for the church of S. Peter the greater: and the Relics recounted
of the church of S. Peter the greater, he adds: Hither ought in their
time to be referred three holy Bodies, namely of S. Senesius
the Martyr, and of SS. Avertanus and Romeus.

[9] And that very temple of S. Peter was about the year
MDLXXXVIII with a noble structure restored from the foundations,
and commonly now is called the church of Our Lady of miracles, [which until the year 1644 was deferred,]
on account of the miraculous there of the Mother of God image: but of the sacred
bodies the restitution was deferred, on account of certain dissensions
thereupon arisen even to the year MDCXLIV:
when was made of the same restitution an instrument, which from
the Archive of the Lucanian Republic, in the year MDCLXXVI to be transcribed
for us procured the most Illustrious Marius Florentinius, of that noble
Physician likewise and historian Francis Maria Florentinius,
once our host and in this work often praised
and to be praised, the son; from the Diptychs of the Church of Lucca, by
his once father collected but still unedited, adding,
that the arm of S. Synesius in the church of S. Maria of the court
of the Orlandingi is kept and venerated, among the Religious Presbyters
of the Congregation of the Mother of God, which from the same
Florentinian family had of that Francis Maria the brother
Father Jerome, a man learned also himself,
and with some books edited famous. The instrument of the aforesaid
restitution, from the Italian into Latin rendered, of this kind
is.

[10] In the name of the Lord. Whereas from an Instrument
by the late Peter John Paul de Piscilla,
under the year MDXIII on the day XXXI of August made
it appears, [when to the petitioning for restitution Canons of the church of S. Peter,] that the very Illustrious and most Reverend Chapter
of the very Illustrious and Reverend Lords
Canons of the Cathedral of Lucca received in deposit
the bodies of S. Synesius and BB. Romeus and Averardus
or Avertanus, which had been in the Collegiate church
of S. Peter the Greater, by the Lords Canons, the Prefect
of the fabric and one of the Parishioners of the same church,
to be held, kept, and guarded for the good pleasure of the said
Lords Depositors, and then to be rendered
and restored to the Lords Rector, Canons and
Parishioners of that church of S. Peter the Greater, at whatever
of their requisition and will, and that
under the penalties and in the form and manner in the same Instrument
expressed. Whereas also the very Ill. and
Rev. D. Laurence Bonvisi, at present of the church
of S. Peter the Greater well-deserving Prior, with the aforesaid
Cathedral church Chapter has urged, that
in virtue of the contracted obligation it would deign to restore
those holy bodies.

[11] The very Ill. and most Reverend Chapter,
in competent number assembled, [the same through the deputies of the Cathedral Chapter,] on the day IV of March
in the year MDCXLIV among other things decreed, that the Lords Primicerius
Sigismund Puccini, Francis Galganetti,
and Felix Trenta, before this to the said restitution business
deputed, full have authority of consulting
and decreeing that which thereupon more useful to be done
they shall have judged, for the same most Reverend Chapter's advantage,
for the first function future on the feast of the same S. Synesius,
and thereupon of making public instruments,
under those pacts and conditions which and such as to expedite
they shall have judged.

[12] By this therefore authority instructed the Lords aforesaid
… give and consign to the very Ill. and Rev. D. Laurence
Bonvisi the Prior, [it was made into the hands of the Prior of S. Peter,] to this constituted by his church's
Canons, by an act by me the public Notary
asked under the day XXVIII of April, and to D. Joseph Baroni,
the present of the Fabric of S. Peter the Greater Prefect,
the aforesaid bodies of S. Synesius, and of BB. Romeus and Averardus
or Avertanus, to be transferred whenever and
howsoever to them it shall please to the now said church,
that there thenceforth in the wonted manner be honored, on this condition
that the most Reverend Chapter the right preserve of celebrating
a solemn Mass at the hour of Terce in the aforesaid church
of S. Peter the Greater, in the morning, on the day IV of the next month
of May, when shall occur the feast of the said S. Synesius, in that
manner and form in which before it was wont to do the Reverend
Chapter in the aforesaid church of S. Peter before the aforesaid deposit
on the feast of the same Saint.

[13] [on the day April 30,] By this therefore consignation thus made, the aforesaid
Prior and the Fabric's Prefect, absolve the aforesaid
deputies from all obligation, which perhaps from the force of the aforecited
instrument could against the most Reverend Chapter
be pretended, in whatever manner or title, a stipulation
adjoined and whatever exception excluded.
Of all which on both sides done and reciprocally
promised, was made the present instrument, under penalties against the infringers of this convention established,
to be paid as often as &c. Done at Lucca in the sacristy of the Cathedral Church of Lucca, before and present
there the very Rev. D. John Antonetti the custodian
of the said Cathedral, and Bartholomew once of Lord
Merlus, citizens of Lucca, witnesses asked, under
the year of the Nativity of the Lord MDCXLIV, Indiction XII,
on the day indeed XXX of April, at folio 559 of the protocol of instruments
of the Excellent D. James de Matronis, in the archive
public of the most Illustrious and most Excellent Lucanian Republic
existing.
I James de Motronis Public Notary asked,

[14] From this therefore time, as by new letters from time to time the above-praised
Marius Florentinius me taught on July VII of the year
MDCLXXVII, [where now the bodies under the high altar are held.] the bones of S. Synesius and of BB. Romeus and Avertanus
rest in the chest of the now said church the greatest, in three
distinct little chests of cypress, with damask and scarlet silk
adorned, laid up, behind an iron grating gilded, by which
the said altar to the custody of the same little chests is fortified.
And of holy Synesius indeed the feast is celebrated yearly
on IV May with divine Offices, a solemn Mass with musical modulation,
and an oblation of wax tapers in the name of the Republic to be made;
not however at the same, as was wont of old, is present the most Excellent the Republic's Standard-bearer with two Decemvirs, because
introduced by custom it is that they now more rarely into public go forth.
B. Avertanus' celebrity on the day XXV of February is recalled,
and of him likewise a Mass is performed: but of B. Romeus nothing
particular is done.
