Domitianus
Acta Sanctorum, May 7
Source text: Public Domain. English translation/apparatus/encoding: CC BY-NC 4.0, Wroot Press.
https://actasanctorum.org/may/day-07/domitianus.html
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ON SAINT DOMITIANUS

BISHOP OF MAASTRICHT ON THE MEUSE.

ABOUT THE YEAR DLX.

[Preface]

Domitianus, Bishop of Maastricht on the Meuse (S.)

G. H.

[1] Maastricht is an illustrious city on the river Meuse
flowing between, once with an Episcopal See
ennobled, as at the Life of S. Servatius
on the day XIII of May we more at length explain. [sacred cultus May 7,] After
this and other Saints the tenth ruled the same
See S. Domitianus, there from this mortal to
immortal life translated on these Nones of May, which sacred to S. Domitianus
the people of Maastricht celebrate in the ecclesiastical Office, [in the ancient Breviaries,]
the people of Tongres and Liège with their diocese, as the ancient
Breviaries of these churches, which we have various, attest:
and because the city of Louvain once obeyed the Bishops
of Liège, also S. Domitianus's office is prescribed
in a certain MS. Breviary of the church of S. Peter. But the chief
festivity of the same Saint is held in the city of Huy,
situated between Liège and Namur, where he is held the first Patron
on account of the body brought thither. [with a solemn festivity among the people of Huy,] For there is instituted with the sacred
body through the city a public procession, at which are present the Governor,
the Consuls with the rest of the Magistracy, likewise the citizens
distributed by their cohorts: and it is honored by very many religious
Orders, and very many pilgrims with bare feet, and clad in linen,
carrying burning tapers: and so the said day, all servile
work being prohibited, is performed.

[2] On the same VII of May the sacred memory of S. Domitianus is recalled
in the ancient MS. Martyrologies of Liège of the Cathedral
church of S. Lambert and of the monastery of S. Laurence, [and the sacred calendars.] and the MS.
Florarium of the Saints. Likewise in the Martyrology of Cologne and Lübeck
printed in the year MCCCCXL, and the additions of Greven and Molanus
to Usuard, which followed Canisius, Galesinius,
Ghinius, Ferrarius, Saussay, and again Molanus in the Natales
of the Saints of Belgium, and Miraeus in the Belgian Calendars. Other
days on account of the elevation and translation of the sacred Body to S. Domitianus
are dedicated, [likewise June 15] both VIII of June in the MS. Florarium, where
is added the year MCLXXII, both XV of June, on which Molanus
in the second edition of the additions to Usuard referred him, and below
in the first Acts is said to be celebrated at Huy. With the rest moreover
of the Bishops of Maastricht is made his Commemoration on VI of February
in the church of Maastricht, [and February 6.] where in the Treasury of Relics
is kept some finger of his, and he is wont in the Litanies with
other Saints to be invoked, and this on his feast was recited as the Prayer: [prayers,]
O God, who us by the urgency of B. Domitianus Your Confessor
to the recognition of Your holy name didst deign to call,
grant propitious, that of whom we venerate the solemnity,
we may feel his patronage. But in other Breviaries
this is prescribed to be read: May the pious prayer of Your holy
Pontiff Domitianus commend us, we beseech, O Lord, to Your
mercy: whose precious confession is today celebrated in Your
sight. And these things concerning his ecclesiastical
cultus suffice.

[3] His Life we give a double one, the former from the monasteries
of Rouge-Cloître near Brussels, [A double Life] and of Corsendonck near
Turnhout, both of Regular Canons, which also
exists among the people of Huy, from which the Prologue omitted by others
we prefix. The latter Life we found of him in the monastery
of Liège of S. Laurence of the Benedictine Order, and
we collated it with those things which by Aegidius of Liège, monk of Val-d'Or,
were written, and by John Chapeauville in
the Deeds of the Pontiffs of Tongres, Maastricht and Liège
in volume 1 and 2 published: [and a history of miracles,] to which we subjoin some
miracles from the codex of Huy, by Carolus Werpaeus of the Society of Jesus
submitted to us. But all these were written
after the translation of the sacred body made in the year MCLXXXIII,
that is more than seven hundred years after the year DLX, about which
it is handed down that S. Domitianus died.

LIFE

From three MS. codices.

Domitianus, Bishop of Maastricht on the Meuse (S.)

BHL Number: 2254, 2255

FROM MSS.

[1] For the confirming of the truth of the Catholic faith,
in diverse nations of the lands, [Prologue] under diverse
times, diverse worshippers of the divine religion and
illustrious Doctors the providence and supernal piety chose:
of whom of glorious memory B. Domitianus,
the people and fatherland of Maastricht received as Pontiff and Shepherd,
the holy church of Huy as Patron, illustrious for merits.
Of so great a Father therefore [of the memory], worthy
of the immense proclamation of praise, let the devout assembly of the faithful applaud
Christ; which by his deserving patronage, desires
with the Saints to enjoy the everlasting kingdom. For worthily
the praise and memory of this holy man by men
is frequented on earth, who gleaming with the signs of miracles,
received by Angels, with Christ glories
in the heavens. But to the glory and praise of the King of all, and
to the knowledge of posterity and the consolation of the faithful, [concerning the authority of this writing.] of the same
our venerable Patron the life, virtues and merits,
according to what from the relation of truthful witnesses
we have heard, and in the sacred volumes of the scriptures described
we have found, God cooperating and the word of truth
by heavenly grace confirming, as we are able and have strength,
into legends, lessons, letters to insert we desire.

[2] Blessed Domitianus, in the parts of Gaul from illustrious
parents sprung, when in works of mercy
he abounded, the fame of his sanctity with swift wings
flying through all things took possession of all. At that time it happened, that
the venerable Eucharius Bishop of the church of Maastricht
being dead, S. Domitianus, now in knowledge, virtue, [created Bishop] and also
in sanctity most celebrated, in the same See by the election of the people
and the Prince was substituted Bishop: who
nevertheless from too great humility so great an honor to undertake
did not consent, until the Lord His own will
upon this divinely revealed to him. Made therefore
Bishop it is not easy to say, with how great solicitude
he governed the people committed to him, by preachings,
alms also and the buildings of churches
insisting, and the Pagans (of whom an abundance still in his
parish was) converting. But with so great virtue and
glory of miracles and at the same time admirable doctrine he shone,
that there was not found one like him in all
the provinces of Gaul. But at a certain time, [in
famine the whole province had been oppressed; and the people
of the poor were too much wasted with want; the holy
Bishop seeing, from too great dryness of the air, as if there were no
hope for the inhabitants of a future harvest; the rich, [he stirs the rich to alms,] who from fear of barrenness
had ceased from the bestowal of alms, he admonished
and commanded to be admonished, that out of respect of divine love the poor
of Christ they should refresh from their own grain; promising to all,
that in the harvest next following of grain and fruits
there would be abundance. And the people obeyed the Pontiff,
and the Pontiff entreated the Lord: [foretelling an abundant harvest:] but the Lord at
the prayers of His servant from heaven giving His kindness,
the dry province with the waters of rains more largely
moistened; and the earth bringing forth its fruit,
refreshed the inhabitants and dwellers of that fatherland with an abundant
harvest.

[3] In those days when the Arian heresy had greatly in
the province of Orleans prevailed, and concerning this
the Magnates and Bishops of diverse cities and lands
at Orleans for a general Council had convened,
and the heretics swelling with the pompous pride of eloquence
argued against the faith; [in the Synod of Orleans he confutes the heretics:] the Catholics praying
and divine revelation suggesting, B. Domitianus
the most eloquent of all, in knowledge also and argumentation
most perfect, by all the fellow-Bishops
to resist the heretics first and alone chosen, and divinely
by Christ admonished, all that multitude of heretics
by the testimonies of sacred Scripture convinced
and confounded, so that there was no adversary who him
with grim countenance regarded, or resisted his words; but
several of them led by penitence, fallen before his feet
asked pardon: but the rest of the heretics, in their malice persevering, from the fellowship and assembly of the faithful
expelling, he caused to be relegated by the Princes into exile. But in going
to the aforesaid Council, and in returning, and there
abiding the blessed Pontiff Domitianus, wherever
he turned aside, announcing the faith of Christ with miracles
shone. [he takes care that churches and hospitals be erected:] But returning to his own parish,
churches in those places where they were not he caused to be constructed, and
the constructed he consecrated: hospitals also in the cities,
for gathering and sustaining the poor, he procured to be made,
and to all the oppressed and needy the remedy of salvation
and the benefit of piety more largely bestowed.

[4] But it happened that in the land of Huy many men
from a certain fountain infected by the putrefaction of a certain huge and fetid
dragon suffered various and most grievous sicknesses, [he is said to have freed the people of Huy from the infestation of a dragon:]
and beasts and cattle drinking from the same
suddenly died: whence the inhabitants of that land, inviting the holy
Father of the fatherland to the same place, supplicated,
that them and their cattle he should snatch from so miserable
with the aforesaid men came to the place,
and prayer being made commanded powerfully the dragon itself, that
departing from that place it should nevermore against man or
creature of God, necessary to the use of men, have power
of harming, and that the water putrefied by the dragon's stench should no more
lose the use of giving drink. At this
command of the holy man immediately the dragon from the fountain into the abyss
descending, nowhere appeared; and the water, the fountain being dried up,
to the surface of the earth not ascending, obediently
shut itself under the earth. [and to have produced a fountain:] But the blessed Prelate taking his Pastoral
staff, fixed it in the solid ground: and immediately by
heavenly grace produced from the earth a new fountain drinkable
and water healthful, conferring on the sick and on various pains
the remedies of health. After these things he began the church
of B. Mary of Huy more often to frequent, in vigils and
in the solemnities of Masses there insisting, where also the sick
coming from diverse regions to him he restored to health, [he restored the sick to health.]
and the dead from death to life, and the lost
to salvation from destruction recalled. At length there was revealed
to the holy Prelate Domitianus, [at the tomb of S. Servatius,] the near dissolution of his body
from this life, who the thresholds of the Saints in circuit
visiting, to the tomb of B. Servatius came, where
the Clerics of his church and the rest of the faithful being called together,
and to them a sermon making, and peace and communion
to all bestowing, all that for him they should beseech God
he admonished; and remaining in the church he begged the Lord,
that before his departure He would deign him with His sweetness
to console. [called in Christ,] But the prayer being made, an immense light
from the supernal throne of heaven upon him sent forth shone,
with which the whole basilica gleaming, a marvelous light to the keepers of the church
showed: in which light the holy man saw the Lord Jesus
Christ, in the midst of the Angels standing, and in
paternal Majesty calling him to Himself and saying:
Well done, good and faithful servant, because over few you have been
faithful, over many I will set you, enter into the joy
of your Lord. But afterward that heavenly light little by little vanished;
and the glorious Prelate, [on May 7 he migrates to heaven:] by the Lord's vision consoled,
in exultation remained; and at length there within
the hands of the religious Priests on the Nones of May to the heavens
migrated. There were present at his passing the choirs of hymn-singing
Angels, who his soul with joy and
praises to the reward and fountain of joy bore. But from
the fragrance of the sacred body, health came to the sick
very great.

[5] But there convened to the obsequies of the holy man of the whole
province the Clergy: and the body of the most holy one, giving a most sweet
odor, with an innumerable throng of both [The body buried at Huy] sexes
of men, from Maastricht into the church of B. Mary of the town
of Huy they bear to be buried. At whose tomb
so great miracles followed, that in the time of Charlemagne,
[it is elevated June 15] by command of the same Emperor sent Willigisus
the Prelate of Cologne, the holy body dug from the earth,
and still breathing a most sweet odor, from the earth
raised on the XVII of the Kalends of July. After these things in the year of the Lord MCLXXII
the Roman Empire being ruled by Augustus Frederick,
the first Emperor of this name, Radulphus
the LXII Bishop of the Church of Liège, counting from B.
Maternus the first Pontiff of the people of Tongres, again transported
the body of S. Domitianus into a new bier, with silver
and gold adorned, on the VI of the Ides of June. [again June 7.] But only
the first translation, which was done by Willigisus of Cologne
the Archbishop, is celebrated at Huy f.

ANNOTATIONS.







ANOTHER LIFE

From a MS. codex of Liège of the monastery of S. Laurence.

Domitianus, Bishop of Maastricht on the Meuse (S.)

BHL Number: 2253

FROM A MS.

CHAPTER I.

Birth, education, and life passed in the Episcopate.

[1] The twentieth presided over the Church of Maastricht as Bishop,
the most holy Father, B. Domitianus, [Born in an honorable place,] a man through
all things to be praised. He in the parts of Gaul from honest
and according to the glory of earthly dignity high and illustrious
parents was procreated. But when this
happy little infant in the sacred font of baptism in Christ was to be
baptized, by a divine presage of things to come, as a future lord
of vices, and a citizen of the house of the Lord perpetually
with the Angels to reign, he received the name Domitianus.
But regenerated in Christ, by the care
and diligence of his parents most honestly was nourished, since by them
most fervently he was cherished, and most tenderly was loved.
But while from the nurse's milk he was separated, the boy beginning
to be of good disposition, to the sacred thresholds of the church with his parents
sometimes coming, with hands extended, with knees
bent supplicating, to the Lord poured forth prayers, that to
the eternal mansions he might be able to attain. But his parents
this seeing, [he is imbued with piety and doctrine:] and such devotion in the little one
as a miracle admiring, the boy to chief
Doctors and perfected in divine instructions is handed over,
in literary studies and the sanctions of Christian devotion
to be imbued. Teachable therefore the youth, the supernal
clemency providing for him, twin, namely human and
divine, shone forth taught in knowledge. The delights therefore
of the present life being put behind, the same youth admirable,
in faith devout, in conversation to God and men
amiable, passing the night in prayers, sedulous remaining
in vigils, macerated his body with fastings: but by the illustrious
virtue of his name in himself taming the vices of the world,
and the flesh utterly to serve the spirit he compelled, and in every
exercise of virtues praiseworthy shone forth. And although a youth
he was in age, having a heart devout and aged, nothing
in deed did he do vain or puerile; but in the flower of adolescence
he was fragrant with the odor of virtues. But the venerable
servant of God desiring the wantonness of the world and glory
to flee, to the precepts of the Evangelical institution he was eager
to adhere: and the holy Fathers' benignly following
footsteps, he hastened without intermission to the holy
offices of the Saints to proceed, that with Christ he might be able
in the heavenly things to glory in eternal glory.

[2] In God's work therefore serving, in the blessings
of sweetness he was prevented; and the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ to the unlearned and unbelieving he preached, [by preaching he converts the Pagans:]
most diligently, the chosen preacher. The glorious therefore
contender of the Lord Domitianus, knowing in his days
many nations in the provinces of the Gauls, and especially
in the Aquitanian regions, still serving the rites of the Pagans b,
and from the worship of the Christian Religion and
the path of the Catholic faith straying; with the breastplate of faith armed,
and as well against spiritual wickednesses, as against
the persecutions of malignant men, with the helmet of salvation
becomingly fortified; cities and castles going around,
the seeds of the Lord's word with the germ of blessings
everywhere faithfully sowed, and by the proof of deific
truth men, in darkness and in the shadow of death
sitting, to the recognition of true Deity converted.
And so wherever and however much he could the name
of the Lord Jesus Christ he exalted, and the same in
Christ's name unclean spirits from possessed bodies
put to flight: to the deaf hearing, to the blind sight,
to the lame walking, to the mute speech he restored; and to all
the infirm, to him coming and the grace
of piety asking, the remedy of salvation he furnished. Of orphans,
widows, and all the oppressed the pious
consoler, against malignant spirits and against the pressures of all
persecutions a strong warrior he was.
But whom he converted to God, from all
sin he purged; and them with the foods of flesh and spirit refreshed.
Alacritous indeed he was in exhortation, sweet
and eloquent in speech, simple and chaste in
operation, perfect and truthful in promise,
beloved by God and men, of the whole nation and
fatherland he was the salvation and ornament.

[3] When with these therefore the servant of God Domitianus excelled
in virtues, the fame of his sanctity buried under the earth
did not lie hidden, but with swift wings flying through all things
took possession of all: who in what manner he was raised to the citadel of the Pontificate,
the acts of the Synod of Orleans show.
But it befell the city of Servatius, the Prelate of the church of Maastricht
of venerable memory Eucharius being dead, [desired as Bishop of Maastricht,]
to be stripped of the governance of a Shepherd. Then a day being appointed
to the Princes of the land, both the Magnates and the Clergy and
the people of the aforesaid city in the church of B. Servatius being congregated,
to treat of the substitution of a Bishop, Blessed
Domitianus, in the Provinces of the lands in knowledge and
virtue famous and in sanctity most celebrated, the grace of the Holy
Spirit preordaining, by the concordant election of the Clergy
and the Princes as Shepherd is chosen, and by the unanimous
will of both sex and age of the people to the summit of the Prelacy
is demanded. The Christian religion therefore flourishing, in the
time of Childebert and Theodebert the King,
he is read to have been present at the Synod of Orleans.
from the words both of himself and of his fellow-Priests
can be gathered, which were said in the Synod of Orleans.
For what he taught with his mouth, he skillfully fulfilled
in deed, lest perchance preaching to others, [in the Synod of Orleans he is confirmed.] he should be made reprobate:
whom because the Pontiffs of diverse Provinces
prudently knew, from ecclesiastical affairs him
in no way to be absent they bore. d There was present in this sacred
Assembly the Clergy and Senate of Maastricht, asking
of the King and all the princes that to them Domitianus
be given as Shepherd. And when he had long refused, at length
overcome by the prayers of the bystanders he poured forth prayers to the highest
Shepherd of souls, that if it were acceptable to God and pleasing, and for his own and the faithful's salvation availed,
the Lord from heaven by His grace His good pleasure to him divinely
should reveal. But the beloved of the Lord, by an indication shown
him from the supernal, is admonished to take up the yoke of the Lord light
and sweet, and the Lord's sheep from the bites
of wolves to the pastures of the heavenly life to recall.

[4] Comforted therefore by the Lord, to the election made
of the faithful he gave his assent; and the governance of the holy Church,
to the praise and salvation of the people, humbly and
devoutly he undertook. Chosen therefore by the Clergy and people, by the
judgment of the Bishops who had convened and of all the Princes
and of the King Childebert himself, the estates,
castles and the benefices which were of the church and city of Tongres,
after its destruction by several
plundered, to Maastricht to his See it was granted to be
transferred, in which Synod also through him the Lord
showed many signs. It is said that, while he disputed
against the heretics, who had there convened, the earth in
the manner of a cushion rising, prepared for him a seat.
The heretics contradicting and resisting the words of the faith,
when against the Catholic faith something of falsity
they said, B. Domitianus full of the Holy Spirit,
raised his hand against those heretics, and
immediately they were blinded by divine power. But returned
to his Fatherland, with many good things he enriched his
church. He of the city of Tongres ruined beginning
to loathe the deformity, the sepulchre of B. Servatius at
Maastricht began to frequent. For by divine operating
power, however great an abundance of snows had fallen, [he dwells at Maastricht at the sepulcher of S. Servatius.]
the tomb of B. Servatius, as says Gregory of Tours
the Bishop, the snow did not touch. You would see round about
all things covered with snows, and yet the Saint's tomb
not touched by snows. There worked also other miracles Christ,
that there might be proved in the sight of God the precious
merits of that holy man. On account of this both the devotion of the faithful,
and the zeal of the frequenting people, a wooden
and small one over the holy members put together
an oratory: but because for so great a man it was not worthy,
by the wind it was snatched away or to the ground of itself
fell down.

[5] The Synod of Clermont f also is increased by his
presence, and is strengthened by the wisdom of his honey-flowing speech:
[he is present at the Synod of Clermont.]
In which he was a gem, because the Doctor adorned it.
      And when to his sheep the Saint furnished pastures,
      by the words of doctrine he gave a form also of goodness,
      by the examples of works drawing back from the jaws of wolves.
But whatever the Pontiffs decreed conniving,
      Domitianus it was who sowed the words of life,
      broke the schisms, and retained the true faith.
      The city of Clermont felt the pious dogmas of the Father,
      into whose Synod he came and sat being called,
      opposing to heresy the Canons of doing rightly.
For on each day unless by a heavy trouble of infirmity
weakened, the mysteries of the Lord's Passion he celebrated; [devoted to the Passion of Christ,]
and to his own the word of life, the Lord Jesus Christ,
unceasingly and sweetly he announced; and in the divine
praises, day and night in prayers insisting,
indefatigably he remained. The praise the same of men
and the glory of the world he fled: of every good to him
divinely bestowed, to the Creator of all things thanksgivings
with the due reward of praise he rendered.
There was not found in virtue or grace one like him, in all
the Provinces of Gaul. [and works of mercy.] Whoever to him by infirmity
vexed or by sin enveloped on account of the gift of grace
came, by divine medicament healed and from every
stain of sins cleansed, the salvation of body and
soul received. Benign therefore and merciful to
all asking grace of him he was, and to none the divine
salvation's benefit denied.

[6] [in a public famine.] At a certain time therefore, when with a strong famine the whole
province had been oppressed, and the people
of the poor were too much wasted with want of victual, the Shepherd
of the flock oft-said, hearing from the greatest dryness of the air
that there was little hope to the inhabitants of the land of a future harvest,
the people around more attentively admonished and
commanded to be admonished with all diligence, that for divine
love of the Creator, the poor and needy from their own
they should deign to refresh with sustenance; promising to all, that
in the following harvest next by God's grace of grain
and fruits there would be sufficiently abundance, by which the whole
people gladdened, [he foretells a copious harvest] would receive copious foods. These things
therefore by the holy Pontiff of God being premised, his people
obeying his commands, with their goods to them by God
bestowed, victual and sustenance more fully and diligently
in the name of the Deity bestowed on the poor and needy,
trusting in the goodness of the Creator of all and the trustworthiness
of their Prelate, the most pious Confessor of Christ. But the holy
Pontiff with all devotion poured forth prayers
from his inmost heart to the Lord, who created all things
and feeds them out of nothing, and five thousand men out of
five barley loaves, and two fishes satisfied
most abundantly in the desert; that He Himself with His wonted piety
the dryness of the earth for begetting fruits with a desired and useful
rain would more quickly irrigate from on high: that His people
believing the promise, returning thanks to God,
might rejoice in the fruit of grain and the food of bodies.
But the merciful Lord, the will of those fearing
Him doing, and their supplication hearing,
at the prayers of His beloved servant from heaven giving His kindness,
the destructive dryness, with the abundant waters of rains
liquefied; and the earth bringing forth its fruit, the inhabitants
and dwellers of the fatherland with an abundant harvest refreshed.
But the people with their Shepherd immense thanks to God
returned, and more than before it was wont to the needy
victual and the necessaries of life distributed.

[7] [he takes care that churches and hospitals be constructed:] Churches in those places where they were not he caused
to be constructed, the constructed to the praise of God and the salvation of the faithful
he consecrated. Hospitals in the cities for gathering
the poor and sustaining them he demanded to be made: and
to all the oppressed and needy the remedy of salvation and
the benefit of piety more largely bestowed. The powerful and
rich, lest they should oppress the poor, he reproved: a lover
of peace, between the discordant peace and concord he reformed.
And so this most holy man of the Lord Domitianus
according to the Evangelical attestation, the light
of the world is called: while men sitting in the darkness
of perfidy, he led back by doctrines and virtues to the light
of the knowledge of the living God. Salt also of the earth he is proved to be,
who irrational nations from the reason of truth, seasoned
with the salt of wisdom, made tasteable to God by the perfection of the Lord's
savor. A laborer also and Disciple
of the Evangelical institution, while daily in the vineyard
of the Father of the family sustaining labor, he led to
God a people of acquisition.

[8] And so it happened that in the bounds of the province of Huy,
in the days of the holy man, many from the fountain infected by the putrefaction of a huge
and fetid dragon, the men dwelling round about
suffered various and most grievous sicknesses,
and cattle and beasts drinking from the same suddenly
died. Whence the inhabitants of that land, the holy
father of the fatherland and doctor inviting to the same
place, with humble devotion intimately supplicated,
that, the divine goodness granting, men and cattle he should snatch
and save from so miserable a damnation. But the most
clement Prelate, [he is said to have freed the people of Huy from the infestation of the Dragon,] grieving exceedingly
for the misery of the people of Huy, the loss of the animals and the pain,
coming to the place, made the men through penitence
to be cleansed from sins, and for their deliverance prayers
to pour forth to the divine Majesty. Which done he commanded
by divine power the Saint to the dragon, that departing from the place
thenceforth never against man or creature of God, necessary
to the life or use of men, should have power of harming,
and that the water putrefied by the dragon's stench should lose the use
of yielding a drinking-cup. At this immediately command
of the holy man the dragon, from the fountain into the abyss descending,
nowhere appeared: and the water, the fountain being designated, to the surface
of the earth not ascending, from the confluence of its use
obedient under the earth retained itself.

[9] But the blessed Prelate, knowing that fresh water
there for the people to drink would be acceptable, [to have produced a fountain.] taking
his pastoral staff with prayer fixed it in the solid
ground: and immediately by heavenly grace produced
from the earth a drinkable fountain, and water healthful
to the sick, and to various pains conferring remedies of health.
This done the people of that confine to the Creator
of all things paid thanksgivings, and to their holy Shepherd
reverence and honor bestowing, in
all things well-pleasing to him more fully obeyed. Hence
the Saint of the Lord, for the veneration of the glorious Virgin
Mary mother of the Lord and for the salvation of the inhabitants
[the built] church of Huy frequently visited,
and in the offices of Masses and prayers, the melodies
of psalms and the nocturnal vigils insisting, a victim
acceptable to God upon the Lord's table
immolated. Thence the people of that province him,
still in the flesh alive, began to venerate as their Lord
and most pious Shepherd of souls: whom after his
passing, the supernal grace bestowing, they merited
forever to have as the guardian of the people and Patron of the fatherland.

ANNOTATIONS.







CHAPTER II.

Pious death. Burial among the people of Huy: miracles.

[10] When therefore it pleased the Most High, B. Domitianus
from the present world to lead forth, and to the joy
of the blessedness of the Saints to join, the Holy Spirit
the Paraclete suggesting, there was revealed to him the near
dissolution of his body from this life. Who the thresholds of the Saints
in circuit devoutly visiting, by assiduous prayers
and the urgings of alms entreated, that by a good
consummation received by the college of the holy Angels,
the reward with the just he might merit to enjoy
everlastingly. [At the tomb of S. Servatius] But to the tomb of the holy and most pious
Confessor of Christ coming, Servatius, he implored that by his
intervention the grace and aid of the Most High be present to him,
when from the prison-house of this present life he should be stripped
and of the world. Therefore the Brothers of his church being called together
and the devout Priests of his diocese, [fortified with the sacred viaticum,] and the rest
of the faithful of Christ in the church convening,
confession being made, the salvific Sacraments of our redemption
celebrating, most devoutly with the vivifying bread of Christ and
the salvific blood fortified, peace and communion
he gave to all, and himself to the prayers of all
commended, humbly from them help asking
to the Lord, now about to depart from this world.

[11] After these things to all he spoke words salutary
of honey-flowing preaching: admonishing them to persevere in perfect faith and the exercise of good action. Beloved
brothers, he said, and sons, hear the precepts of the Most High, and
do not have part with the ministers of the devil, and saved
you will be in the day of wrath of the strict judgment. Labor therefore with your own
hands, and like the Saints willingly succor the poor,
that you may be rich with Christ in the heavenly kingdoms.
With these and other discourses all by him being instructed, [he disposes concerning his burial:]
the devout sheep he committed to the grace of his Redeemer;
and enjoined them that his body in the church
of Huy of the blessed Virgin Mary, as to him the Lord
had ordained, to ecclesiastical burial they should hand over. But the most holy
Confessor, remaining in the church,
invoked the Father in mind, that Him to console before
his departure He would deign with His sweetness: who is always near
to all invoking Him in truth.

[12] But this prayer being made, an immense light from the supernal
throne of heaven upon him sent forth shone; with which
the whole basilica gleaming, a marvelous light, faith and
copious grace to the faithful showed. In the light therefore
left, this from heaven bestowed, the pious Father with great
exultation lifting his eyes to the supernal things, saw the most pious
King of the Saints Jesus Christ the Redeemer of all,
sitting in the midst of the Angels in
Paternal Majesty, calling him to Himself with mercy,
saying to him these words of consolation;
Well done, good and faithful servant, because over few you have been faithful,
over many I will set you, [he is visited by Christ] enter into the joy
of your Lord; and receive what eye has not seen,
and ear has not heard, nor into the heart of man shall ascend,
which God has prepared for everyone perpetually
loving Him. Blessed are you and well shall it be for you, because with the Saints
you shall rejoice, and with the Angels forever in unfading
glory you shall exult. Blessed shall be they, who through you
have believed in my name, blessed they who to you devoted bestowed
the honor of homage. Come, blessed of my Father,
and receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning
of the world. These things being said the heavenly light little by little vanished,
and the glorious Prelate gladdened by the Lord's vision in
exultation remained. But he lived in all the time
of his life in the fear of God and reverence of virtues,
serving his Maker in sanctity and justice without
complaint. The good fight at length he fought, the faith
inviolably keeping, the course he consummated, and so
by a happy consummation among the hands of religious Priests,
on the Nones of May from this unstable life, [on May 7 by Angels he is led into heaven]
in the heavenly things with the Saints to live, to the Lord
migrated. From death therefore to life, from sorrow
to joy, from the world he came to glory. There were present
at his passing the choirs of hymn-singing Angels,
who his soul with praises bore to the reward
of joy.

[13] But the Archpriests, the same Father's most dear sons,
frequenting and guarding the body of the most blessed
Prelate, bestowed on him the due honor,
with prayers and Psalms of the office of obsequies: and so
the most holy body, an odor to all the bystanders
giving most sweet, by the religious Priests, with
the devout Assembly of citizens and an innumerable throng of both
sexes of men, into the church of B. Mary
of the town of Huy is borne, to be committed to the tomb.
But the Nobles and Magnates of the province perceiving,
[he is buried at Huy,] the burial of so great a Father in a church so
venerable would be prepared; out of honor of reverence
flying together from everywhere with exceeding devotion, of their Shepherd
and Confessor of God the obsequies they hastened unanimously
to be present at. And when this body of the holy Father
in the venerable bier lay, clad in the vestments of the Prelacy,
the head adorned having a miter, the hand with the Pastoral
staff surrounded, of all the comers
the nostrils a most sweet odor was infused. But many with devotion
kindled, the sanctity of the most holy Father recognizing,
from his vestments little particles for relics
cut, others tore, some the nails
of his hands or feet while they could clipped,
some indeed the tips of the hairs of his head
cut off, and all these for themselves as venerable
relics reserved. The solemnities therefore of Masses being celebrated,
with prayers and psalms of the burial office
fitting, the sacred body in a new sepulchre, of
precious stone hewn, is placed most devoutly, by the ministry
of the faithful Priests: and so with great
reverence is laid up in a sacred place, for so great a Priest
most worthy.

[14] The sepulchre therefore being closed after the office of burial,
health of bodies, and of souls conferred on the faithful
people, to whom there was full faith and good intention. Hearing
therefore the sanctity of the holy man, with various pains
oppressed from far off as from neighboring hamlets the sick,
visited the tomb of the sacred body, grace and
salvation of souls and bodies obtaining. But coming
the blind to the veneration of the sacred body, [he shines with miracles:]
by divine grace bestowing of the eyes' light were restored:
the deaf hearing from the Saint's merit received,
the mute the use of tongue and voice received glad to their own returned:
the lame and contracted in the nerves of the members, with
faith invoking the Saint, the office of walking bestowed on them from heaven
they walked, and from all weighed down with pains of diverse
infirmities the worst pestilences and all
sicknesses were driven away. Certain envious ones also,
because miracles by the holy Father Domitianus to be done
they did not believe, and his marks of virtues to depreciate
wished, with too great terror suddenly struck, S. Domitianus
with devotion praised, and compelled the merits
of the Saint everywhere powerfully preached. Let every Church
rejoice together with that of Huy for the glory granted, for powerfully
this the divine grace illustrates. O Domitianus,
sweet solace of the languishing, by your merits, which
contain the deposits of your dissolution, which like the sun
shall shine in the glory of the resurrection, there place us
the Judge's sheep at his right hand.

[15] He died a about the year of the Lord five hundred
sixtieth. This Pontiff also was of the highest goodness,
in alms prompt, in judgments just,
in all honesty of manners most excellent, [loved by all,]
despising none; but all in good will
embracing, all loving, he himself also was loved
by all. And to use the words of Sigebert the monk
of Gembloux, an excellent historiographer,
There shone, he says, under Justinian the great Emperor,
Cassiodorus the Senator afterward a monk,
Arator the Poet, Priscian the Grammarian, Victor
of Capua who writing Paschal cycles refuted the errors
of Victorius, [he is praised by Sigebert.] Gregory of Langres, Nicetus
of Trier, and Blessed Domitianus of Maastricht
the Bishop b: and in Gaul a tree c, which is called the elder,
brought forth grapes. Of this most holy man's sepulchre,
although it was in the church, where or in what place
it was placed, is by no means known by the inhabitants: one thing
thence for a truth we can say, that the church many times
suffered the ruin of tribulations, namely of the Winidi
and of the Normans and of the Hungarians and of other
persecutions, which so often that place and the whole
parish of Liège by devastating oppressed:
and so it could be, that the sepulchre of B. Domitianus
by them was altogether destroyed: or perhaps it was
in some place, where a wall of the walls was to be drawn down;
and so it is unknown to all d.

[16] But in our times six young men in the waters
drowned, [6 drowned revive:] within a few years on diverse festivities
of the same were raised up. Of whom some
under grinding mills passed through, and for
half a day in summer time in the water lay:
others for the space of nearly two hours, others for
three, [the sick are healed,] others from the first time of summer until vespers
in the water lay: of whom afterward we saw one.
The blind, lame, deaf, mute, paralytics,
phrenetics and demoniacs, of whom on account of the
multitude we know not the number, [captives are freed,] on diverse festivities of his
receive soundness even unto the present day. Many
also in diverse places in prison custody detained,
by the prayers and merits of B. Domitianus the chains being broken were freed:
of whom some here in the midst to bring forth
we have taken care, the miracles. A certain man at Teumacum e in chains
placed, B. Domitianus with tears began
to call upon, that by his merits intervening he might be absolved,
because on account of his too great poverty, no
hope was there for him of redeeming himself, to whom the most pious Confessor on the following
night in sleep appeared saying: I am
Domitianus: rise and put your hand to the chains, and
draw out your foot: do not doubt, because the chains yielding of their own accord
you will be freed. Beware also, lest when you have been freed,
you return through the wood which is next to Halois,
but by the lower way return under the grove, and by none will you be taken.
But awakened from sleep he put his hand
to the chains, and wonderful to say immediately he was freed,
and God's mercy and the Blessed Pontiff's intervention
to his liberation attributing, according to his vow the iron
chains he brought to B. Domitianus.

[17] A certain merchant, making memory of the Blessed
Pontiff and himself to his prayers commending, [things taken by theft are restored,] fell
among robbers, by whom he was despoiled; but God's helping
grace, never his pack to break
could they: but neither the bread, which over the little chest
of B. Domitianus he had touched, for three days fasting eat
could they: and so themselves to have offended recognizing,
his own things to him they restored. A certain youth
beside the wheel of a certain mill slipped into
the water: and immediately B. Domitianus's aid in his heart he besought,
because with words he could not. Who from the first hour
until the ninth hour in the water remaining, at length
was found: and when he was esteemed dead by
all, at length he began to breathe again: whom by the blessed Pontiff's
merits and intercessions raised up we do not doubt.
There are also several other miracles, which on account of
the weariness of readers here omitting, from the history our hand
let us draw back.

ANNOTATIONS.






CHAPTER III.

Translation of S. Domitianus and miracles thereafter wrought.

[18] In the year from the Incarnation of the Lord one thousand
one hundred and seventy-third, the Roman Empire being ruled
being governed c by Radulphus the Pontiff,
the Canons of S. Mary of Huy, approaching the face
of the said Pontiff, supplicated, [the body is elevated in the year 1173] that B.
Domitianus into a silver little chest, which for him already long
had been fabricated, he should place: because very much to them dishonorable
it seemed, that, since with God he was in merits
exalted, with men in a humble place he should be held.
The Bishop assented, and d on the seventeenth of the Kalends of July
that he would do this he promised. All things therefore
duly ordered, on the said day the Bishop to the church
came; prayer being made, the little chest he opened;
and the holy pearl, which within lay hidden,
to all openly it was permitted to see; and soon by
the Pontiff himself in the silver casket it was laid up honorably.
Which being completed, the Priests clad in white,
on their own shoulders the most holy body from the earth raised,
and outside the church bore, the Clerics chanting
and following with the citizens and women
who in their hands carried tapers: for to all there was one
devotion, equal was the exultation, in their neighbor's
visitation.

[19] But after his most holy body was laid up
in the church, the Bishop celebrated Mass: [a blind woman is healed,]
and amid the very holy mysteries there was not lacking the intercession
of S. Domitianus. For a certain woman having an only
daughter, who for nine months elapsed
had never seen the light of heaven, before the body of the blessed
Pontiff stood, and in this manner him
called upon: O Domitianus, Confessor of the Lord
precious, to my daughter restore the light: her to your service
I will hand over all the days of her life. I know truly and
most certainly I know, that whatever you shall ask of the Lord
you will obtain. What more? the woman Domitianus
called upon, and Domitianus by his prayers
to the girl restored the light. The bystanders being astonished,
she went before exulting, taking the way, and a guide of the way no longer
requiring. With swift course the Priests who
were present brought the girl to the Bishop, and that
God had visited His people through the merits of B. Domitianus
they intimated. Who returned thanks to God, and that
"Te Deum Laudamus" by all should be sung commanded.

[20] These things being completed there was present at hand the visitation
of B. Domitianus. [a paralytic woman,] For a certain woman, who already for
six years by paralysis had been held, and under the little chest sat,
of the keepers flowers asked, and received, the nerves
touched, and soon hither and thither walked.
Another woman also having a spirit of infirmity, [a bent woman,]
who was bent for very many years, and her right hand
to raise could not, to the holy bier approached
with tears, and her hand over the little chest
stretched, and from the sickness with which she labored freed
was. While these and similar things were done, fame than which nothing
swifter through individuals running about, of the said confessor
the miracles e divulged. There was stirred up the whole city,
and to so wondrous a spectacle [there ran]
every sex and age, and all the sick by various pains
detained, both on pallets and in vehicles
were brought. [a paralytic woman,] Among whom another woman, who from paralysis
was curved for nine years, because by herself she could not
by others was brought. A wondrous thing, for soon as the little chest
of B. Domitianus she touched, she was made erect and to herself restored.
And when of this matter and of the aforesaid the fame grew abroad,
to derogate from the Saint, and at those approaching the church to scoff.
Soon in a wondrous manner divinely seized he began
to rage, [a demoniac yapping.] and his body's members and strength being failing
on the ground to wallow. At length himself to have offended professing,
and from the Priest absolution asking, his mouth and
breast striking, from the vexation he was absolved.

[21] In the time of Radulphus, the thirty-third Bishop
of Liège, after f the burning of the church of S.
Lambert, which happened in the year of the Lord one thousand
one hundred eighty-fifth, [the body brought to Liège in the year 1185] when for the restoring
of the same B. Lambert's church from everywhere convened
from the whole Episcopate processions to offer;
it happened that B. Domitianus's bier there with all
the concourse of the people from Huy to be brought: they felt and
understood those who were present g how the bier of B.
Lambert and the bier of B. Domitianus mutually
with a certain sonorous noise saluted each other. When therefore
very many of both sexes, of those who from Huy had come,
their offering had completed, and to return
more quickly with their Saint hastened; the bier of B. Domitianus could not be
moved, until all
who with him had come their oblation had made.
After this his oblation being completed, [and the oblation being made it was brought back,] the people of Huy thinking
there their Saint to wish to remain, with tears
and groans the prayer being completed, again applying
their hand to the Saint's bier, him most easily lifted,
and with praises and gladness most swiftly returned.

[22] But it happened when they began to ascend
the public mountain which is joined to the city of Liège,
before to the monastery of the Regular Canons
of S. Aegidius, which in the same mountain is contained, they came;
blind, having heard of B. Domitianus's arrival ran,
and the bier with both hands held. Whom
when the bystanders wished to remove, [a blind woman is illumined.] she swore that
she would not depart, until she received light. Forthwith by
the merit of B. Domitianus the light she received, and so glad
to her own returned. And so the people of Huy B. Domitianus
with great joy carried back to their own.
But this miracle was done in the village of S. Christopher,
as to us related two religious men
of the Cistercian Order, who there were present;
and we know that their testimony is true.

ANNOTATIONS.





e MSS. "multiplied."



OTHER MIRACLES

From a MS. of Huy.

Domitianus, Bishop of Maastricht on the Meuse (S.)

BHL Number: 2256

FROM A MS.

[1] For illustrating B. Domitianus's merits, what
Miracles the Lord through him worked, [Prologue]
from the day of the Translation until now, in few words to dispatch
we have determined. [1 Cor. 14, 22] But miracles, as the Apostle says,
for a sign are given not to the faithful but to the unbelieving,
and have diverse effects in diverse persons. For as the same
Apostle says, whom God predestined, these
also He called: But He calls some by scourges: whence through
Solomon * it is said, the Lord scourges every
son whom He receives. [Rom. 8, 30] Therefore He struck Paul himself,
that He might heal, He cast down that He might raise, He blinded that He might illumine. [12 Hebr. 6]
Others by the illumination of the spirit He calls, others by miracles:
but whereby the predestined profit, the reprobate
are blinded. For that which to the sons of Israel in the time
of Moses was for a remedy, to Pharaoh and the Egyptians
befell for a punishment: he with his people was drowned
in the sea, the sons of Israel from servitude freed.
And so, as we believe and hope, by the Blessed
Bishop Domitianus's merits the faithful and devout will profit,
but the reprobate and detractors will waste away.
Now therefore for the edification of the good, what Miracles God
through him works, as we ourselves partly
have seen, partly from others, who saw, have received,
let us compendiously dispatch.

[2] a A certain woman, who with a dissolution of her members
labored, [Three crippled women and other sick are healed] and on her feet at that time to stand
could not, by night as if in an ecstasy placed saw
the Body of B. Domitianus to approach, and she said to her: Rise,
and stretch forth your hand to those beseeching. Nor much
time intervened, in which she was freed, but not until eight days
were passed was credit given to her. It happened also
that a certain woman, who had never walked, received her gait,
and to the altar of the blessed Mother of God, without the help
of anyone proceeded, and thanks to God and His Mother
thence with B. Domitianus rendered. Then also
it happened that a certain little girl, who for two years
curved to the earth, could not be raised, fully freed
was. It happened also that those who the use of speaking
had never had, by the intercession of the blessed
Pontiff received it. Two also who with the falling sickness
labored, were freed. Two dropsical persons were cured.

[3] [likewise four others sick for a longer space] A certain man also of Nivelles, having heard the miracles
of B. Domitianus, with his mouth professing unto salvation, with his heart believing
unto justice, promised himself to go to the thresholds of the Blessed,
if to him his gait should be restored. And immediately he received what
he desired. A certain man of b Bordines, who for two years
and three months had lain in bed, a vow
being made of coming to the thresholds of B. Mary, immediately received
his health. Two women, who the use of their hands
by paralysis had lost, nor their fingers could extend,
in one and the same hour recovered. A woman also
of Rupes, c a castle of the Count of Namur, who
for six years had lain in bed, nor could on her feet
stand, her former health received. Another
woman, who with a similar sickness labored, vowed
to B. Domitianus a single cow, which had been untamed,
nor could be led: and she received health, and the cow
running before its drivers went before, as if no
driver it needed.

[4] A certain soldier of d Ouce, a vow being made of coming
to the oratory of B. Domitianus, [and as many others] began to try, whether to proceed
he could: and little by little his strength being resumed as far as
Huy he came: but because the due thanksgivings
he did not render, again as before he sickened,
until by divine inspiring clemency, at the invocation
of B. Domitianus he perfectly recovered. In the same village a certain
little child, who had never walked, his soles being
consolidated, received health. A woman
also a certain, who whatever in food and drink she took,
immediately vomited up, by the help of the blessed Confessor
was cured. A little boy, who the use of seeing for two
months in one eye had lost, to the body of the blessed Pontiff
his mother leading came, fell asleep, awakened
received his sight.

[5] [likewise the mute, blind, deaf and lame] Three signs were wrought in one girl:
she received her sight; she who before had been mute, spoke;
the powers of walking she received. A certain Lay-brother of e
Mount Cornelius, who had lost his hearing, while to
the thresholds of B. Domitianus he hastened, still on the way
placed, what he desired, received f. A certain man of little
had eaten, made a vow of coming to the body of the blessed
Pontiff, if in any measure he should recover: soon the health which
he desired, he received. Another of h Visé, the court
of the Bishop, who for nine years with a sickness had labored,
in a moment was cured. A certain woman of i Falais
the use of her members, which she had lost, received.
Similarly a certain little boy of k Anicin received the powers
of walking. A certain man of Nelin, who with a very great sickness
labored, and to himself and to his Lord was useless,
was freed, whence also by his Lord Godfrey
of l Han he was lawfully handed over, on the feast of B. Domitianus
about to give a denarius. On the same condition a certain
young man to B. Domitianus by the same Lord was handed over,
who was mute.

[6] A certain woman, who with a fistula labored so
greatly that the physicians despaired, [again others laboring with diseases,] and to put their hand
refused, from the aforesaid sickness in a moment
recovered. A certain man leading oxen to pasture,
breathed on by a slight breeze, immediately fell to the ground, and
by alien hands to his home brought back (for he was thought
mad) for three days nothing at all ate.
At length to the aforesaid Pontiff fleeing, and
pardon beseeching, the desired benefit he obtained.
A certain girl, who one side had lost, almost
and of the same part the eye, from blindness and the pain of the side
equally was freed. A certain man of the household of Lord
Henry de Lacia, by a whirlwind shaken, the powers of his body
lost: but by the intercession of the aforesaid Pontiff
health received. A certain man also of m Floreffe,
who his hand to open could not, and in one foot weak
was, in a moment was rendered unhurt. A woman
for seven years and more in bed had lain,
having heard the great deeds of B. Domitianus little by little recovered;
and before leaning on alien hands, to her former health
was restored. A woman of Vilier, who could neither rise
nor proceed, the blessed Pontiff's little chest being seen,
perfectly recovered.

[7] [and finally several others are helped,] But because to dwell on individual things is tedious,
succinctly let us bring forth the rest. A certain woman her little son
would not let communicate in the water, which from the relics
of the Saints had flowed down for the sick; when
to the repressing of her elation the boy began to sicken:
which the mother seeing recognized her fault, herself to have offended
professing, and so for her son health obtained. Another
certain little child, half-dead being brought, immediately
recovered. A certain woman, who for three years
the powers of walking had lost, admonished in sleep to come
to the body of the blessed Pontiff, giving credit,
was cured. Similarly a certain man of Hotton n from a long
sickness was healed, and from that time began to the poor
to minister o.

ANNOTATIONS.















* nay, the Apostle
