On tlie following day, at the
request of Count Eilbert, Forannan consecrated an altar, in honour of the
MostHolyTrinity,andinthedomesticchapelofhispatron.
request of Count Eilbert, Forannan consecrated an altar, in honour of the
MostHolyTrinity,andinthedomesticchapelofhispatron.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v4
See Edward A.
Freeman's
" ufque
in
prsesens tempus
monstrant vesti-
chap. vi. sect, i. , pp. 147, 148.
^7 Xo the year 946 is assigned this ratifica.
tion. SeeL'AbbeMigne's '•Dictionnairedes Abbayeset Monasieres,'' &c. , col. 827.
gia. "
S3 See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's
"
Lives of the Saints," \ol. iv. , April 30, p. 376.
38
Xhis office he exercised, for twenty-three
3"' Ti. is ancient city, strongly fonified, is at the junction of the Moselle and Seille rivers, and it is the seat of a bishop. See J.
years. •
39 The Chronicon Walsiodorense states :
"
Ipse vero Comes quae eidem Abbatioe ab R. M'Cnlloch's Dictionary Geographical, eodem confercbantnr ibidem replicavit, et
"
Stiitistical, and Historical of the v:irious
Countiies, Places, and principal Natural
Objects in the World," vol. iii. , pp. 330,
331.
35 See Rev. Dr. I. anigan's" Ecclesiastical
History of Ireland," vol. iii. , chap, xxiii. , sect. iv. , p. 404.
3' Doubtless the Emperor Ollio I. , also called King of Rome and of Germany. He
desiynatis nonnginta quinqne terrce mansi- bus, culturis decern et novem, et pra'is plu- rimis, et villis decern cum mngnis reditibus et ecclesiis earum, ct cum ingenii familia et ea qua; ]iropter difficultatem compuiandi (quonidm alias pleniter annumeiata contine- tur) reftrre distulimus, ostendit, et omnia sub regalibus testamentis assignavit. "
<" It is designated as a "lieryllus," or
"
Historical Geography of Europe," vol. i. ,
April 30. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 561
Abbot Forannan had been advanced, in 969, according to the Chronicle of Wasor, which monastery he is said to have entered that very same year. *' About this time Deodericus,*" a man distinguislied for his pohte manners,
andintegrityofcharacter,wasBishopofMetz. HewasarelativeofEilbert, and he chanced, on the occasion of a visit, to make alhision to the rehgious estabhshment at Wasor. This pious man learned from the Count those circum- stances, connected with the arrival of the holy stranger. From a description given, tlie Bishop expressed a strong desire to see Forannan, and he requested the Count should conduct him to the palace, on the occurrence of his next visit. An interview between tlie prelates took place, shortly afterwards ; and, on their first approach, a contest which proceeded from true humility arose, as each prelate sought the other's blessing, without presuming to impart his own first. The double honour of Forannan, both as Bishop and Abbot, furnished an argument, to which the Irish Saint at length yielded ; and, the Bishop of Metz received his blessing, with the sign of the cross, by which it was accom- panied. Withmutualsentimentsofattachmentandofreligiousfeeling,they entered upon many useful conferences. Besides, both applied themselves to sacred studies and prayer, while they lived under the same roof, on that and on future occasions.
The expediency of uniting Hasteria village to the monastery of Wasor was discussed, during one of those conferences, and this design was mutually approved. The church of the former place, situated convenient to that of VVasor, had been founded by Adalbero,«3 or Adelberone, Bishop of Metz, and had been confirmed by his bequest to St. Glodescinda's monastery,*-* andtothefemalecommunity,overwhichshewasformerlyAbbess. *^ This project was revealed to Eilbert, who, on account of the confirmation already
made to the nuns, disapproved ot a design, which he supposed inconsistent with the principles of strict justice, and with the testamentary dispositions made in their favour. But, his objections were removed, when the Bisliop assured him, that measures should be adopted, to satisfy the nuns for the relin-
quishment of their convent and its possessions, by conferring on them a suit- ableequivalentinexchange. ApetitionwaspresentedtotheKing,andto this effect. Having deliberated some time with his council, on learning the united wishes of Forannan, Deodericus and Eilbert, and understanding their
beryl, a precious stone, having a faint green colour like sea-water. On it was the repre- sentation of Susanna's accusation before the wicked judges, as related by the Prophet Caniel (cii. ip. xiii. ).
"If this d. ite be correct, it seems probable, that the order of n. nrrative is misplaced, in
Saints," tome ix. xxVjour de Juillet, pp. 3«. 32-
*5 SeeMabillon's "^AnnalesOrdinisS. Bene- dict! ," tomus iii. , lib. xlvii. , sect, xl. , p. 599. *" The " Chronicon Valciodorense," thus " Sed ne aliqua Valciodorensis Ecclesia molioiie alicujus hominis vexaretur
obprutectionem,advocantiametdefcnsionem
Valciodorensis Ecdcsiae, doiium See Mabillon's Annales Ordiiiis S. Bene- superius memoratum conditione retinuit
the
"
Clironicum V. ilcicxlorense. "
** He is someiimes called Thcodericus.
praedicta
"
dicti. 'tomusiii. , lib. xlvii. , sect, xl. , p. 599. *^ This prelate was elected in 928, and he held the bishopric for a long time. He re-
supradicta, et hoc ordine diffmiio concessit, quateiius Mettensis Ecclesia Vakioiorensi recto tramite incedens, ab omni Ecclcsiastico
stored the convent of St. Glodescinde, and jure illi justitiam facint, et ne rccederet ab
transferred her remains with great solemniiy.
"
See, on this subject, the
tomus iii. , Apniis xxx. Alia Acta S. Foran- nani, cap. ii. , n. (h), p. 820.
** The feast of this holy virgin and abbess, also called Glossinde or Glossinne, was cele- brated on the 25th of July. She flourished in
the sixth and seventh centuries. See notices
eadem justitia cum ea enormiter, sanxit ut si ab eadem Metensi Ecclesia vel ejus Epis-
copo scrupulus alicujus controversia; ex eadem Hasteria Valciodoreusi Ecclesia oeori-
retur, ad pristinum Valciodorensis Ecclesia reverteretur gradum, et de manu regis proe- dicti iierum sumeret donum. Istius ijjitur emancipationis utilitas, et utriusque rei deli- beratio, ex dono Valciodorensis Abbatiae ex
of her, in
"
Les Petits BoUandistes Viet des
Acta Sanctorum,"
continues
:
MX
562
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 30,
representations as to the manner, in which the abbey should derive benefit from the arrangement, he assented to their request. Hence, the church of Hasteria was annexed to the abbey of Wasor, and both were conditionally subjected to the protection of imperial authority, and to the jurisdiction of the Bisliop of Metz. 'I'he decree regarding this transfer is dated, in the year 969, and it was promulgated, in the thirty-fourth year of the Emperor Otho I. , and during the thirteenth Indiction. **
Then certain nuns, living according to rules established by the holy Abbess Goldescinda, had a community, under the direction of a superior named Voda. " She appears to have been called a Deaconess. *' Dis- posing of what was their own proi)erty, those religious prepared to leave their home at Hasteria. The nuns removed to the habitation assigned them ; and four priests, belonging to the'order of St. Benedict, to which saint the abbey of Wasor had been dedicated, were sent to take charge of Hasteria church. With the unanimous consent of all the parties concerned, it was agreed, that this decree should obtain the approval of Benedict Vn. ,« who thenfilledSt. Peter'schair. s" Accordingly,Forannan,withsomeofhiscom- panions, was deputed to proceed to Rome, in order to open this matter before theSovereignPontiff,thathissanctionmightbeobtained. Thecauseforhis journey and his character being known, on his arrival at Rome, Forannan was received with marked respect and honour, by the Pope and by Princes of the Church there assembled. On his first interview with Benedict, the Pon- tiff received an account of the episcopal honour, to which he had been advanced in Ireland, the heavenly admonition he received to abandon his country, and the remarkable fulfilment of providential designs, in jjlacing him over the Benedictine community at Wasor. But, on learning particulars con- nected with the transfer of Hasteria, and making diligent inquiry regarding the propriety of such proceedings, the Pope was pleased to confirm them, by a special decree. The city of Hasteria, with all its appurtenances, was col- lated to tlie Monastery of Wasor, and fortified with a pontifical, as with the imperial, sanction ; the immunities of this latter city were guaranteed, against the encroachments of any person whatever, whetlier laic or cleric, king or bishop. Should any encroachments be attempted, the punishment decreed against off"enders was that of perpetual excommunication, reserved for removal only by the Roman Pontiflf, after full restitution and condign satisfac- tion. The privileges of an archbishop were confirmed to Forannan, pastoral
care and rule within his Abbey, together with a perpetual protection of the Apostolic See, promised to his place. Tliis decree was transferred to Forannan
on his departure, to be held in safe keeping, as a precious legacy. With assurances of love and of esteem on the part of the Pope and of all his Roman acquaintances, Forannan took his leave of the City of Peter,5' and directed his course northwards, beyond the boundaries of Italy.
Regia manu abstracto, et ex villa Has- teriensi cum omnibus rebus instantibus ac succendentiljus, ac omnibus
*' See Mabillon's " Annales Ordinis S.
Benedicti," tomus iii. , lib. xlvii. , sect, xl. ,
p. 599.
^< He reigned as Pope, from A. D. 975 to
suis Valciodorensi Ccenobiosub- jugata decreto Curiarum Principum sub re- galibus tcstamentis auctorisata lejjitur, et Domini Deoderici, et Birati Forannani, Co- Eilberti, et capitalium virorum de
appeiiditiis
"
mitisque
curia testimonio confirmatur. "
5"
rilis xxx. Alia Acta S. Forannani, cap. ii. ,
—
at A. D. 969, tomus vii.
so "
See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's Lives of
the Saints," vol. iv. , April 30, p. 377.
See "Acta Sanctorum, "tomus
"
Sammatthan for this statement. 819.
I! )'Acliery's
iii. ,
Ap-
Spicilegiuni,"
<' Father Fapebroke quotes the brothers sect. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, pp. 818,
983. See Sir Harris Nicolas'
of History," p. 208.
Chronology
April 30. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 563
CHAPTER III.
ST. FORANNAN AND HIS MONKS SPEND SOME TIME IN THE MONASTERY OF GORZE— THE saint's rule OVER WASOR—TRANSLATION OF THE RELICS OF ST. ELOQUIUS—
COUNT EILBERTS PRIVILEGES AND CHARTERS IN FAVOUR OF WASOR—
OF LIVING AND HAPPV DEATH, AT WHICH ST. FORANNAN ATTENDED—DEATH OF ST. FORANNAN—HIS MEMORIALS AND MIRACLES—CONCLUSION.
•
On liis return home, the Bishop of Metz, whose subject Forannan had now become, counselled him to make a retreat with his companions in the Abbey of Gorze," in the territory of Messiu, and which was then governed by the Holy
AbbotJohn. Nodoubt,theirobjectwastobetrainedintheRuleofSt. Benedict, which had been there established. ' Here, with the most admirable humility, St. Forannan submitted himself to those lessons of perfection taught him ; and, he returned, to assume the government over his own Abbey of Wasor. According to some accounts, this happened about 970. While Forannan niled over that establishment, he seemed never to tire, in adorning the place ; and, he had received willing aid from Count Filbert, in all his efforts to pro- mote religion. At this time, the possession of the relics and shrine of some
saint formed an object of eager desire, among the religious of newly-founded monasteries. Wasor was yet without such a treasure, although profiting more
perhaps by the examples and government of its living saint. After tlie insti- tution of well directed applications, however, it was discovered, that the relics
of St. Eloquius,3 who accompanied St. Fursey from Ireland to France, could be obtained from the Monastery of Lagny, which he had founded. His tomb had been broken open, during the incursions of the Danes, and the treasures of the clmrch in wliich it lay had been carried off; but, in consideration of the honours about to be revived, in a translation of the body, it was granted to Wasor, by Rodoardas, then Bishop of Laudun. The relics were brought in great pomp by the Bishop and by the faitiiful of his diocese ; the Count and Countess being in attendance to the church of St. Michael the Arch- angel, which was founded by these devout persons. The day for the deposi; tion of the remains of St. Eloquius, in the abbey church of Wasor, is cele- brated on the III. of the Nones of December, or on its eleventh day. « Many illustrious miracles were wrought, during the removal of the remains to their new shrine. St. Forannan conducted the arrangement of the religious ser- vices, and on the day of deposition, a consecration of Wasor church took place. Its great altar was dedicated to the Most Holy Trinity, to the Blessed
anil to the Twelve — Virgin, Apostles
on one
a small altar was dedicated
side,
to St. John the Evangelist whilst on the other, a corresponding altar was
CHAPTER III. —' This
in Lorraine. It lay about seven miles S. W. from Metz. . See "Gazetteer of the World," vol. vi. , p. 654.
' The feast of this saint occurs, on the of December.
religious
house was
3rd
;
dedicated to St. Benedict and to St. Martin.
On tlie following day, at the
request of Count Eilbert, Forannan consecrated an altar, in honour of the
MostHolyTrinity,andinthedomesticchapelofhispatron. Thesolemnity for the translation, deposition, and dedication of Wasor church, was assigned by St. Forannan to be observed there, on the same anniversary day.
After the performance ofthese religious ceremonies, in conjunction with Eilbert,
^ The I'reiich Martyrology indicates this translalion, however, at the 8th of October, ' The Vita S. Forannani only says. See " Les Pelits Bollandistes Vies des "atque ibidem cum suis in divinis institu- Saints," tome xiv. , iii» Jour de Decembre,
eretur mandatis. "—Cap. i. , num. 6. p. 26.
HIS MANNER
564 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 30. St. Forannan made application to all the Christian princes, and obtained from
"
them the sanction of the treaty, or
grims to Wasor, during the octave of its feast, should enjoy full immunity from all injurious attempts, against their lives or persons, under pain of anatiiema. * The Count imposed on the people of Florinensis an obligation of bringing from each head of a family one iron rod measuring a cubit, with an obolus,
each year, to keep the roof of that monastery in repair. He also bestowed the u^ of the river fisheries from bank to bank, and extending from a place, known as the Cave, or Hunia, to the Perforated Rock ; while he confirmed these gifts to Forannan, and to his successors, for ever. Also, in a most solemn and public manner. Count Eilbert arose in the middle of the church, and after returning thanks to God for all favours bestowed on him, he resigned anew all claims on the abbey ; while he invoked the protection of St. Eloquius, to whom the place was dedicated. Many other instances of the Count's pro- tection, in favour of Wasor, are recorded. On the return of Count Eilbert, after his visit to the Emperor Otho I. ,' he conceived such a delight for the church at Wasor, that he resolved to make it the place of interment for him- self, his friends, and the members of his family. He selected, likewise, the exact position for that vault. It was at the entrance of the choir, and before the high altar, inmiediately under the tower. ^ There, he had the earth exca- vated, and he built two walls, measuring in heiglit two cubits, and in width one and a-half cubit. Thitlier he had removed, with great honour and reli- gious ceremony, the remains of his father? and mother,'" as also the bodies of ason,calledBerner,"andofabrother,namedCountBoso. " Eilbertspent much of his closing life, in religious meditation ; and, he attained great pro- ficiency, in spiritual exercises. He read assiduously, so that his eyesight
and learn- ing received many rude shocks, owing to the rapine and violence of ignorant, insolent and powerful nobles, who were only noniin- ally the vassals of the superior monarchs. The weak had no rights that the strong were bound to respect ; and the absolute will or passions of despotic chiefs, at the head of lawless and armed retainers, brought in- numerable evils on the peo])Ie subjected to their sway. The Church had introduced the Tregua Dei, or Truce of God, as a means to repel or mitigate such disorders. See Rev. Dr. John Alzog's "Manual of Universal Church History," vol. ii. , Second Period, i. , Part ii. , chap, iv. , sect. 2C0, pp. 265, 266. Translation by Rev. F. J. Pabisch and Rev. Thomas S-. Byrne. Dublin edi-
tion.
' This passage proves, that the Treaty of God or of our Saviour had an earlier exist-
Epoch
He left many children. He also had a villa, named in Latin Calvus-mons, which he bequeathed for the use of the church at Wasor.
ence, than 1032 or 1034,
la plus ancienne
Near it was fought the celebrated
:
while
piety
a — on cette iiistitu- laquelle pui^se rapporter
"
on the l6th of
See
"The
tion. " L'Abbe
Dictionnaire de
"
battle of Ligny, between the French and the Prus-
Tregua Dei,"5 whereby all religious pil-
'In the tenth century, the disorders of
Feudalism had reached to such a height,
that general anarchy followed the order and
goodgovernmentintroducedhytheEm- See"UeremanniAug. Chronicon,"pp. 116,
"
Monumenta Germanise Historica," tonius v. , edited by Georgivs Heinricvs Pertz.
' From this description, we mayinfer, that the church, at Wasor, was cruciform, and havmg a high tower in the centre, which was the prevailing style and plan of the great mediseval cathedrals and churches, after- wards built on the continent, and especially in France and Germany,
' He is said to have been Ebronius.
'° She is called Zunerta, daughter of Count Wideric and of his wife Eve.
" It this be a correct statement, Berner
must have been a natural son of Count Eil-
bert ; but, it is questioned by Father Pape-
broke, as resting only on a fictitious naria-
tive. "
" It is a town of Belgium, on the River Sambre, and in the Province of Hainault.
peror Charlemagne, throughout central and 117,
southern Europe.
suffered condition of affairs
Eccle>iastical society and
discipline
greatly,
in tliis disordered
June, 1815. Theologie," tome iv. , sub-voce, Treve de Popular Encyclopedia; or Conversations
sians,
Bergier's
Dieu ou du Seigneur, p. 592. Lexicon," vol. iii. , p. 211.
'The Emperor Otho I. died A. D. 973, when his son Otlio II. began to reign. The
latter died
"
6 Idus. Decembris," A. D. 983.
April 30. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. S6S
became impaired, while he was prevented from walking, owing to that infir- mity,whichaffectedhisfeet. However,hisgateswereeveropenfortherecep- tion of visitors. A great part of his time was devoted to prayer, and thus he prepared piously for his end. One day, he left Wasor, for the purpose of visit- ing Humblieres, and he arrived at the village of Flerus. '^ There, he was seized with a mortal illness, and he could proceed no further. Knowing that the time for his call out of this world was fast approaching, the Count sent to Wasor for St. Forannan. This holy Abbot administered religious consolation, and those sacraments of the Church, which were requisite for the dying. Soon, Count Eilbert passed away to receive in Heaven the reward for his good works in life, and for his pious resignation in death. St. Foran- nan took care to have his funeral obsequies celebrated, in a manner becom- ing his rank and merits. He allied together the Abbots of religious houses Eilbert had established ; a great number of the clergy, monks, and nuns assisted ; besides many relatives and persons of rank ; together with crowds of men and women, belonging to the humbler people. His loss was greatly felt, and his demise was generally lamented. From FJeurus to the church at Wasor, his corpse was borne ; and then, with solemn rites, it was deposited in that tomb, which had been built by himself, and for such a purpose. '* This religious nobleman is said to have died, on tiie 28th of March, a. d. 977, and during the third year "5 of the Emperor Otho II. 's reign. '*
:
If we are to credit Dempster,"' St. Forannan wrote two works " Ser-
mones in Passionem," lib. i. , and " Pro Monasterio Suo," lib. i.
The latter
seems to be a pure fiction of the mendacious Dempster. This idea was probably
suggested, by the fact of Forannan having obtainedprivileges and a confirma-
tion for his monastery, from Pope Benedict VII. '* St. Forannan continued to direct the religious affairs of this abbey, with zeal and prudence ; and, under his rule, the spirit of St. Benedict, in a wonderful manner, was revived amongthesubjectsofhisorder. Owingtohiscare,inthevillageofGruthen,on the boundaries of the diocese of Melz, Forannan secured a house, to which two vineyards were attached; and these were deemed necessary to provide wine forthemonastery,atWasor. Oneofthesevineyards,inaftertime,wasalso called Wasor. Desirous to improve the talents committed to his care, the holy Abbot laboured towards his i^ersonai saactification ; he repelled all the snares of the evil one, by putting on the armour of justice. His whole thoughts were now directed towards God, and like St. Paul, he earnestly desired to be dissolved and to be with Christ. His ciiarity towards the poor had no bounds, and it was actively e. \ercised. He prayed witii great com- punction of spirit, and he truly sighed for the company of the Angels. As well before as after his death, great miracles were wrought, owing to his merits before God.
But, the period of our saint's life was already drawing to a close.
After a short illness, this light of the sanctuary was extuiguished, on the3otliof. April,980,thedayofhispresentcominemoration. 's Hedied, A. D. 982, if we accept other accounts. Such is the statement of Mabillon,""
'* See the Bollandists' " Act. a Sanctorum," ' . See " Historia Ecclesiastica Genlis Sco- tomus lii. , AprilU xxx. Alia Acta S. Foran- toruni," tomus I, lib. vi. , num. 523, pp.
nani, cap. iii. , pp. 820 to 822.
'5 According to Papebroke, this was a cal-
287, 288.
culation, based on the death of his father
Otho I. , but in reality it should be regarded
as the ninth year of his son's reign. See ut aUi scribuni. Colitur Xxx. Aprilis. "
ibid. , n. (g), p. 822.
" It wa^ in the fifth indiction, and not in
the third, as wrongly set down, in the
"
"
llistoiia Ecclesiastica Gcntis Scotorum,"
Chrunicon Walsiodorense,"
tomus iv. , lib. xlix. , num. xv. , p. 9.
" This is even noted, by Dempster. "
'' According to Dempster :
Depositus est anno Dccc. xxci, vel centum annis seriu—s,
tomus i. , lib. vi. , num. 523, P- 288.
'" "
See Annales Ordinis S. Jienedicti,"
$66 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 30.
andithasbeenverygenerallyfollowed. " Afterhisdeath,theremainswere placed in a coffin of lead, and this again was put into a marble tomb, built
" S.
within the church of Wasor. - Over it was an inscription to this effect Forannane ora pro nobis. "'' The place chosen for his deposition was on the left side of the church ;'3 while he was interred with public honours and with great solemnity. '* But, as damp had penetrated to the sarcophagus, in wliich his body was enclosed, atranslation of his relics again took place. Numbers of ])ious pilgrims came to visit it, and a variety of miracles there wrought are recorded. In the sacristy, an arm of the saint was preserved witiiin a separate shrine. A certain visitor to Wasor, and who came from Ireland, declared thatsomecluircheswereerectedtohonourhim,inthecountryofhisbirth; and, even that these were served by choirs of monks and of clerics. 's This statement has been called into question,'* however, because no other corroborative evidence of it has been produced. In the year 1617, his relics were taken up, and placed in a rich urn. To the middle of the last century, these were preserved in it, and they were held in great veneration, by the faithful. '' Among the relics of St. Forannan, preserved in the church at Wasor, is a curious stole, wherewith he is said to have cured the bite of a mad dog. ''
His canonical office was recited solemnly at Wasor, where his feast is held ; and his name occurs in several Martyrologies, although it is not in the Roman Alartyrology. In the year 1526, under such pretext, the reformers of Church OfficesatBursfeldundertooktheretrenchmentofForannan'sfestival. Inthis attempt, they were zealously resisted, by the religious brethren of Wasor. '? Many miracles attested his sanctity; and, witli sanction of the Bishops of Metz and Liege, his invocation, throughout the Low Countries, in France, and among the religious of St. Benedict's order, was authorized. Tliis day the Martyrology of Donegal 3° registers his name witliin brackets, and without further designation, simply as Farannan. In his catalogue 3' of our national saints, Father Henry Fitzsimon ranks this holy man as Forinanus, Bishop and Abbot. He quotes Molanus 3' for the statement.
Also, Father Stephen White has a notice of Forannan. 33 In Dempster's
" Menologium Scotorum," his feast is entered. 3< It is certain, that during his lifetime, and after his death, the sceneof this holy bishop's and abbot's minis- tration had been visited by pious pilgrims, arriving from Ireland. Ordinary mortals esteemed him, as one deserving to rank in holiness above themselves. In Belgium, the country where he spent the last years of his pilgrimage on earth, the pious servant of God was even better known and remembered, than in his native country.
"See, also, "Gallia Christiana Nova," Sancta," Part i. , p. 273.
tomus iii. , p. 571.
"Meaning, "Saint Forannan, pray for
us. " See Molanus; "De Natalibus Sancto-
rum Belgii.
" ufque
in
prsesens tempus
monstrant vesti-
chap. vi. sect, i. , pp. 147, 148.
^7 Xo the year 946 is assigned this ratifica.
tion. SeeL'AbbeMigne's '•Dictionnairedes Abbayeset Monasieres,'' &c. , col. 827.
gia. "
S3 See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's
"
Lives of the Saints," \ol. iv. , April 30, p. 376.
38
Xhis office he exercised, for twenty-three
3"' Ti. is ancient city, strongly fonified, is at the junction of the Moselle and Seille rivers, and it is the seat of a bishop. See J.
years. •
39 The Chronicon Walsiodorense states :
"
Ipse vero Comes quae eidem Abbatioe ab R. M'Cnlloch's Dictionary Geographical, eodem confercbantnr ibidem replicavit, et
"
Stiitistical, and Historical of the v:irious
Countiies, Places, and principal Natural
Objects in the World," vol. iii. , pp. 330,
331.
35 See Rev. Dr. I. anigan's" Ecclesiastical
History of Ireland," vol. iii. , chap, xxiii. , sect. iv. , p. 404.
3' Doubtless the Emperor Ollio I. , also called King of Rome and of Germany. He
desiynatis nonnginta quinqne terrce mansi- bus, culturis decern et novem, et pra'is plu- rimis, et villis decern cum mngnis reditibus et ecclesiis earum, ct cum ingenii familia et ea qua; ]iropter difficultatem compuiandi (quonidm alias pleniter annumeiata contine- tur) reftrre distulimus, ostendit, et omnia sub regalibus testamentis assignavit. "
<" It is designated as a "lieryllus," or
"
Historical Geography of Europe," vol. i. ,
April 30. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 561
Abbot Forannan had been advanced, in 969, according to the Chronicle of Wasor, which monastery he is said to have entered that very same year. *' About this time Deodericus,*" a man distinguislied for his pohte manners,
andintegrityofcharacter,wasBishopofMetz. HewasarelativeofEilbert, and he chanced, on the occasion of a visit, to make alhision to the rehgious estabhshment at Wasor. This pious man learned from the Count those circum- stances, connected with the arrival of the holy stranger. From a description given, tlie Bishop expressed a strong desire to see Forannan, and he requested the Count should conduct him to the palace, on the occurrence of his next visit. An interview between tlie prelates took place, shortly afterwards ; and, on their first approach, a contest which proceeded from true humility arose, as each prelate sought the other's blessing, without presuming to impart his own first. The double honour of Forannan, both as Bishop and Abbot, furnished an argument, to which the Irish Saint at length yielded ; and, the Bishop of Metz received his blessing, with the sign of the cross, by which it was accom- panied. Withmutualsentimentsofattachmentandofreligiousfeeling,they entered upon many useful conferences. Besides, both applied themselves to sacred studies and prayer, while they lived under the same roof, on that and on future occasions.
The expediency of uniting Hasteria village to the monastery of Wasor was discussed, during one of those conferences, and this design was mutually approved. The church of the former place, situated convenient to that of VVasor, had been founded by Adalbero,«3 or Adelberone, Bishop of Metz, and had been confirmed by his bequest to St. Glodescinda's monastery,*-* andtothefemalecommunity,overwhichshewasformerlyAbbess. *^ This project was revealed to Eilbert, who, on account of the confirmation already
made to the nuns, disapproved ot a design, which he supposed inconsistent with the principles of strict justice, and with the testamentary dispositions made in their favour. But, his objections were removed, when the Bisliop assured him, that measures should be adopted, to satisfy the nuns for the relin-
quishment of their convent and its possessions, by conferring on them a suit- ableequivalentinexchange. ApetitionwaspresentedtotheKing,andto this effect. Having deliberated some time with his council, on learning the united wishes of Forannan, Deodericus and Eilbert, and understanding their
beryl, a precious stone, having a faint green colour like sea-water. On it was the repre- sentation of Susanna's accusation before the wicked judges, as related by the Prophet Caniel (cii. ip. xiii. ).
"If this d. ite be correct, it seems probable, that the order of n. nrrative is misplaced, in
Saints," tome ix. xxVjour de Juillet, pp. 3«. 32-
*5 SeeMabillon's "^AnnalesOrdinisS. Bene- dict! ," tomus iii. , lib. xlvii. , sect, xl. , p. 599. *" The " Chronicon Valciodorense," thus " Sed ne aliqua Valciodorensis Ecclesia molioiie alicujus hominis vexaretur
obprutectionem,advocantiametdefcnsionem
Valciodorensis Ecdcsiae, doiium See Mabillon's Annales Ordiiiis S. Bene- superius memoratum conditione retinuit
the
"
Clironicum V. ilcicxlorense. "
** He is someiimes called Thcodericus.
praedicta
"
dicti. 'tomusiii. , lib. xlvii. , sect, xl. , p. 599. *^ This prelate was elected in 928, and he held the bishopric for a long time. He re-
supradicta, et hoc ordine diffmiio concessit, quateiius Mettensis Ecclesia Vakioiorensi recto tramite incedens, ab omni Ecclcsiastico
stored the convent of St. Glodescinde, and jure illi justitiam facint, et ne rccederet ab
transferred her remains with great solemniiy.
"
See, on this subject, the
tomus iii. , Apniis xxx. Alia Acta S. Foran- nani, cap. ii. , n. (h), p. 820.
** The feast of this holy virgin and abbess, also called Glossinde or Glossinne, was cele- brated on the 25th of July. She flourished in
the sixth and seventh centuries. See notices
eadem justitia cum ea enormiter, sanxit ut si ab eadem Metensi Ecclesia vel ejus Epis-
copo scrupulus alicujus controversia; ex eadem Hasteria Valciodoreusi Ecclesia oeori-
retur, ad pristinum Valciodorensis Ecclesia reverteretur gradum, et de manu regis proe- dicti iierum sumeret donum. Istius ijjitur emancipationis utilitas, et utriusque rei deli- beratio, ex dono Valciodorensis Abbatiae ex
of her, in
"
Les Petits BoUandistes Viet des
Acta Sanctorum,"
continues
:
MX
562
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 30,
representations as to the manner, in which the abbey should derive benefit from the arrangement, he assented to their request. Hence, the church of Hasteria was annexed to the abbey of Wasor, and both were conditionally subjected to the protection of imperial authority, and to the jurisdiction of the Bisliop of Metz. 'I'he decree regarding this transfer is dated, in the year 969, and it was promulgated, in the thirty-fourth year of the Emperor Otho I. , and during the thirteenth Indiction. **
Then certain nuns, living according to rules established by the holy Abbess Goldescinda, had a community, under the direction of a superior named Voda. " She appears to have been called a Deaconess. *' Dis- posing of what was their own proi)erty, those religious prepared to leave their home at Hasteria. The nuns removed to the habitation assigned them ; and four priests, belonging to the'order of St. Benedict, to which saint the abbey of Wasor had been dedicated, were sent to take charge of Hasteria church. With the unanimous consent of all the parties concerned, it was agreed, that this decree should obtain the approval of Benedict Vn. ,« who thenfilledSt. Peter'schair. s" Accordingly,Forannan,withsomeofhiscom- panions, was deputed to proceed to Rome, in order to open this matter before theSovereignPontiff,thathissanctionmightbeobtained. Thecauseforhis journey and his character being known, on his arrival at Rome, Forannan was received with marked respect and honour, by the Pope and by Princes of the Church there assembled. On his first interview with Benedict, the Pon- tiff received an account of the episcopal honour, to which he had been advanced in Ireland, the heavenly admonition he received to abandon his country, and the remarkable fulfilment of providential designs, in jjlacing him over the Benedictine community at Wasor. But, on learning particulars con- nected with the transfer of Hasteria, and making diligent inquiry regarding the propriety of such proceedings, the Pope was pleased to confirm them, by a special decree. The city of Hasteria, with all its appurtenances, was col- lated to tlie Monastery of Wasor, and fortified with a pontifical, as with the imperial, sanction ; the immunities of this latter city were guaranteed, against the encroachments of any person whatever, whetlier laic or cleric, king or bishop. Should any encroachments be attempted, the punishment decreed against off"enders was that of perpetual excommunication, reserved for removal only by the Roman Pontiflf, after full restitution and condign satisfac- tion. The privileges of an archbishop were confirmed to Forannan, pastoral
care and rule within his Abbey, together with a perpetual protection of the Apostolic See, promised to his place. Tliis decree was transferred to Forannan
on his departure, to be held in safe keeping, as a precious legacy. With assurances of love and of esteem on the part of the Pope and of all his Roman acquaintances, Forannan took his leave of the City of Peter,5' and directed his course northwards, beyond the boundaries of Italy.
Regia manu abstracto, et ex villa Has- teriensi cum omnibus rebus instantibus ac succendentiljus, ac omnibus
*' See Mabillon's " Annales Ordinis S.
Benedicti," tomus iii. , lib. xlvii. , sect, xl. ,
p. 599.
^< He reigned as Pope, from A. D. 975 to
suis Valciodorensi Ccenobiosub- jugata decreto Curiarum Principum sub re- galibus tcstamentis auctorisata lejjitur, et Domini Deoderici, et Birati Forannani, Co- Eilberti, et capitalium virorum de
appeiiditiis
"
mitisque
curia testimonio confirmatur. "
5"
rilis xxx. Alia Acta S. Forannani, cap. ii. ,
—
at A. D. 969, tomus vii.
so "
See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's Lives of
the Saints," vol. iv. , April 30, p. 377.
See "Acta Sanctorum, "tomus
"
Sammatthan for this statement. 819.
I! )'Acliery's
iii. ,
Ap-
Spicilegiuni,"
<' Father Fapebroke quotes the brothers sect. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, pp. 818,
983. See Sir Harris Nicolas'
of History," p. 208.
Chronology
April 30. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 563
CHAPTER III.
ST. FORANNAN AND HIS MONKS SPEND SOME TIME IN THE MONASTERY OF GORZE— THE saint's rule OVER WASOR—TRANSLATION OF THE RELICS OF ST. ELOQUIUS—
COUNT EILBERTS PRIVILEGES AND CHARTERS IN FAVOUR OF WASOR—
OF LIVING AND HAPPV DEATH, AT WHICH ST. FORANNAN ATTENDED—DEATH OF ST. FORANNAN—HIS MEMORIALS AND MIRACLES—CONCLUSION.
•
On liis return home, the Bishop of Metz, whose subject Forannan had now become, counselled him to make a retreat with his companions in the Abbey of Gorze," in the territory of Messiu, and which was then governed by the Holy
AbbotJohn. Nodoubt,theirobjectwastobetrainedintheRuleofSt. Benedict, which had been there established. ' Here, with the most admirable humility, St. Forannan submitted himself to those lessons of perfection taught him ; and, he returned, to assume the government over his own Abbey of Wasor. According to some accounts, this happened about 970. While Forannan niled over that establishment, he seemed never to tire, in adorning the place ; and, he had received willing aid from Count Filbert, in all his efforts to pro- mote religion. At this time, the possession of the relics and shrine of some
saint formed an object of eager desire, among the religious of newly-founded monasteries. Wasor was yet without such a treasure, although profiting more
perhaps by the examples and government of its living saint. After tlie insti- tution of well directed applications, however, it was discovered, that the relics
of St. Eloquius,3 who accompanied St. Fursey from Ireland to France, could be obtained from the Monastery of Lagny, which he had founded. His tomb had been broken open, during the incursions of the Danes, and the treasures of the clmrch in wliich it lay had been carried off; but, in consideration of the honours about to be revived, in a translation of the body, it was granted to Wasor, by Rodoardas, then Bishop of Laudun. The relics were brought in great pomp by the Bishop and by the faitiiful of his diocese ; the Count and Countess being in attendance to the church of St. Michael the Arch- angel, which was founded by these devout persons. The day for the deposi; tion of the remains of St. Eloquius, in the abbey church of Wasor, is cele- brated on the III. of the Nones of December, or on its eleventh day. « Many illustrious miracles were wrought, during the removal of the remains to their new shrine. St. Forannan conducted the arrangement of the religious ser- vices, and on the day of deposition, a consecration of Wasor church took place. Its great altar was dedicated to the Most Holy Trinity, to the Blessed
anil to the Twelve — Virgin, Apostles
on one
a small altar was dedicated
side,
to St. John the Evangelist whilst on the other, a corresponding altar was
CHAPTER III. —' This
in Lorraine. It lay about seven miles S. W. from Metz. . See "Gazetteer of the World," vol. vi. , p. 654.
' The feast of this saint occurs, on the of December.
religious
house was
3rd
;
dedicated to St. Benedict and to St. Martin.
On tlie following day, at the
request of Count Eilbert, Forannan consecrated an altar, in honour of the
MostHolyTrinity,andinthedomesticchapelofhispatron. Thesolemnity for the translation, deposition, and dedication of Wasor church, was assigned by St. Forannan to be observed there, on the same anniversary day.
After the performance ofthese religious ceremonies, in conjunction with Eilbert,
^ The I'reiich Martyrology indicates this translalion, however, at the 8th of October, ' The Vita S. Forannani only says. See " Les Pelits Bollandistes Vies des "atque ibidem cum suis in divinis institu- Saints," tome xiv. , iii» Jour de Decembre,
eretur mandatis. "—Cap. i. , num. 6. p. 26.
HIS MANNER
564 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 30. St. Forannan made application to all the Christian princes, and obtained from
"
them the sanction of the treaty, or
grims to Wasor, during the octave of its feast, should enjoy full immunity from all injurious attempts, against their lives or persons, under pain of anatiiema. * The Count imposed on the people of Florinensis an obligation of bringing from each head of a family one iron rod measuring a cubit, with an obolus,
each year, to keep the roof of that monastery in repair. He also bestowed the u^ of the river fisheries from bank to bank, and extending from a place, known as the Cave, or Hunia, to the Perforated Rock ; while he confirmed these gifts to Forannan, and to his successors, for ever. Also, in a most solemn and public manner. Count Eilbert arose in the middle of the church, and after returning thanks to God for all favours bestowed on him, he resigned anew all claims on the abbey ; while he invoked the protection of St. Eloquius, to whom the place was dedicated. Many other instances of the Count's pro- tection, in favour of Wasor, are recorded. On the return of Count Eilbert, after his visit to the Emperor Otho I. ,' he conceived such a delight for the church at Wasor, that he resolved to make it the place of interment for him- self, his friends, and the members of his family. He selected, likewise, the exact position for that vault. It was at the entrance of the choir, and before the high altar, inmiediately under the tower. ^ There, he had the earth exca- vated, and he built two walls, measuring in heiglit two cubits, and in width one and a-half cubit. Thitlier he had removed, with great honour and reli- gious ceremony, the remains of his father? and mother,'" as also the bodies of ason,calledBerner,"andofabrother,namedCountBoso. " Eilbertspent much of his closing life, in religious meditation ; and, he attained great pro- ficiency, in spiritual exercises. He read assiduously, so that his eyesight
and learn- ing received many rude shocks, owing to the rapine and violence of ignorant, insolent and powerful nobles, who were only noniin- ally the vassals of the superior monarchs. The weak had no rights that the strong were bound to respect ; and the absolute will or passions of despotic chiefs, at the head of lawless and armed retainers, brought in- numerable evils on the peo])Ie subjected to their sway. The Church had introduced the Tregua Dei, or Truce of God, as a means to repel or mitigate such disorders. See Rev. Dr. John Alzog's "Manual of Universal Church History," vol. ii. , Second Period, i. , Part ii. , chap, iv. , sect. 2C0, pp. 265, 266. Translation by Rev. F. J. Pabisch and Rev. Thomas S-. Byrne. Dublin edi-
tion.
' This passage proves, that the Treaty of God or of our Saviour had an earlier exist-
Epoch
He left many children. He also had a villa, named in Latin Calvus-mons, which he bequeathed for the use of the church at Wasor.
ence, than 1032 or 1034,
la plus ancienne
Near it was fought the celebrated
:
while
piety
a — on cette iiistitu- laquelle pui^se rapporter
"
on the l6th of
See
"The
tion. " L'Abbe
Dictionnaire de
"
battle of Ligny, between the French and the Prus-
Tregua Dei,"5 whereby all religious pil-
'In the tenth century, the disorders of
Feudalism had reached to such a height,
that general anarchy followed the order and
goodgovernmentintroducedhytheEm- See"UeremanniAug. Chronicon,"pp. 116,
"
Monumenta Germanise Historica," tonius v. , edited by Georgivs Heinricvs Pertz.
' From this description, we mayinfer, that the church, at Wasor, was cruciform, and havmg a high tower in the centre, which was the prevailing style and plan of the great mediseval cathedrals and churches, after- wards built on the continent, and especially in France and Germany,
' He is said to have been Ebronius.
'° She is called Zunerta, daughter of Count Wideric and of his wife Eve.
" It this be a correct statement, Berner
must have been a natural son of Count Eil-
bert ; but, it is questioned by Father Pape-
broke, as resting only on a fictitious naria-
tive. "
" It is a town of Belgium, on the River Sambre, and in the Province of Hainault.
peror Charlemagne, throughout central and 117,
southern Europe.
suffered condition of affairs
Eccle>iastical society and
discipline
greatly,
in tliis disordered
June, 1815. Theologie," tome iv. , sub-voce, Treve de Popular Encyclopedia; or Conversations
sians,
Bergier's
Dieu ou du Seigneur, p. 592. Lexicon," vol. iii. , p. 211.
'The Emperor Otho I. died A. D. 973, when his son Otlio II. began to reign. The
latter died
"
6 Idus. Decembris," A. D. 983.
April 30. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. S6S
became impaired, while he was prevented from walking, owing to that infir- mity,whichaffectedhisfeet. However,hisgateswereeveropenfortherecep- tion of visitors. A great part of his time was devoted to prayer, and thus he prepared piously for his end. One day, he left Wasor, for the purpose of visit- ing Humblieres, and he arrived at the village of Flerus. '^ There, he was seized with a mortal illness, and he could proceed no further. Knowing that the time for his call out of this world was fast approaching, the Count sent to Wasor for St. Forannan. This holy Abbot administered religious consolation, and those sacraments of the Church, which were requisite for the dying. Soon, Count Eilbert passed away to receive in Heaven the reward for his good works in life, and for his pious resignation in death. St. Foran- nan took care to have his funeral obsequies celebrated, in a manner becom- ing his rank and merits. He allied together the Abbots of religious houses Eilbert had established ; a great number of the clergy, monks, and nuns assisted ; besides many relatives and persons of rank ; together with crowds of men and women, belonging to the humbler people. His loss was greatly felt, and his demise was generally lamented. From FJeurus to the church at Wasor, his corpse was borne ; and then, with solemn rites, it was deposited in that tomb, which had been built by himself, and for such a purpose. '* This religious nobleman is said to have died, on tiie 28th of March, a. d. 977, and during the third year "5 of the Emperor Otho II. 's reign. '*
:
If we are to credit Dempster,"' St. Forannan wrote two works " Ser-
mones in Passionem," lib. i. , and " Pro Monasterio Suo," lib. i.
The latter
seems to be a pure fiction of the mendacious Dempster. This idea was probably
suggested, by the fact of Forannan having obtainedprivileges and a confirma-
tion for his monastery, from Pope Benedict VII. '* St. Forannan continued to direct the religious affairs of this abbey, with zeal and prudence ; and, under his rule, the spirit of St. Benedict, in a wonderful manner, was revived amongthesubjectsofhisorder. Owingtohiscare,inthevillageofGruthen,on the boundaries of the diocese of Melz, Forannan secured a house, to which two vineyards were attached; and these were deemed necessary to provide wine forthemonastery,atWasor. Oneofthesevineyards,inaftertime,wasalso called Wasor. Desirous to improve the talents committed to his care, the holy Abbot laboured towards his i^ersonai saactification ; he repelled all the snares of the evil one, by putting on the armour of justice. His whole thoughts were now directed towards God, and like St. Paul, he earnestly desired to be dissolved and to be with Christ. His ciiarity towards the poor had no bounds, and it was actively e. \ercised. He prayed witii great com- punction of spirit, and he truly sighed for the company of the Angels. As well before as after his death, great miracles were wrought, owing to his merits before God.
But, the period of our saint's life was already drawing to a close.
After a short illness, this light of the sanctuary was extuiguished, on the3otliof. April,980,thedayofhispresentcominemoration. 's Hedied, A. D. 982, if we accept other accounts. Such is the statement of Mabillon,""
'* See the Bollandists' " Act. a Sanctorum," ' . See " Historia Ecclesiastica Genlis Sco- tomus lii. , AprilU xxx. Alia Acta S. Foran- toruni," tomus I, lib. vi. , num. 523, pp.
nani, cap. iii. , pp. 820 to 822.
'5 According to Papebroke, this was a cal-
287, 288.
culation, based on the death of his father
Otho I. , but in reality it should be regarded
as the ninth year of his son's reign. See ut aUi scribuni. Colitur Xxx. Aprilis. "
ibid. , n. (g), p. 822.
" It wa^ in the fifth indiction, and not in
the third, as wrongly set down, in the
"
"
llistoiia Ecclesiastica Gcntis Scotorum,"
Chrunicon Walsiodorense,"
tomus iv. , lib. xlix. , num. xv. , p. 9.
" This is even noted, by Dempster. "
'' According to Dempster :
Depositus est anno Dccc. xxci, vel centum annis seriu—s,
tomus i. , lib. vi. , num. 523, P- 288.
'" "
See Annales Ordinis S. Jienedicti,"
$66 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [April 30.
andithasbeenverygenerallyfollowed. " Afterhisdeath,theremainswere placed in a coffin of lead, and this again was put into a marble tomb, built
" S.
within the church of Wasor. - Over it was an inscription to this effect Forannane ora pro nobis. "'' The place chosen for his deposition was on the left side of the church ;'3 while he was interred with public honours and with great solemnity. '* But, as damp had penetrated to the sarcophagus, in wliich his body was enclosed, atranslation of his relics again took place. Numbers of ])ious pilgrims came to visit it, and a variety of miracles there wrought are recorded. In the sacristy, an arm of the saint was preserved witiiin a separate shrine. A certain visitor to Wasor, and who came from Ireland, declared thatsomecluircheswereerectedtohonourhim,inthecountryofhisbirth; and, even that these were served by choirs of monks and of clerics. 's This statement has been called into question,'* however, because no other corroborative evidence of it has been produced. In the year 1617, his relics were taken up, and placed in a rich urn. To the middle of the last century, these were preserved in it, and they were held in great veneration, by the faithful. '' Among the relics of St. Forannan, preserved in the church at Wasor, is a curious stole, wherewith he is said to have cured the bite of a mad dog. ''
His canonical office was recited solemnly at Wasor, where his feast is held ; and his name occurs in several Martyrologies, although it is not in the Roman Alartyrology. In the year 1526, under such pretext, the reformers of Church OfficesatBursfeldundertooktheretrenchmentofForannan'sfestival. Inthis attempt, they were zealously resisted, by the religious brethren of Wasor. '? Many miracles attested his sanctity; and, witli sanction of the Bishops of Metz and Liege, his invocation, throughout the Low Countries, in France, and among the religious of St. Benedict's order, was authorized. Tliis day the Martyrology of Donegal 3° registers his name witliin brackets, and without further designation, simply as Farannan. In his catalogue 3' of our national saints, Father Henry Fitzsimon ranks this holy man as Forinanus, Bishop and Abbot. He quotes Molanus 3' for the statement.
Also, Father Stephen White has a notice of Forannan. 33 In Dempster's
" Menologium Scotorum," his feast is entered. 3< It is certain, that during his lifetime, and after his death, the sceneof this holy bishop's and abbot's minis- tration had been visited by pious pilgrims, arriving from Ireland. Ordinary mortals esteemed him, as one deserving to rank in holiness above themselves. In Belgium, the country where he spent the last years of his pilgrimage on earth, the pious servant of God was even better known and remembered, than in his native country.
"See, also, "Gallia Christiana Nova," Sancta," Part i. , p. 273.
tomus iii. , p. 571.
"Meaning, "Saint Forannan, pray for
us. " See Molanus; "De Natalibus Sancto-
rum Belgii.
