The Cult of Saints in Late Antiquity

Valerius of Bierzo, Replicatio sermonum 9

The hermit Valerius tells about the priest Saturninus who joined him in his hermitage near Bierzo.

9. In quadem igitur rupe, huic monasterio subjacente, cum beatissimus Fructuosus orare consuevit et in eodem loco crux lignea in titulo stabat fixa; hic autem frater Saturninus coepit desiderabiliter cogitare ut ibidem secundum viribus exiguitatis nostrae quantuluscumque titulus oratorii construeretur. Cum autem hoc cogitatum suum mihi narrasset, coepi contradicere illi, eo quod locus esset incongruus, et ad faciendum non subsisteret virtus. Protinus eodem die cum me sopor adisset, jussit divina pietas mihi aperte revelare qualiter hoc fieret, sua esset voluntas; et quod celeriter virtus ejus hoc ad perfectionem perducere. Ilico voluntate Domini comperta, de opera manum mearum, vel unde mihi dispensatio divina jussit tribuere, per munificentia mercedis bonorum Christianorum, conducti sunt et multi operarii subministrantes cum quibus, opitulante Domino, et ejus virtute perfectum est. Cumque in eodem loco, quo nulla pateret planities, sed saxei ingentis pinnaculi discrimen praecipitis immineret, eandem aggredientes leviter scinderunt rupem. Et in eodem loco in nomine sanctae crucis et sancti Pantaleonis ceterorumque sanctorum martyrum, licet brevis fabricae tantillum, sed virtutis culmine magnum, sacrum Domino constructum est templum, quod a viro Dei reverentissimo Aurelio episcopo est cum omni diligentia Domino consecratum. Simulque hujus aedis opificem Saturninum, ope Domini, sacravit presbyterum. Qui cum quotidiana ibidem Domino immolaret sacrificia aliquanta illi exauditionis patefacta sunt signa, ex quibus aliquanta quae veniunt ad memoria breviter insinuans edisseram.

9. 'Now, on a certain rock lying below the monastery, since the blessed Fructuosus used to pray there and in the same place a wooden cross stood fixed as a memorial, brother Saturninus began to think longingly that on this spot should be built a little memorial oratory according to our poor resources. When he told me of his thought, I began to disagree with him because the place was not suitable an because there were no resources at hand to do it. Suddenly on the same day as sleep overtook me, Divine Love let it be clearly revealed to me that it was his will that this should be done, and that his strength would quickly bring this work to completion. As soon as the Lord`s will was known concerning the work of my hands, and Divine Providence ordained to grant it to me, many assisting workmen were hired through the munificent bounty of good Christians, through whom, with the assisting power of the Lord, it was finished. Although in that same place there was no level surface, but only hazard of a huge peak of stone towering sheer above, they attacked the rock and easily split it asunder. And in that place in the name of the Holy Cross, and of Saint Pantaleon and other holy martyrs, a temple was constructed, dedicated to the Lord, and although it was just a modest little structure, yet it was great in its preeminent power. It was consecrated with all care to the Lord by the man of God, the most reverend bishop Aurelius. At the same time with the power of the Lord he ordained Saturninus, the designer of this building, a presbyter. As he day by day offered sacrifices to the Lord there, some signs of gracious hearing were manifested to him, a few of which I shall set forth in brief account as they come to mind.'


Text and Translation: Aherne 1949, 134-137.

Eucharist associated with cult
Ceremony of dedication

Cult building - independent (church)
Place associated with saint's life

Bequests, donations, gifts and offerings
Construction of cult buildings

Apparition, vision, dream, revelation

Ecclesiastics - bishops
Ecclesiastics - lesser clergy
Ecclesiastics - monks/nuns/hermits

Source

Discussion

Bibliography