The Cult of Saints in Late Antiquity

Constantius of Lyon, Life of Germanus of Auxerre 23-24

For a full account of Constantius' Life of Germanus, see E05841.

This passage follows the miracle described in E06020.

Itaque Arelatum petens ad Lugdunensem urbem, Arari famulente, deuectus est ubi, certantibus populi studiis, indiscreta aetas et sexus uno occurrit officio. Omnes benedictionem flagitant, tactum requirunt et, quod superest multitudinis releuat uel uidisse. Diuersae infirmitates passim benedictione sanantur, praedicationibus ciuitas recreatur et licet festinus abscesserit, sitientem populum doctrinae fontibus inrigauit. [...]

'On this journey to Arles the Bishop was carried down to Lyons on the River Saône. On his arrival the population, in eager excitement, came out together to meet him, regardless of age and sex. All begged his blessing and tried to touch him and those who could not touch him were proud even to have seen him. Maladies of all kinds were cured on all sides by his blessing and the city drew life from his preaching, for although he could only make a short stay he did not fail to refresh a thirsty people from the springs of truth. ...'

Germanus travels on to Arles, seat of the Praetorian Prefect, to ask the Prefect to grant the people of Auxerre a remission of taxes. He is welcomed to the city by the populace and by its bishop, Hilary (§ 24).

Auxiliaris etiam regebat tum per Gallias apicem praefecturae. Qui praesentiam sacerdotis duplicata gratulatione suscepit, quod et insignem uirtutibus uirum desiderabat agnoscere, et quod uxor eiusdem longo iam tempore quartano tabescebat incommodo. Ingredienti longissime praeter consuetudinem famulatur occursu simulque admiratione defigitur. Ita enim dignitas uultus, sermonis eruditio, praedicationis auctoritas stupentis animum conpleuerunt ut merito fama eum minorem fuisse cognosceret; inuentus est enim rebus maior esse quam nuntiis. Offert munera, ingerit beneficia, ambiuitque a beatissimo uiro ut dignaretur accipere quod querebat. Incommodum etiam confitetur uxoris; qua uisitata, ita uis passionis extincta est ut tremor praecedens et febris subsequens delerentur, redditaque pristinae sanitati, fidelis matrona remedium caeleste suscepit, quo et corpus salubritate et anima credulitate conualuit. Acceptis itaque ex uoluntate beneficiis, optatum leuamen propriae detulit ciuitati, licet in se maximum ciuibus et remedium referret et gaudium.

'Auxiliaris at that time governed Gaul from the very pinnacle of the Prefecture. He had two reasons for his joy at the Bishop's coming. He wanted to make the acquaintance of a man so famous for his spiritual powers, and his own wife had for a long time suffered from a quartan ague. He advanced to meet him much earlier than etiquette required and was held motionless by wonder. The majesty of his bearing, his knowledge in discussion, the authority of his preaching, all filled Auxiliaris with awe and he realised that the Bishop's fame did him less than justice; reality exceeded report. He offered him gifts, plied him with services and asked as a favour of the man of blessings that he would condescend to accept what he had come to ask. Then he spoke of his wife's illness. The Bishop went to see her and the strength of the malady was so completely destroyed that the shaking that used to proceed the attacks, and the fever that followed, both disappeared. Restored to her former health, the good lady partook also of heavenly remedy which increased both the vigour of her body and the faith of her soul. Thus the Bishop obtained boons from a willing giver and brought back the desired relief for his diocese. But in the eyes of his flock the best remedy and the greatest joy that he brought back with him was his own return.'

This passage is followed by Constantius' account of Germanus' second visit to Britain: E06021.


Text: Borius 1965.
Translation: Hoare 1954.

Miracle during lifetime
Healing diseases and disabilities

Ecclesiastics - bishops
Officials
Aristocrats

Source

Discussion

Bibliography