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ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS,

APOSTLE OF PERU.

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OF.

St. Francis Solanus,

APOSTLE OF PERU.

BY A

PEIEST OP THE OKDER OF ST. FRAXCIS,

Province of the Sacred Heart.

Cum ^ermtssu Sujuriorutm

New York, Cincinnati, Chicago :

BENZIGER BROTHERS,

POINTERS TO THE HOLY APOSTOLIC SEE.

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Copyright, i883, nY BRfr,lnu r,

ERS

PREFACE.

DEV. Alban Butler thus writes of St. Francis -*-** Solanus, whose life is given in the following pages :

"An extraordinary humility, contempt of himself, of worldly vanity and applause, self-denial, obedi- ence, meekness, patience, love of silence, recollec- tion and prayer, both mental and vocal, formed his character.'''

" His whole life," says Alvarez de Paz, " may be regarded as a holy, uninterrupted course of zeal- ous action ; yet it was at the same time a constant and most fervent prayer, abounding in heavenly lights and consolations."

The assertion of these two writers will be fully demonstrated in the life of the great Saint and Apostle of Peru. We will endeavor to show, im- perfectly though it may be, that Solanus was specially chosen by divine Providence, who watched over, and directed him, so that he entered the great field of labor in the New World. We shall also see how faithfully our Saint cooperated with the favors and graces so abundantly showered upon him from above, thereby reaping an abundant harvest for the honor of God and for the salvation of souls. We

li PREFACE.

should learn from this to have unbounded confidence in God, and to correspond faithfully with the gra- ces bestowed.

We shall in this book follow St. Francis from his birth to his death, seeing, as in a picture, his vir- tues, miracles and mission in the Church.

The author will consider himself amply rewarded for the labor bestowed upon this work, if the won- ders of God, as revealed in, and through his Saints, shall be more widely spread ; and if the clergy, both secular and regular, especially those who labor in the missionary field, are incited to persevere faithfully in their glorious work, considering the hardships endured by the first missionaries in the New World.

THE AUTHOR.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER. PAGE .

I.— Birth and Youth of St. Francis Solanus 1

II. — He enters the Order of St. Francis.— His

Novitiate and Profession 8

III.— He Continues his Studies and is Ordained

Priest 14

IV.— St. Francis Solanus as Priest and Superior 17

\r.— He leaves Spain and becomes the Apostle of

Peru, South America , 27

VI.— labors in Peru 39

VIL— St. Francis Solanus in Tucuman, Chako,

Paraguay, etc 50

VIII.— St. Francis Solanus in Paraguay, Uraguay, etc. 59

IX. — Last Years in Tucuman 63

X.— St. Francis Solanus leaves Tucuman, Lima and

Truxillo 72

XL— Death of St. Francis Solanus 91

XII.— Occurrences at the Death and Burial of St.

Francis Solanus 95

XIII. — Miracles wrought at tbe Death and Burial of

#- St. Francis Solanus 99

XIV.— General Opinion Regarding the Sanctity of St.

Francis Solanus , 103

XV. — Miracles wrought through the Intercession of

St. Francis Solanus, after his Death 108

XVI.— Beatification and Canonization 112

Life of St. Francis Solanus.

CHAPTER I.

Birth and Youth of St. Francis Solanus.

Among the many Saints who adorned the Church during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, a conspicuous place should be given to St. Francis Solanus. He was born in Montilla, Priego County, Andalusia, in the Diocese of Cordova, Spain, March 10th, 1549.

His father, Matthew Sanchez, and his mother, Anna Ximenez. of the renowned Ximenez family, were both of noble extraction. They were well known and highly honored, not only on account of their noble birth, but still more for their virtue and piety. The father of our Saint was so highly es- teemed by his fellow-citizens that they frequently appointed him head of the Supreme Court, as well as Mayor of the city.

Anna Solanus was worthy to become the mother of a Saint. She had a special devotion to St. Fran- cis of Assisi. Shortly before his birth, she recom- mended herself and her offspring to the protection of this great Saint. Therefore, with a joyous,

2 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

grateful heart she welcomed the birth of her son, the second of the three children with which our Lord blessed her.

As proof of her gratitude, she desired him to be named Francis. His father willingly complied with this request, and the infant was baptized on the day of his birth, at St. James' the parochial Church of Montilla.

We generally see pious parents blessed with duti- ful children, while ungodly parents are continually complaining of the misdeeds of their little ones, seeming to forget that the fault is very often all their own. If they do not fear and obey the Lord, how can they expect their children to do so ?

After his baptism, the little Francis was taken to his mother, who pressed him to her bosom, receiving him as a little angel, now that he had been purified and regenerated in the waters of baptism, being thereby cleansed from original sin, made a member of the Church of God, and an heir of heaven. She had loved him before as her son, but now still more as a child of God. Most tenderly did she watch over her beloved one, awaiting the earliest dawn of reason to implant in his young mind the funda- mental truths of our holy religion.

The teachings and example of such a mother pro- duced a most fruitful harvest. The young Francis soon proved by his whole conduct that although in the world, "he was not of it ;" that a high and noble destiny awaited him, since he was one day to be en- rolled among the Saints who adorn the Church.

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. O

His early years passed under the watchful eye of loving parents. When he was old enough to leave home, he was sent to a college at Montilla, under the direction of the famous Jesuits. He was in- debted to their wise care and instruction for the thorough education he received, not only in the liberal arts, but still more in that higher science that leads to sanctity. His advancement in virtue and piety kept pace with his progress in age and earthly wisdom. As we read in the Gospel that 4 'Jesus increased in wisdom and age and in grace with God and men" (Luke, 3-52) , the same may with truth have been said of our beloved Saint. Even while very young, the influence exerted over his companions was so great, that none of them dared utter an unbecoming word in his presence, but would say: "Hush! Hush! Solanus is com- ing."

Such is the power of sanctity ; it almost uncon- sciously gains respect and obedience. There is no pretense in true piety, every word and act proves that God constantly dwells in the heart of the truly pious person. The very presence of the good and holy is sufficient to silence the worldly, frivolous conversation of those who have forsaken the path of virtue to follow the false maxims of the world. One really pious student may be as great a blessing to a college as Joseph was to the house of Putiphar.

St. Francis Solanus became for the students at Montilla as great a treasure as St. Bernardine of Sienna had been to the pupils in his college, or, as

4 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

St. Maurice, of Portu Mauritio, and St. Aloysius were afterwards to be to those of Rome.*

Francis was not only an obedient son, docile scholar and true friend, but even in his youth a zeal- ' ous promoter of the honor and glory of God, ear- nestly defending His interests on all occasions.

One day he was walking with some of his fellow- students along the bank of the river Aquilar. They talked for some time about their studies, failures, successes, etc., when a slight dispute arose between two of them. Francis tried to check the quarrel, begging them for the love of God to desist, but all in vain. From quick, sharp words the two boys soon passed to blows. Francis rushed between the combatants just in time to receive a severe blow from one of the opponents. The quarrel ceased at once ; some of the boys urged Francis to take revenge for the injury received, but he meekly re- plied : "Be satisfied, I am not injured ; in making these two enemies friends I have gained what I desired and there let it end."

On another occasion Francis was walking beyond the city limits in an open field, when he suddenly

♦Note.— Allow me here to remark that parents and guardians can- not be too careiul in selecting an institution for the education of their children. The knowledge acquired lrom bocks is by no means the chief, or only thing to be eonbidered; far more is necessary. The heart must be carefully trained, piety cultivated, good habits formed and strengthened, and the whole inner man renewed and awakened to the influences of Divine Gr ce. No one can deny that to train the heart aright, religious truths must be instilled; that piety cm be nurtured only by frequent and fervent p' ayer; and good habits formed only by the advice and example of virtuous teachers and companions. It is, alas, too often the case that chil- dren leave their home for some famous school or college, pure and innocent, but return in a f^w months, perhaps, their virtuous prin- ciples having suffered shipwreck from the iniluence of bad associates.

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 5

came upon two men preparing to fight a duel. lie cried out at once : "Gentlemen! stop! stop!"

The duelists paused, not expecting so sudden an interruption. Advancing towards the combatants, he made an irresistible appeal, saying: "For the love of God do not engage in such a dangerous con- flict, for there is no one present to interfere or take the part of either, consequently you will no doubt wound or kill each other, causing not only temporal but eternal death. Peace then be with you, gentle- men."

The duelists looked with astonishment at this pious, humble youth, then at each other, and putting their swords in the scabbards, said : "Young man, you have conquered ; henceforth there will be peace and reconciliation between us." They then embraced each other, and friendship was restored. Thus Solanus became the angel of peace, showing how much may be accomplished by the good advice of one pious person. Were there more such advisers, how much enmity between relatives and friends might be prevented,

St. Francis faithfully and successfully continued his studies, storing his mind with heavenly wis- dom as well as with earthly science, knowing that to progress only in the latter would in the end prove a loss rather than a gain, as the great St. Bernard has so truly said. He knew that : "A young man, according to his way, even when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Prov. 22-6) . And that if he hopes for the grace of final perseverance, he must

6 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

spend his youth in holiness and in the fear of the Lord. Knowing where to obtain the choicest graces, and most efficacious assistance to ward off the dangers incident to youth, especially when with other students, Francis had frequent recourse to prayer and the Sacraments. In his boyhood he was truly "a child of prayer," as in his manhood he proved to be a man of prayer. Those who saw him frequently and devoutly approach the Sacraments were greatly edified.

His leisure time was not passed, like that of many students, in idleness, but devoted to some useful occupation. His father owned a garden near Mon- tilla. Much of his free time was spent here, culti- vating the flowers and vines, while at the same time, he was often heard sweetly singing the praises of our Lord, accompan}Ting himself on the violin, which he played quite skillfully, as he had a decided talent for music. In this sweet solitude, away from the noise and tumult of the world, were passed his happiest days, his thoughts and desires ascending with his voice far beyond this earth, even to the throne of God himself.

In this manner young Solanus passed his time as a student, preparing for the great apostleship that awaited him.

This is indeed the most important period of life to young persons, especially for those destined to the ecclesiastical state. It is a time of preparation, of trials and temptations. They are in the society of persons of different tastes, habits and creeds ; being

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 7

3ret young they will be more or less affected by these varied influences, and may easily lose the virtue and honor they possessed when leaving home. Hence they cannot be too careful in their choice of associ- ates ; one bad companion may do more harm than several virtuous ones can accomplish for good. So naturally do we incline to evil. Idleness should be specially avoided, this being the father of mischief. Every hour should have its allotted duties of prayer, study or recreation ; by punctually and faith- fully conforming to this routine, there will be little danger of forming friendships injurious to one's character. Free time improperly spent has often caused a student's ruin. Those preparing for the priesthood, should above all others follow the ex- ample of our Saint, by acquiring the spirit of prayer and the habit of ever walking in the presence of God. They must seek to possess real virtue, not the appearance of it ; avoid all singularity in word and act, which often gives others a wrong idea of virtue, even making it appear ridiculous. Give to every duty its proper time and place, whether it re- late to prayer, study or amusement. True virtues always command respect and esteem, while pretended ones are condemned and despised.

CHAPTER II.

Solanus enters the Order of St. Francis. — His Novitiate and Profession.

We can readily admit that the life young Francis led as a student was a novitiate and preparation for future sanctity. His whole conduct proved that he had been specially chosen by God for the holy priest- hood, to labor in His vineyard and accomplish a great and notable work for His honor and glory.

Having always desired to advance in Christian perfection, and to be forgotten by the world, he soon responded to the call of a religious life, and applied for admission at the Monastery of the Franciscan Fathers living in Montilla.

He had frequently visited their little church, they had often been at his father's house, begging for pro- visions, but above all he had been deeply impressed and edified, by the holy example of these religious, full of fervor. Their holy leader St. Peter, of Al- cantara, had exchanged earth for heaven a few years previous, leaving his disciples as their richest legacy his saintly, apostolic spirit.

Among these religious, Francis was convinced he could obtain that which he had so long desired — viz : seclusion from the world and frequent inter- course with God in holy prayer. His parents gave their consent and blessing, knowing the extraordi- nary gifts and graces with which Heaven had en-

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LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. »

riched their son. They ^ell kaew that the vocation to a certain state of life must come from God, and to resist that call would be to incur the anger of God, bringing down a curse instead of a blessing upon both parents and children. Being themselves devout and fervent Christians, they fully realized what a blessing it would be to have one of their children consecrated to God in the religious state, one who would daily intercede for his parents or other relations by earnest prayers or the Holy Sac- rifice of the Mass.

The fathers of the Monastery having known Sola- nus for many years, readily admitted him among their number. He received the holy habit at the age of twenty, in the year 1569. Having been a model of all virtues to those who knew him as a secular, he became also a bright example to the re- ligious in the Monastery. Even the oldest and most fervent among them were filled with surprise and admiration at the humility and obedience of this young novice ; his love for retirement, prayer and mortification were equally great.

From the day of his admission to the Order, he could in truth exclaim with St. Paul, that he was crucified to the world, and the world to him. His practices of penance and mortification would seem incredible, were they not so well attested by his biog- raphers ,

In addition to the habit, which in his Province was of very coarse material, he always wore a haircloth ; his bed was the hollow of a tree, and the pillow, a

10 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

piece of wood. During Lent and Advent his auster- ities were greatly increased, his short rest being taken on a few fagots thrown upon the floor of his narrow cell, which was often sprinkled with the blood caused by his use of the discipline. It might truly be said that he observed a continual fast, as he was never seen to eat meat, fish or eggs except on Festi- vals, and then onty through obedience.

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday during Lent, his repast consisted of bread and water ; never did he take warm food on any Friday of the year. Dur- ing Lent, except in sickness, he wore no shoes, thus to honor the Passion of our Lord. His example so edified the other Religious that they all tried to imi- tate him. (All we have said of the religious life of Francis is fully confirmed by the testimony of Father Petrus, of Ojeda, his novice-master, and of Father A nthony,of Alicante, his companion in the novitiate.)

It is true that the lives of the Saints are not al- ways to be imitated in every respect, but rather to be admired, and serve as occasions for humbling our- selves, that we are so far removed from their sanc- tity. It is nevertheless a certain truth, that without mortification a Christian, and much more a Religious, will make little or no progress in virtue ; while he who loves mortification, and subdues his sensual ap- petites, will more readily conquer his other evil inclinations.

"Bridle gluttony," says Thomas a Kempis, "and thou shalt the easier restrain all carnal inclinations. " (Bk. L, Chap. 19.)

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 11

Novices will find an example worthy of imitation in the life of our Saint, making his obedience, hu- mility, mortification, and love for prayer the mode] of their own, as far as Superiors permit.

It is true that some Religious who were fervent during the time of their probation, afterwards became luke-warm ; but that tepid novices become fervent Religious, seldom if ever happens.

Too much care cannot be taken in training novices ; their own future welfare as well as that of the com- munity to which they belong, must depend upon these future members of the Order.

St. Bonaventure has truly said, that Communities should be slow in admitting new members ; must quickly dismiss those who are not fitted for the Order, but be very solicitous in the well-training of novices.

St. James says: "If any man think himself to be religious, not bridling his tongue, but deceiving his own heart, this man's religion is vain." (St. James, 1-26.)

Our Saint well knew and practised this teaching of the Apostle. His piety being not vain, but true ; his conversation always accorded therewith. Never would he speak at forbidden times or places ; the subject was always edifying, for although he did not make the time of recreation an occasion for spiritual colloquys, yet he well understood the difficult art of mingling pious thoughts with ordinary conversation, so that all would derive benefit therefrom both spi- ritually and mentally. For this reason his society

12 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

was eagerly sought at recreation, not only by the novices, but also by the older Religious, knowing from experience how beneficial such intercourse would be for them.

Relaxation of some kind is necessary even in the strictest communities, but it can and should be made a means of edification and profit, as well as pr.ayer and other more serious duties.

Religious should never forget the dignity and sanctity of their state. He who knows how to en- tertain his companions during recreation as a true Religious, becomes a blessing to all, causing them to serve God cheerfully and willingly. Those only who are detached from the world and have the true Community spirit will be able to do this.

Having passed his novitiate in so holy and edify- ing a manner, he longed for the day on which he could consecrate himself entirely to God. In order that he might be fully prepared for this, the most solemn act of his life, he made a long and fervent retreat before his holy profession. What emotions of joy, love and gratitude must have filled his heart, while uttering the vows and giving himself as a hol- acaust into the hands of his Superior and through him to Almighty God ; this we may perhaps imag- ine, but cannot describe, for into the deep recesses of a heart wholly united to God no mortal eye can penetrate.

His profession was a complete sacrifice, an entire consecration.

His Fellow-religious understood even then what a

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 13

treasure they had received, when Francis Solanus of Montilla offered his solemn vows to the Almighty. They listened in profound silence and awe, their hearts swelling with joy as he pronounced the for- mula of Profession. No doubt many an eye was moistened with tears as they heard the solemn wrords :

"I, Brother Francis, vow and promise to Almighty God, to Mary, the Blessed Virgin, to our Holy Father, St. Francis, to all the Saints and to you, Father, to observe all the days of my life, the rule of the Friars-Minor, which was approved by Pope Honorius III., and to live in obedience, without pro- perty and in chastity."

Francis could now truly say: "lam thine, O Lord, and Thou art mine." This happy event took place on the Feast of St. Mark, 1570, in the small church of the Friars, at Montilla.

CHAPTER III.

Solanus continues his Studies and is ordained Priest.

Having now made his vows, Francis remembered the words of our Lord : "No man putting his hand to the plough and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9, 62).

He endeavored, therefore, to advance in the way of perfection by the constant practice of virtue, prayer being the principal means for attaining this end. He, therefore, made this his chief study during the time immediately following his novitiate.

He was present day and night in the choir during the divine offices. On entering the church he adored our Lord by repeating the well-known prayer of St. Francis of Assisi :

"We adore Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, here and in all churches of the whole world ; and we bless Thee, because by Thy holy cross Thou didst re- deem the world."

During the time of prayer he often appeared as if raised above the things of earth and already holding converse with the angels in heaven.

Having thus spent the three years after his novi- tiate in the holy excercise of prayer, he was sent by his Superiors to a little Convent called " Our Lady of Loretto," near Seville, there to study Logic, Philosophy, the Sacred Scriptures, and prepare to enter the holy priesthood. Religious discipline was

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LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 15

exactly observed in this Convent, so that Solanus desired very much to remain here, the more so as he observed the saintly and austere life of the Superior*

On his arrival, he at once continued his former austerities, taking a new hair-cloth and using an iron shirt that he found there.

Although the cells were very small and inconveni- ent, still they were not sufficiently so to satisfy his love of mortification, therefore at his own request, he was permitted to build one according to his own taste near the belfry. A novice aided in the work ; it was very narrow having only one opening to ad- mit a little light. In this hermitage were passed his happiest moments, devoted to prayer and study. Here he would retire after the lectures on Philoso- phy and the Sacred Scriptures, studying the science of the Saints, that true philosophy which unfolds the principles of the natural and supernatural world. Doing this in the right way and with the proper spirit ; seeking the truth and finding it, he advanced rapidly. in wisdom and sanctity.

Solanus followed the advice of our seraphic Father, St. Francis, which' teaches that study should never destroy the spirit of prayer. Consequently the longer he studied, the more humble did he be- come, and the more did he increase in love for God and charity towards his neighbor. An occurrence at this time will prove the truth of what has just been said.

One day on entering the kitchen he noticed the boiling water in a kettle and said to the cook :

16 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

"Tell me, brother, why does the water throw up such hot bubbles as it boils ?"

"Simply because there is a fire beneath, " an- swered the brother.

"Oh!" continued Solanus in a low tone, "fire heats the water and makes it boil. Alas ! why are we too not inflamed so much with the fire of Divine love, that our soul will burn within us, as the fluid within this kettle ?" This thought so inflamed him with the love of God that he remained a long time in an ecstasy. When the brothers assembled, he came to his senses and uttered these burning words, "Oh! the love of God! how sweet it is to love God !"

While completing his studies, Solanus led the same holy and regular life, daily preparing himself for the greatest event, that of his ordination. On what day this dignity was conferred upon him, or what was his special preparation for this great event his biographers do not state. They only mention that he celebrated his first Mass on October 4th, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, his father and some other friends being present ; his mother, owing to blindness and other infirmities, could not attend.

We may, however, with reason suppose, from what we have already learned of the sanctity of Solanus, that his preparation was all that could be desired, in fact his whole life had been little else than such a preparation.

What must have been his emotions when he as- cended the steps of the holy altar for the first time

LIFE OF ST. FRANXIS SOLANUS. 17

as a priest of the Most High God ; what were the feelings of his father and friends present on the oc- casion ; what the gratitude of his mother at home, who followed him in spirit to the holy place, can only be understood by those who have experienced the same.

On the days of Sacred festivities we realize more fully that there is in reality a priesthood according to the rite and order of Melchisedech.

CHAPTER IV.

Solanus as Priest and Superior.

Soon after his ordination, St. Francis was ap- pointed Director of the choir in the Convent Church, as he possessed a fine voice and taste for music.

Being very exact in every duty assigned him, he made special preparation for the choir office, con- sidering this one of the holiest and most important functions of the Order ; he was therefore extremely careful that everything should be conducted with due order and solemnity.

In case of any omissions or other mistakes, St. Francis blamed himself rather than others, doing penance even for those that were unavoidable.

He fully understood the dignity of those who stand before the Lord to chant his praises, performing the

18 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS *SOLANUS.

same functions on earth that the angels do in heaven.

It was then customary in Convents, as it is now in some large Monasteries, to chant the whole divine of- fice ; hence much depends upon the director of the choir, that the services may be conducted with order and due solemnity. Solanus performed all these duties most faithfully and perfectly. He stud- ied not merely the melody but the full meaning of the Gregorian chant, which although so very old, appears, if properly rendered, ever new.

This solemn chant pleases and deeply impresses the listener, elevating the soul from earth to heaven.

Who can remain unmoved in hearing the chant of the Preface and Pater Noster ? How thrilling the emotions when listening to the " Salve Begina" "Be- gina Codi" and above all, to the "Exultet" on Holy Saturday !

What consolation fills the sorrowing heart during a Eequiem Mass, at the solemn music of the "Li- bera" and the uBequiescant in Pace."

Solanus had filled the office of Choir Director for two years, when he mourned the death of his pious father ; he had not the consolation of being present on the sad occasion, to receive his farewell and con- sole his afflicted mother ; but knowing how great must be her sorrow, he asked and obtained permis- sion to visit and comfort her. His Superiors were the more willing to grant his request, as the time appointed for him to remain at Loretto was drawing

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 19

to a close, and he was soon to be sent to the Mon- astery at Arrizafa near the city of Cordova.

Having taken leave of his brethren at Loretto, he visited his bereaved mother at Montilla, where he arrived covered with dust and much fatigued. The servants did not recognize St. Francis, and there- fore directed him to their mistress who had just gone into the garden. The aged and feeble widow did not notice her son approaching, on account of her blind- ness. Fearing she might be frightened, he ad- dressed her very quietly. She instantly recognized the well-known vojee, and who can now describe the emotions of both mother and son ; their hearts over- flowed with love and joy, for true piety does not diminish the affection between parents and their children, but rather increases and perfects it. Fran- cis remained some time in Montilla at the same Convent where he had received the holy habit.

The day after his arrival he received permission from the Guardian of the Convent to beg alms. Then might be seen the saintly son of the wealthy Senora Solano, going from house to house, asking alms for the love of God.

In the dwelling of Senor Diego Lopez, there was a very sick child, covered with sores ; the physicians tried in vain to cure the poor sufferer. The mother- in-law of Diego begged St. Francis to read a Gospel over the child. Moved with compassion and charity, the holy priest sucked the infectious matter from the sores, speaking words of consolation and bles- sing. The next morning the child was almost

20 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

cured. The report of this miracle soon spread abroad, greatly increasing the estimation in which our Saint was* held.

A poor lame man, afflicted with ulcers, was also cured by St. Francis in the same way.

The saintly Catharine Fernandez de Cordova, Countess of Priego, revered him so highly, that she asked the Guardian of the Convent for his habit that she might be buried in it. The favor was granted, her remains being clad in a habit of our Saint, were buried in he church of the Jesuits at Montilla.

St. Francis wished to leave his native city as soon as possible that he might escape the honors every- where awaiting him. Therefore, we find him not long after at Arrizafa, holding the office of Master of Novices. His great humility led him to believe that he was wholly unfitted for this important posi- tion, he, therefore, begged his Superiors most ear- nestly to release him from the charge, but without avail. Being fully aware of his great sanctity and merit, they could not have made abetter choice.*

* Note.— The office of Master of Novices is one of the most re- sponsible in a Religious Community; the Novitiate is in truth the nursery of the Order. Here the virtue of the young Religious is to be tested, their T'iety nourished and strengthened; at the same time they are to be directed and trained in whatever relates to ihe perfection of their vocation. To accomplish all this, it is most necessary 'hat they have a leader well versed in whatever relates to the monastic life, and in ev ry way worthy of so weighty a charge . He must ab <ve all things have a great love and esteem for his holy calling; he must be a man of prayer, filled with tru^ wis- dom, that he may direct those committed to his care in the way of sanctity. He should possess that rare gift of discernment, which will enable him to distinguish between a true and false vocation; he must be discreet and cautious in bis judgments. But above all, must teach more by example than precept. Words only excite the will, fxample gains its consent and leads to action. Solanus did all this and even more, redoubling his fasts and austerities, that he mignt thereby accomplish what in his humility he felt unable to ao.

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 21

He remained in this office for many }-ears, when his virtue and wisdom found a wider field of action, being placed at the head of the Novitiate of the whole Province, which was established in the Con- vent of San Francisco de Monte, about three miles from Adamuz, near Villa Franca, Carpeo and Mon- toro. It was in a secluded place on a high mountain which exactly suited Solanus, who loved retirement, as he could thereby converse more easily with our Lord and meditate upon his works.

He often left his solitude, and descended the mountain to preach in the neighboring towns and villages. Hi9 sermons were full of unction, so that his fame as a preacher spread far and wide. When- ever it was announced that he would preach, the people left their homes, business and amusements to listen to him ; and soon many conversions were made. On being asked where he had received this gift of eloquence, he replied : "In a remote corner of the church where God who is the best teacher has imparted it to me." While begging alms in the public streets, he would call the children whom he met and give them instruction in catechism.

Thus we see how the Saints endeavor to preach Christ and his Gospel in every possible way. They always find opportunities for so doing because their hearts are filled with Divine love.

Soon after, the Provincial chapter being held, he was appointed Guardian of the Convent. His great humility would have made him refuse this office, but he accepted it through obedience to his Superiors.

22 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

Literally observing the advice given by his holy Father, St. Francis, that Superiors should be the servants of those under their charge, and, being con- vinced that example is more powerful than precept, our Saint was always the most exact and regular in the observance of the holy Rule and Constitutions, so that in a short time, his Convent became a model in the observance of religious discipline. He united prudence and firmness, love and vigilance in his government ; his great humility and affability gain- ing the love and esteem of all. They regarded him as their father, counsellor and guide, and vied with each other in the practice of mortification, pen- ance, prayer and meditation ; yet, with all their fervor and efforts our Saint surpassed them all.

If any member of the Community was ill, it was not necessary to report the case to their holy Supe- rior, his attention and vigilance were so great that he was generally the first to find the sick brother, when he would wait upon him, make his bed, clean the room and perform all the most menial services his condition required.

He not only attended to the bodily necessities of the sufferer, but cared also for his spiritual needs, urging him to bear his pain with patience and resig- nation to the will of God. The saintly Father per- formed all these deeds of love and charity so readily that it seemed as if he had never done anything else.*

* Note. — J hese and many other incidents in the life of Blessed Francis solanns are related by Father Didacus de Molina, who was afterwards, for thirty years, Guardian and Definitor of the same Convent; by Father 'John Pamirez who had been three times elected Provincial of the Province of Granada; and by Father Aloysius Aquilar and Father Tetrus of San Gabriel.

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 23

While St. Francis dwelt in the Convent de Monte, a fearful pestilence raged in the Province of Anda- lusia, in the year 1583. The ravages made by it were greater in the city of Montoro than elsewhere. As soon as Solanus heard of it, he earnestly begged permission of his Superior to attend the sick in this place. The request being granted he left at once with a companion named Bonaventure,for the scene of his labors. Trusting in God, they fearlessly en- tered the city, offering their services to the priest stationed here. Both clergy and people joyfully welcomed these good Samaritans, for deep sorrow and despair seemed to have taken possession of the hearts of all. After a short rest Francis and Bona- venture proceeded to the hospital erected without the city for the plague-stricken people, and at once began their work of charity, nursing the sufferers most tenderly, cleansing their sores, washing the in- fected bodies and doing everything for their comfort. These charitable priests provided with equal care for their spiritual necessities, giving advice and consolation, hearing confessions, administering the Holy Viaticum, and Extreme Unction when requi- site. Being themselves full of holy joy, they did everything in their power to cheer the drooping spirits of the sick and afflicted, making this sea- son a true " Jubilee" as Francis termed it, there- by aiding much in the recovery of the invalids For those whose last hour had come, the holy Fathers alleviated as much as possible the pangs of death, turning their thoughts from this world to

24 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

the next, from their earthly to their heavenly home.

The prayers were usually short, ejaculatory aspi- rations repeated after the fathers by the sick and dying. These ministrations were always eagerly welcomed and most beneficial to the sufferers.

Those who recovered were taken by Francis to a neighboring brook, thoroughly washed and cleansed from all infection, then taken back to the city. On the way, our Saint held the crucifix, repeating with his patients the Creed and other prayers in thanks- giving for their recovery.

Those who died were buried with great care and as became Christians. — Our Saint was called to pass through a great trial at this time. His faithful companion and brother in Christ was attacked with the plague, and being reduced to the last extremity, Francis prepared him for death, administered the last rites of the Church, and when he slept in the peace of our Lord, laid him to rest among those whom Bonaventure had served and for whom he had been ready to die.

This was indeed a most severe trial for Solanus, but his faith and courage remained unshaken. He could say with holy Job : "If we have received good things at the hand of the Lord, why should we not evil?" (Job 2—10.) That is, I have been truly blessed in having Bonaventure as a companion, now that he has been taken from me, shall I not be equally satisfied ?

Francis was convinced, as our holy religion teaches

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 25

that by giving his life for his brethern, Father Bonaventure had obtained life everlasting, so that he would be more than ever their intercessor before the throne of God, thus making this seeming loss a real and infinite gain.

Our Lord was not however satisfied with this sac- rifice. He desired to destroy and utterly annihilate all earthly attachments, so that nothing whatever would become an obstacle to his success in the great labors awaiting him.

Francis was himself attacked with the pestilence. Gladly would he have left this "vale of tears," ex- changing it for the heavenly Jerusalem, for the Mount of Sion, where his weary feet might rest for ever, but "God's ways are not as our ways, nor His thoughts as our thoughts." Francis recovered, and at once resumed the labors of love and charity in which his life had been almost sacrificed.

At length the pestilence abated, and, finding his services were more needed elsewhere, he took leave of those who still remained, recommending them, as well as the dear departed, to the protection and mercy of God.

The heroic examples here given by Francis and Bonaventure must have produced a fruitful harvest among the citizens of Montoro. The same spirit of devotion and self-sacrifice is still effecting wonders in the Church of God where alone true charity is to be found, which will sacrifice life itself in the service of God and his neighbor. Abundant proof of this can be found every day in the hospitals of our larger

26 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

cities, in pest houses and during the ravages of war, upon the battle fields, where not only men, but weak feeble women, Sisters of Charity, accustomed, per- haps, to all the luxuries of a refined and delicate life, may be seen among the wounded and dying, nursing them with the tenderness and care of the most devoted mother, exposing themselves most readily to sickness and death. Thus do they fulfill to the very letter the words of our Lord : "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John, xv. 12.) And: "The good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep." (John, x. 11.)

CHAPTER V.

St. Solanus leaves Spain and becomes the Apostle of Peru , South America.

St. Francis of Assisi had a great desire to be mar- tyred for the faith, and for this purpose made many attempts to go among the Musselmen, that he might preach to them and perhaps win the martyr's crown. Francis Solanus animated with the love of Christ and with the same desire, as well as hoping to es- cape the honors every where conferred upon him, earnestly petitioned the General of the Order to be permitted to go into Africa and preach to the heathens there. But his Superiors did not think best to grant his request, considering him almost indispensable in their own province. But Almighty God in his divine wisdom decreed that he should be chosen for the great Mission in the New World. Philip II. of Spain, wished the various religious Orders to choose some of their number for this great work in America.

Solanus hearing of this, again most humbly peti- tioned to be one of the chosen band ; the request was granted. He then took leave of his mother, brothers and Fellow-religious, to go into far distant regions beyond the mighty ocean, even at the risk of shedding his blood for the love of Christ, if such- should be his blessed privilege. He chose for his field of labor the most remote provinces of the Tucu-

[27]

28 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

mans because in that region were the greatest number of infidels, who led a life, more like the beasts of the fields than human beings, not knowing or honoring their Lord and Master.

Before leaving for his new field of labor, Francis went from town to town, preaching once more to the people whom he had so often addressed, exhortiug them most earnestly to persevere in the way of the Lord. His last visit was at the Convent of our Lady of Loretto, where he urged the Religious to renewed fervor in the life they had chosen.

When the time of departure came, Solanus wen* on board the ship, accompanied by a great number of Religious. There were also many soldiers, who were sent that year, 1589, to the Viceroy of Peru, Don Garzia of Hurtado, de Mendoza, Count of Canete.

In a frail galley, such as was then used, in the midst of rough and stern soldiers, our Saint embarked on his perilous voyage ; but he went among them all in as quiet and recollected a manner, as if in his own Monastery. His time was spent in prayer and other religious duties. From the fullness of his heart proceeded words of consolation, advice and encouragement to all who had the happiness of con- versing with him. He would often raise his crucifix before the people and with holy zeal exhort them to forsake their evil ways and give themselves to the service of God. His motto was : ' 'Rather die than offend the majesty of God.*'

When the ship reached the island of St. Domingo,

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 29

some of those on board went to a retired place to wash their garments, Solanus among the number. They scattered around to find the best places for their work. It had been arranged that all should meet at four o'clock p. m., in a place suitable for re- embarking. But through some delay the appointed time had passed without their knowledge, and when they met at the landing, what was their dismay, in seeing the vessel sailing away, being then two miles from shore. The terror of Solanus and his com- panions was so much the greater, as the island was inhabited by cannibals.

Our Saint could not, however, restrain his joy as he thought an opportunity would now be offered for shedding his blood in honor of our Lord. He there- fore exclaimed : "Blessed be the hour wherein my desire shall be accomplished. O my Lord, consider me worthy of the crown of martyrdom. Excess of love for Thee urges me to shed the last drop of blood in my veins." Thus the Saint poured forth the emotions of his heart. His companions tried to check him, lest the cannibals might come and de- vour them all. But it was with difficulty they succeeded. "For love is strong as death." (Cant. 8, 6.) But in the designs of Almighty God, a martyr's death did not await Solanus.

Soon after the galley set sail, those on board noticed that their faithful friend Solanus and his companions were not on board ; they were therefore obliged to return for them. Their sails wrere spread once more, directing their course to Caithagena,

30 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

where they stopped a few days, then steered for Porto Velo, which ended the voyage as they went overland to Panama. Although this journey was very fatiguing, yet through it all our Saint continued his labor of love, among the people as well as his usual austerities.

Father Didacus de Pineda, one of his compan- ions, relates that when at Carthagena and Panama, Solanus was always present in the choir of the Con- Tents there, as well as at the other religious exercises after which he visited and consoled the sick in the hospitals.

Father Franciscus de Torres, another of his associates, who was often chosen Guardian of several Convents in the Province of Lima, repeats the same encomiums. As we have said the mortifications of our Saint were still practised while on this journey. When stopping for a short time in some Convent, he would not even accept a cell, but took a little rest in a corner of the choir, using a mat of bulrushes for a bed and a piece of wood for his pillow. What a striking contrast between the conduct of St. Francis Solanus and those Christians who are always and everywhere seeking their comfort, and so readily excuse themselves from attending Mass or other religious exercises of the Church. St. Francis and his companions were obliged to wait some days for a vessel before leaving for their new mission in Peru. At length a ship appeared in the harbor of Panama, bound for their destined country. They took passage in it expecting to see their new home

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 31

in a few weeks at least. But our Lord who constantly tests the fidelity of his true children by new trials, that their virtue may be known abroad, caused a severe storm to lengthen still more their already tedious voyage.

They had nearly reached Gorgona, a city about one hundred miles from Panama, when a fearful tempest suddenly arose, dashing their ship against a rock ; it sprang a leak, soon filling the hold with water, while the angry waves rolling over the sides of the vessel poured a flood on the deck, almost sweeping the unfortunate crew into the sea. Terror and despair reigned everywhere, all expected soon to find a grave in uold ocean's" bed, and were not even trying to save themselves. However a life-boat was soon lowered and as quickly filled. Among the number were some of the companions of our Saint. He was urged by all to follow as the ship was rapidly sinking, but he refused, thinking only of the nine hundred persons still remaining in the doomed ves- sel, of whom nearly eight hundred were heathens. His heart was filled with grief at the thought of so many perishing without having even received the grace of baptism. He felt that here indeed was his mission, a great one too, that should at once be commenced. In the fervor of his ardent love he spoke to them of Christ, our Redeemer, who suffered death for us on the cross, "who does not desire the death of a sinner, but that he be converted and live." He pictured to them as circumstances per- mitted, the mercy of God, the necessity of contri-

32 LIFE OF ST FRANCIS SOLANUS.

tion, penance and baptism. The heart of Francis being inflamed with divine love, moved his bearers to sorrow for their sins and a desire to lead a new life ; those eight hundred hea- thens asked for baptism. He most gladly ad- ministered this Sacrament, soon after which many of them met a watery grave, as the vessel sud- denly divided. One portion sank beneath the waves with its freight of human beings ; the other foundered on a rock. A great and striking miracle now took place. While the waves dashed furiously against the half-wrecked vessel, our Saint appeared at the prow and announced, that trusting in God's mercy, all the rest would be saved. While thus speaking, he raised his heart and eyes toward heaven, and all beheld him in an ecstasy.

Still there was no visible help ; on the contrary, the ship was fast filling with water, so that it seemed as if all would soon go down with her in the depths of the ocean ; and such would have been the case, had the elements been permitted to wreak their fury yet longer. Even Father Francis deLeiva, the Con- fessor of the Saint, despaired, and sought safety in the waves by swimming to the shore. Many others fol- lowing his example, were also rescued. Seeing the despair of so great a number, our Saint had recourse to his discipline, scourging himself most unmerci- fully hoping thereby to obtain the divine mercy.

He then heard the confessions of those who remained, assuring them they would all be saved within three days, which was fully verified. A

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 33

life-boat succeeded in landing those who had taken refuge therein, and some of the men ventured to return for the unfortunate passengers still clinging to the sinking vessel. It was truly a wurk of hero- ism, for the fury of the waves had but little abated. They would have thought Solanus and his compan- ions were certainly lost, had they not seen a light on the unfortunate vessel. Braving the dangers of the stormy ocean, they urged on the life-boat through the mist, and at length came in sight of the ship and were soon alongside.

Who can describe the joy of these unfortunate people, who had for three days been without the necessary food, when they saw their deliverers approach. All quickly entered the boat, the last one being our Saint, and he had but just stepped in when the deserted ship sank beneath the waves. Falling at the feet of their holy deliverer, they poured out the blessings and praises of their grate- ful hearts for his intercession in their behalf, at the same time returning thanks to Almighty God for his mercy toward them, for they well knew to whom they owed their miraculous preservation.

We must not omit to mention a remarkable inci- dent connected with this event. Solanus made a bundle of his habit a ;d capuch and endeavored to throw them into the life-boat, but his companions missed catching it, so that it 7\ras swept away by the waves and disappeared.

Francis landed with the few articles of clothing he still wore, but on reaching the shore, walked away

34 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

from the rest, as if looking for something. One of his friends,a member of the King's Council at Quito, asked him where he was going. The Saint replied that he was looking for his habit. "The waves have carried it off," said the officer.

But Solanus trusting in the mercy of God an- swered : "I hope in God, that my Father, St. Fran- cis, who has given me the habit will also restore it."

And so he did, for in half an hour our Saint returned wearing his old habit, cord and capuch. Truly our Lord deals wonderfully with his Saints, even while leading them through trials, providing at the same time for their wants, if necessary com- manding the sea to give up its prey ; Solanus could in truth apply the words of Isaias to himself : "And now, thus saith the Lord that created thee, 0 Jacob, and formed thee, O Israel. Fear not, for I have redeemed thee and called thee by my name ; thou art mine. When thou shalt pass through the waters, I will be with thee ; and the rivers shall not cover thee ; when thou shalt walk in the fire, thou shalt not be burnt, and the flames shall not burn in thee, for I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Savior." (Isaias, 43, 1 to 3.)

Although St. Francis had been rescued from a watery grave, yet new perils awaited him and his companions on land, for the life-boat had left them in a desolate place, without inhabitants, surrounded by high mountains that raised their lofty peaks to the heavens. They obtained food as best they could, which consisted offish, herbs and whatever

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 35

they found in the woods. A serious accident oc- cured while in this lonely place. Some of their number had gathered a kind of fruit which appeared delicious, but proved a deadly poison ; for they died within twenty-four hours after eating it. After this sad occurrence St. Francis required all eatables to be first brought to him and to be blessed.

Our Saint was very successful in catching fish, which he distributed most liberally among the rest of the company.

On one occasion a large shoal of crawfish made their way towards the little hut Francis had erected for himself; as if they had been expected, he said to them: "Come, my children, creatures of God, do not refuse to become the food of us, your larger brothers, who are almost starving." They seemed to understand this language, and allowed themselves to be distributed among the people.

The first care of our Saint on his arrival had been to erect a chapel from the remains of the stranded vessel. When finished, a statue of our Blessed Lady saved from the shipwreck, was placed in it. Here St. Francis assembled tho people every day, praying and preaching to them, and giving familiar instruc- tions upon the truths of our holy religion. Here, before the statue of our Lady, "Star of the Sea," they chanted the Salve Regina, with the true fervor and melody of Catholic Spaniards. Mass could not be celebrated for none of the vestments, holy vessels, wine or altar-bread had been saved. They were therefore obliged to supply as best they could the

36 LIFE OF ST FRANCIS SOLANUS.

loss of this great Sacrament by other devotions. — We read in the Book of Exodus that many of the Egyptians, who were drowned while crossing the Red Sea, were seen on the sea shore a few days after- wards by the Israelites, reminding them of the mercy and goodness of God. But when a part of the ship's cargo was washed ashore some of those who found it, instead of thanking Almighty God for this proof of His care and goodness, quarreled among themselves, claiming the goods as their property merely because they had found them ; while others swore most positively that the articles had formerly belonged to them, and therefore were claimed for that reason. All this caused frequent quarrels which might have ended in bloodshed, but our Saint being an angel of peace, usually succeeded in settling the dispute. On one occasion he had re- course to his discipline, not to chastise the dispu- tants as they deserved, but to scourge his own frail body, already much reduced by his continual fatigues and mortifications. This remedy always had the desired effect, peace being at once restored.

Fifty days had already passed and yet no prospect of relief came to cheer these unfortunate people. During this time Father Balthazar with a small band had ventured to brave the perils of the sea in a trip to Panama, for the purpose of obtaining assistance from the government for their companions left be- hind. Many days had passed since their departure, and — yet nothing had been heard of themjtheir friends were therefore almost ready to despair.

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 37

The Eve of Christmas came, they retired to rest, discouraged and heartbroken. Solanus however did not lose courage. Recalling to mind the goodness and^nercy of God as manifested in the incarnation of His Son, on that memorable night of our Saviour's Nativity, when "the light shineth in darkness ;" his trust in God increased and he saw in spirit the help that would come to them in a few days. He as- sembled the people and said to them, "I announce good tidings of great joy, help will soon be here ; within three days a ship is to bring us relief/' In their joy, all exclaimed: "Relief! Salvation!"

But our Saint required a reward for his "glr.d tidings." What was it? That all should celebrate Christmas Eve with him. They did so, and Francis preached to them upon the great love of God mani- fested in the birth of our Lord and Redeemer, the second person of the Blessed Trinity. All were deeply interested and greatly edified, forgetting for the time their extreme poverty and suffering.

On the third day the promised relief came. The mission of Father Balthazar had been successful. On arriving at Panama, a large vessel was quickly manned and laden with provisions and other neces- saries. The first sight of its white sail was joyfully hailed by Solanus and his people ; the latter were ready to fall on their knees and thank Father Francis for his prayers and Balthazar for having risked his life and endured so many hardships to bring them relief. Father Balthazar felt that he was indebted to the prayers of our Saint for his safe

38 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

return, the promise of which had induced him to under- take the voyage. Provisions, etc., were now freely distributed among the sufferers. After fully satisfy- ing their hunger, they all hastened to their tempo- rary chapel and with truly grateful hearts returned public thanks to Almighty God for his merciful preservation. Nor did they forget our Blessed Lady. Her statue was carried in procession to the ship. All were soon on board ; the anchor was weighed, sails spread and the ship directed her course to Peru, where St. Francis was to enter upon a new and important field of labor. He could now truly apply to himself the words ot the Canticles :

"Many waters cannot quench charity, neither can the floods drown it ; if a man should give all the substance of his house for love, he shall despise it as nothing." (Cant, viii., 7.)

CHAPTER VI.

Peru.

*History testifies that the first missionary priests of America were from the Order of St. Francis of Assissi. The way had been prepared by the intro- duction of Christendom into the Canary Islands in 1450 by Franciscan Fathers from the Spanish Province. The missions in these islands have been honored by the labors of St. Didacus, a lay-brother. Fathers of the same Order prevailed on Ferdinand V. and his royal consort Isabella, to entrust three ships and one hundred and twenty men to Christo- pher Columbus in 1492. After this first voyage the great explorer petitioned his majesty for more ships, sailors and missionaries. The king furnished all except the latter, leaving to Pope Alexander VI. the appointment of these. His Holiness issued a bull in May, 1493, permitting the king to send pious and learned men who would be able to preach the Gospel in those distant regions. Father John Perez, O. S. F., Confessor to Queen Isabella with some ot^er priests from the same order, accompanied Columbus on his second voyage. He landed again at Hayti, and there founded a city. To honor the memory of his father he named it Santo Domingo. Father Perez had a chapel and altar erected and there cele-

* Rev. J. Schroeder.— Life of St. Francis Solanus. [39]

40 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

bratecl the first Mass on the island. Through the efforts of Columbus a Convent was afterwards erected here in 1505, being the first one in the Province of the Holy Cross in the West Indies,

It was not long before many more Franciscans went to this New World, so that foundations were soon made and Provinces formed. The chief among them were : The Province of the Holy Gospel in Mex- ico, erected in 1543 ; that of the Twelve Apostles, at Lima, Peru, in 1553 ; St. Joseph, at Yucatan, in 1559 ; Holy Apostles, St. Peter and Paul, at Mechoacan, in 1565. Many others might be mentioned if space permitted.

The first Bishopric in this country was created in 1511 by Pope Julius II., at San Domingo, Father Garcius de Padilla, O. S. F., was appointed as its head. The first Bishop and Archbishop appointed on the Continent, in Mexico, were also from the same Order. The labors of the sons of St. Francis in South America produced an abundant harvest, especially in Peru. Two Provinces had been erected — one of the Twelve Apostles and the other of St. Francis.

Father Jodocus de Rycke, of Mechlin, and Petrus Goussel, of Louvain, had been very successful in these missions. Father Van Loo (Brevis Conspec- tus , Prcecip. Mission. Ord. S. Franc. — Auctore Fr. Bernardo Van Loo - Lovani, 1863) says: The foundation of the most successful missions, which the Franciscans had and still have in the kingdom of Peru, was laid by Father Jodocus de

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 41

Rycke, but the glory and renown they have since attained is due to Francis Solanus, who is justly called "the Apostle of South America."

Resuming the thread of our narrative, we find that Solanus and his companions traveled by land to Lima, the capital of Peru. On arriving there they went immediately to the Franciscan Monastery called St. Francis de Jesu, which was the Mother House of the Province of the Twelve Apostles in Peru. Here they remained a few days to recruit their health and strength ; then set out for the new | field of labor awaiting them in Tucuman.

However Solanus even in Lima did not allow him- \ self any rest, but went through the streets of that 4 famous city, enlightening it with a few rays of his i piety and wisdom, even as Jesus Christ did at the age of twelve years in the temple at Jerusalem, con- I founding the most learned doctors of the law. J Afterwards our Saint accomplished great wonders Ijin the miraculous conversions that resulted from his •^labors in Peru.

Tucuman was about 700 miles from Lima. This distance was to be traveled, not by a railway or even in a coach, but on foot or horseback. Roads had not yet been cut through the woods, across tbe steep mountains and over the broad prairies. The traveler depended upon the points of the compass and the stars of the firmament to guide him over this trackless region. Other dangers and difficulties awaited him from the many poisonous insects and ferocious wild beasts infesting the country. The

42 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

first settlers in our own land can imagine what great obstacles had to be met and overcome before our missionaries reached their new field of labor. How- ever a priest who consecrates himself entirely to his sacred calling is fully prepared for such difficulties. But a Saint who earnestly desires to suffer and die for his Lord and Master that he may thereby obtain the martyr's crown in the missionary field, rejoices at every new trial and labor. Thus did our Saint. The more rugged and toilsome the road, the greater was his joy. His companions testify that nothing could discourage him ; while his example served to cheer them. Everything became an occasion for raising his heart to God and of being more inter- nally united with Him.

Many years before this, the Friar Minor, Brother Alphonsus de San Bonaventure of an Andalusian Province in Tucuman had endeavored to convert the Indian tribes of that country. A similar attempt had previously been made by Brother Ludwig Bola- nos, who spoke and wrote a treatise on Christian Doctrine in five different Indian dialects. This Brother was afterwards ordained priest, and con- verted many heathens in the Province of Paraguay. According to some authorities he baptized more than 20,000.

The field of labor upon which St. Francis entered had therefore been in a measure cultivated and pre- pared for the abundant harvest of souls soon to be gathered. Although Tucuman was to some extent settled by Spaniards, yet their example had done

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 43

much to check the progress of the true faith. Many of the villages in Tucuman were peopled by con- verted Indians ; there were also Indian settlements, where schools had been opened by the missionaries, as a more effective means of ensuring permanent success in their labors. St. Francis commenced his work b}r instructing the poor Indians of Sokotonio, Magdalena and other places.

In order to accomplish the end in view, Solanus had first to learn the various Indian dialects.

We read in Holy Scripture, that on Pentecost Sunday the Holy Ghost descended upon the Apostles who also received the miraculous gift of tongues. The people who witnessed this miracle were of course astonished and exclaimed : "Behold ! are not all who speak Galileans? And how have we, every- one, heard our own tongue wherein we were born." (Acts ii. 7-8.).

This miracle has been frequently repeated. God has often imparted the gift of tongues to apostolic men whom He destined as messengers among the Gentiles* In this way He confirms the word that is preached, thus convincing the heathens that He is the Ruler of the Universe.

Our Saint is a proof of this, for he learned in one night, by the assistance of Almighty God, not on]y to speak the different Indian languages, but also the dialects of each language most fluently. The Toko- notic was the only exception. This he studied for 15 days. Andreas Garcias de Veldes, the Spanish Commander at Talavera, was his teacher, but at

44 LIFE OF ST FRANCIS SOLANUS.

the end of this time the pupil surpassed his master in the correctness with which he spoke and pro- nounced that dialect ; he even excelled the natives themselves, so that he could correct their errors ; and when they listened to his instructions it seemed as if his life must have been spent with them. The heathens were so astonished at this miracle, they thought our Saint must have been taught by the great Ataguschu, their chief deity, or that it had been accomplished by some magic. The converts, how- ever, knew well enough that the great Master of heaven and earth had been his teacher. They therefore returned thanks to "Him from whom cometh every best and every perfect gift." (Jas. i., 17.) St. Francis commenced his labors at Talavera and in the vicinity. Before going among the neigh- boring tribes, he strengthened all those who bad been converted to the faith. He preached to the people wherever he found them assembled, even in the streets and public squares. He visited the poor and sick, ministering to their wants and consoling them by words full of the unction of the Holy Ghost. He begged alms and assistance from the wealthy, distributing whatever he collected among the needy. The words of Isaias when speaking of the mission of Christ might truly have been applied to our Saint : "The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me ; He hath sent me to preach to the meek, to heal the contrite of heart, to preach release to the captives and deliverance to them that are shut up. To proclaim the acceptable years of

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 45

the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all that mourn." (Is. lxi., 1, 2.)

Consequently our Saint was welcomed everywhere : Among the poor and distressed because they found in him a helper, comforter and true friend in their trials and afflictions ; among the rich because they knew that their alms distributed by his sacred hands would bring them many a blessing. "For alms delivereth from death, and the same is that purgeth away sins and maketh to find mercy and life ever- lasting. (Tob. xii., 9.) Hence they gave him freely of their abundance.

St. Francis was a particular friend of children, without making any distinction ; all were equally dear to him, whether of Spaniard, Indian, Negro or mixed parentage, because in each one he recognized an immortal soul redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. The little ones therefore loved to be with him, and as soon as he appeared, would exclaim : 4 *The Saint is coming!" In this Solanus imitated the great Friend of little ones, who said: "Suffer little children to come to me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God." (Mark x., 14.)

Not far from Talavera were two Indian settle- ments where the missionaries taught the converted Indians agriculture and the mechanical arts, that they might become acquainted with the manners and customs of civilization. The Jesuits called their congregations "Reductions" Who has not heard of the renowned Reductions of Indians, conducted

46 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

by the Jesuit Fathers of Paraguay, South America, also of those in California directed by the Francis- cans ? There were similar Reductions at Sokotonio and Magdalena when Solanus arrived, but at that time were without a priest. These were therefore committed to his care, and soon had every reason to rejoice in being placed under the guidance of so wise and holy a director. Solanus made daily visits alter- nately to each of these settlements, preached to the people, administered the Sacraments and instructed the children. At noon he usually retired at a short distance from the village to take his frugal repast on a little hill, where he could at the same time raise his mind and heart to God in holy meditation. The works of nature were his delight, he could therefore make everything connected with them a means of intercourse and union with the great Creator of the Universe. The birds soon found a friend in our Saint, and would warble their sweetest songs while he shared his scanty repast with them. They would perch on his head and shouliers, readily obey him, and often would not depart until they had received his blessing. But not only birds, but also wild beasts, the terror of man, became subject to his will.

It really seemed as if these animals, conscious of the great innocence of our Saint, re-entered the state of primitive subjection natural to them at the creation of the world, when the whole animal kingdom was subject to Adam, their master.

On one occasion, as Solanus was on his way to

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 47

the school, a short distance from Talavera, Andreas Garcias, the commander of Talavera, being on horseback a little in advance of St. Francis, was suddenly met by an infuriated bull. He saw at once that the bull would attack his horse. He therefore spurred on the animal, and made his escape. Being out of danger he remembered the poor monk and instantly turned his horse to save him, even at the risk of his own life. What was his astonish- ment to see the bull, a moment before so furious, now quiet and tame as a lamb, at the side of our Saint, who gently caressed and blessed him, when he quietly trotted up the hill. Andreas Garcias was of course greatly astonished, but our Saint putting his finger to his lips forbade him to mention it. But Andreas could not keep such a wonder secret, and it was soon published abroad. In this Solanus imi- tated our Lord, who strictly charged them, saying : uSee that no man know it. But they going out spread his fame abroad in all that country." (Matt, ix., 30, 31.)

On another occasion Andreas Garcias had an opportunity of ascertaining how God protected his servant. While both traveled together they came to a river ; the waters were so much swollen by recent rains as to make navigation dangerous. They entered the boat awaiting them, when the cloak of Solanus fell into the water and was soon carried out of sight by the swift current. They continued the journey after crossing the river, but the officer through pity for Solanus, retraced his steps to the

48 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

bank, hoping he might catch a glimpse of the cloak. Imagine his surprise when he saw it nicely spread out on the grass as if to be dried. Garcias took up the cloak most respectfully and placed it reverently on the shoulders of the holy man.

The Indians witnessed another great miracle wrought through the intercession of our Saint. In their settlement there was no water fit for drinking ; they therefore made preparations to change their location for another, better adapted to their wants. St. Francis was much grieved when he heard of this, fearing the poor Indians might neglect their religi- ous duties, lose the faith and return to idolatry. At the same time their health and prosperity made it necessary for them to have pure water. St. Francis had recourse to prayer in this, as in all other emer- gencies ; an answer soon came. One morning he entered the settlement of Sokotonio, full of joy, and assembling the people told them they could still remain there, as water in abundance would be furnished. They replied it would be impossible, as they had searched every spot of ground in that region, as their forefathers had done before them, without ever finding a spring of fresh water. Sola- nus cried out in a loud voice : "Put your trust in the power of God ; come with me ; I will show you water fresh and pure." Still distrusting his words, they followed him reluctantly. Like another Moses in the desert, our Saint led them to a very dry place, pointed to a spot with his staff and directed the people to dig there. They did so, and after

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 49

removing a little earth, signs of moisture appeared, and soon a copious spring of clear, pure water gushed forth to the great joy and astonishment of all. It continued to flow so abundantly that a creek was formed near its source, which even to this day turns the mills for the natives.

The people from Sokotonio, as well as those from a distance, used the water of this miraculous spring, not only to quench their thirst, but also for the cure of diseases.

It is related that a widow of Potosi, seventy miles from Talavera, was cured of an issue of blood, with which she had been afflicted many years, by the use of this water. Even to the present day, Spaniards, as well as Indians call that spring, "The well of St. Solanus."

Talavera, Sokotonio and Mngdalena, so dear to our Saint, as having been the first field of his labors among the Indians, were not to be abandoned. The inhabitants honored him during his life, but more especially after his death, by their pious and exemplary lives. They invoked his aid in times of public calamity as well as private trouble ; never was it in vain. A few years after his death im- mense swarms of grasshoppers appeared in Tucu- man, threatening the crops with total ruin. Beau- tiful meadows and fertile fields of grain were laid waste in a few hours by the devouring insects. Talavera, Sokotonio and Magdalena, seeing the great calamity that threatened them, promised our Saint they would always honor him if he would use

50 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

his power with God for the destruction of these insects. This promise had scarcely been made, when suddenly, as if they had received a direct com- mand, the grasshoppers turned their course and flew away to the barren mountains of Cordova, where they soon perished

CHAPTER VII.

Solanus in Tucuman, ChaTco, Paraguay, etc.

St. Francis Solanus was not satisfied with preach- ing only to those Indians in the small villages, that were already mostly converted, his thirst for souls urged him to extend his labors among those who were still in a barbarous state.

He fearlessly went among them, teaching and preaching the truths of Christianity, caring nothing for his own safety and comfort. He was almost consumed with the desire to die for our Lord, to shed his blood for the redemption of immortal souls. He fully verified the advice given by the Apostle of the Gentiles to his beloved disciple Timothy : "Preach the word, be instant in season, out of sea- son, reprove, entreat, rebuke with all patience and doctrine." (II Tim. iv., 2.) " Be thou vigilant, labor in all things, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill thy ministry." (II Tim. iv., 5.)

Whenever he heard that a Cazic (Indian chief)

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 51

was in the vicinity, he would hasten thither and speak so earnestly to them, that they flocked around him, listening eagerly to his pious instructions ; then raising the crucifix, he would preach Christ and Him crucified, continuirg these labors of love until they were converted to the true faith. He would even go to them at midnight when engaged in their rude games and dances ; if there happened to be a lunar eclipse, when they thought the moon was about to die, he explained the cause of the phenomena, thus removing their superstitious ideas regarding it. The travels of Solanus among the tribes brought him as far as San Jago or Santiago del Estero, a Spanish town on the Rio Dolce, 28° south lati- tude, laid out in 1562. The country was very flat, and the Indians soon left it on account of the Span- iards, therefore our Saint remained there but a short time and hastened on to Rioxa. This town is situ- ated on the boundaries of Chili, at the foot of the Andes Mountains, and was settled the year pievious. The Spaniards had been attracted thither by the silver mines found in the vicinity. There were, how- ever, but a few of them, and being frequently exposed to the attacks of the Indians, hailed the arrival of our Saint with great joy, knowing how friendly the natives were with him whom they regarded as a messenger of peace and good will. Nor were they disappointed in their expectations. His labors among these people produced an abundant hai vest ; they were converted, baptized and solemnly pledged their allegiance to the Spanish crown. Thus we see

52 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

that what could not be accomplished by force of arms, was obtained by the meekness and virtue of our Saint.

Whole tribes were attracted thither and made set- tlements at Rioxa, became peaceable, industrious and happy citizens. These conversions aroused the jealousy and anger of the tribes living in the moun- tainous region between the rivers Dolce and St» Tome. Forty -five of the chiefs ordered their men to take revenge on the Spaniards, by either killing or taking them prisoners, and sacrificing them to their gods. For this purpose they encamped on a hill near the city, and commenced their war-dances to the great terror of the converted Indians, as well as of the Spaniards,

This occurred in Holy Week on Maun day Thurs- day. The Christians had just received Holy Com- munion and were still assembled in the Church, when the sad tidings reached them. The women remained to weep and pray, but the men gathered around their General, Pietro Cotero, who exhorted them to resist even to the shedding of the last drop of their blood, saying : "Better to suffer death, than fall into the hands of these cannibals." Solanus, however, objected very strongly to these measures. He commanded them all to remain quiet until his return ; then left the town and entered the enemy's camp, determined either to die or save his people. On this occasion he imitated St. Francis of Assissi who on a similar mission entered the camp of the Sultan.

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 53

With cross in hand Solanus passed through the excited crowd that flocked around him ; then standing on an elevated place, he addressed them in nearly the following words of the Psalmist : "Why have the Gentiles raged and the people devised vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the princes met together, against the Lord and against his Christ." (Ps. ii., 1,2.) Then raising his cru- cifix, he appealed to them in such forcible language that they could not resist him ; his cause was gained for "He taught them as one having authority and not as their Scribes and Pharisees," — *. e. — their own priests and teachers. (Matt, vii., 29.) They in turn became his willing disciples, asking "what they must do to be saved. Now when they heard these things, they had compunction in their hearts, and they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles : 'What shall we do, men and brethren/ But Peter said to them : 4Do penance and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.' " (Acts ii., 37, 38.)

In this important interview our Saint also insisted upon the necessity of baptism. The grace of God having been poured upon this band of warriors, numbering nearly nine thousand, they knelt down, reverently bowed their heads and received the waters of regeneration from St. Francis. Then casting away their weapons, they marched on with joyful hearts to Rioxa, reflecting upon the great miracle that had been wrought. Their army was composed

54 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

of recruits from various tribes speaking different dialects. The Saint had addressed them in but one language, and yet each had heard and understood in his own tongue. This miracle was sufficient to con- vince and confirm them in their true faith ; they were soon civilized, and to this day have remained faith- ful to their religion. In so doing they followed the counsel of the Eoyal Prophet: "And now, O ye kings, understand, receive instruction, you that judge the earth. Serve ye the Lord with fear, and rejoice unto Him with trembling. Embrace disci- pline, lest at any time the Lord be angry and you perish from the just way, when His wrath shall be kindled at any time ; blessed are all they that trust in Him." (Ps. ii., 10, 13.) Solanus thus became the instrument of averting a great massacre from Rioxa, since those Indians would, no doubt, have sacked the town, scalping and killing all the inhabit- ants of which the history of North America furnishes so many terrible examples.

St. Francis remained some time at Rioxa to con- firm the Indian converts in the true faith, then resumed his travels and labor towards the north- east, passing through Patamarkas on to San Miguel in the valley of Calchaquin.

Wherever he appeared the natives flocked around him, asking and obtaining instruction and baptism. His fame had already spread far and wide, the poor Indians regarding him as a messenger from the Great Spirit. Thence he directed his course to Tucuman, a little Spanish village on the slope of the Sierra

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 55

Aconquiga. This was a beautiful and fertile spot ; it seemed like an earthly paradise. That county owes its fertility to the Rio de Tucuman flowing from the north into lake Boranges. On the west are the woods and mountains shadowing the winding valleys below, which however were unproductive. Solanus found but few Indians among the Spanish population. They were too fond of their liberty, and, considering it endangered by foreign invaders, retired farther east. They had learned too well by previous experience, that the European settlers would, even at the risk of their lives, make them- selves masters of whatever country they found adapted to their wants, as had already been done in both North and South America.*

The district where he now labored was surrounded on the north by wooded mountains, south by swamps and sandy deserts ; on the east flowed the great river Paraguay, while on the west towered the

* The well known historian William H. Prescott in his "Conquest of Peru," has truly sa>d: "Brought in contact with srmi-civilized man, the European, with his endowments and effec- tive force so immeasurably superior, hold him a little hieher than the brute, and as born equally for his service. He feels that he has a natural right as it were to his obedience, or that this obedience is to be measured, not by the powers of the barbarian, but by the will of his conqueror. Resistance becomes a crime, to b-~! washed out only in the blood of the victim. The tale of such atrocl ies is not confined to the Spaniards. Wherever the civil- ized man and the eavagehave come in contact, in the Ea*t or in the West, the story has too often been written in blo< d." [Vol. ii. Page 82.) On the eighth page of the same volume the learned author also says: "The effort to Christianize the heathen is an honorable characteristic of the Spanis 1 conquest. The Puritans, with equal religious zeal, d id comparatively little for the conver- sion of the Indian, content, as it would seem, with having secured to himself the inestimable privilege of worshipping God in his own way. Other adventurers who occupied the New World have often had too little regard for religion themselves to oe very solicitor about epreadiug it among the savages. But the Spanish mis- sionary from first to last has shown a keen interest in the spb lmal

56 LIFE OF ST, FRANCIS SOL ANUS.

lofty Cordilleras to the height of many thousand feet. Many rivers have their sources in these ; as the Pilco Majo, the principal river of Chili, the Salado, Ver- mejo or Red river, which flowing through Chaco render the land very fertile. The spot had been chosen by many Indian tribes as suitable for an encampment. Although continually fighting among themselves, yet all agreed on one point, which was eternal enmity to the Europeans. This hatred was caused by the ruthless invasion of the foreigners, who had by the force of arms wrested the land from its lawful owners. Solanus found these Indians leading a wandering life, without houses and but little clothing. Hunting and fishing occupied most of their time, their food being also the flesh of the prisoners of war.

Andreas Manso, a Spanish commander, in 1556 ventured to enter this region with his men, but all were so furiously attacked by the Indians, that every

welfare of the natives. Under his* auspices churches on a mag- nificent scale have been erected, schools for elementary in- struction founded, and every rational means taken to spread the knowledge of religious truth, while he has carried his solitary mission into remote and almost inaccessible regions, or gathered his Indian desciples into communities; like the good Las Casas in Cumana. or like the Jesuits in California and Paraguay,

At all times the conragous ecclesiastic has been ready to lift his voice against the cruelty of the conqueror, and the no less wasting cupidity of the colonist, and when his remonstrances, as was too often the case, have proved unavailing, he has etill iollowed to bind up the broken-hearted, to teach the poor Indian resignation under his lot. and light up his dark intellect with the revelation of a holier and happier existence. In reviewing the blood-stained records of Spanish colonial history, it is but fair, and at the same time cheering, to reflect that the same nation, that sent forth the hard-hearted conqueror from its bosom, sent forth the missionary to do the work 01 beneficence, and spread the light of Christian civilization over the farthest regions of the New World.' '

The foregoing passages cited from the great American historian will doubtless place in a clearer light the missionary labors of St. Francis, as well as the conduct of the Indians.

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 0/

one was cruelly massacred, the cannibals eating the flesh of their victims and preserving their skin as trophies. Even to this day, both the natives and Spaniards call the plain on both sides of the river Pilco Majo, where the terrible butchery was commit- ted : Llanos, i. e., "Plains of Manso." Spanish adventurers have since avoided the place, their lives after all being dearer to them than the riches of the country.

But the motives which deterred others from visit- ing those Indian tribes were the very ones which attracted our Saint. Neither distance, nor dangers of the journey, fear of hardships, or advice of friends could check the ardor of his zeal. He only consid- ered the misery, ignorance and degradation of these unfortunate savages ; he burned with the desire to impart to them the light of faith and thereby secure the salvation of their immortal souls.

Taking the cross as his only weapon, he crossed the Cordilleras of Chirigua, the woods and plains resounding with the glad tidings of redemption that he carried. The rude savages gathered around, look- ing with astonishment at the man who could speak the dialects of all their tribes.

The thousands who listened eagerly to his in- structions were soon convinced, converted and baptized in the Rio Vermejo, Pilco Majo, Salado and other rivers. They received the garment of innocence in baptism, and at the request of Solanus clothed themselves properly. Civilization soon showed its effects, for they gave up the nomadic life

58 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

they had hitherto led, devoted their attention to agriculture and other arts necessary to the great change they had undergone.

Although some of them afterwards returned to their former wandering life, yet to this day the memory of Solanus is held in benediction by these Indians. On returning from their hunting grounds or in their canoes from their fishing expeditions, they talk together of our Saint, as of the one sent to them from heaven, singing the songs he taught their fore- fathers. They have also immortalized him in their own songs.

Solanus passed through Chaco, teaching, baptiz- ing and working miracles, then arrived at the great Paraguay, which separates these two countries. This river is very broad, from 1000 to 1200 feet, and there was no boat to take him across. This did not however trouble the Indians, for they would much rather have retained their good and holy master. But he insisted upon going, having been sent to preach to the inhabitants across the river. He then exhorted his flock to persevere in the true faith, in peace and charity with one another, then blessed them, and raising his eyes to heaven seemed as if in ecstasy. As no boat was ready for his use, heaven provided one of the Saint's mantle, which he spread upon the waters and sailed in it to the oppo- site shore, leaving his disciples filled with sorrow and dismay ; and most joyfully was he welcomed by the Indians of Paraguay, called Guarani.

CHAPTER VIII.

Solanus in Paraguay, Uraguay, etc.

Having thus miraculously crossed the great river, St. Francis took possession of the country, or rather the souls of the people as if by storm. Thfey eagerly flocked around him, their love and esteem increasing daily. The dialects of Paraguay differ so much from each other, that they are in fact so many differ- ent languages. It would, therefore, have been almost impossible to preach to these tribes if Solanus had been obliged, like other missionaries, to study and learn each one ; he might have acquired a few, but could never have mastered all of them. How was this difficulty overcome ? By the assistance of the Holy Spirit, as we see in the history of St. Francis Xavier, to whom was imparted the gift of tongues, enabling him to preach the word of God to the people of the East Indies in any dialect of that country. Our Saint received the same miraculous gift, so that he could easily preach to any of the tribes and converse familiarly with them. This, no doubt, contributed much to the wonderful success that everywhere attended his apostolic labors. He continued his missions through Paraguay, Uragua}^ and along the rivers of these countries, then crossed the La Platta, directing his course to Santa Fe, a flourishing city founded by the Spaniards in 1573.

[59]

60 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

Thence he turned his steps north-west in the direo tion of New Cordova.

Wherever he went conversions truly miraculous attended his labors, both among the Indians and Europeans. He continued to practice the same austerities which marked his zeal as a novice, and while in the different convents in Spain, as well as when entering upon his missionary work. His jour- neys were always performed on foot, during which he wore no sandals, no matter how rough the way might be through the forests and over steep, rugged mountains. He never carried provisions, trustiug in Gcd for the supply of his wants.

While journeying from Santa F6, a large company of travelers had joined him, as it is not considered safe to travel alone in that region through fear of the Indians and wild beasts. Among the number were two soldiers, whose appearance was anything but prepossessing, in fact their whole conduct showed that they had led a reckless, sinful life. The country through which the travelers passed was a sterile, desolate waste, not even a tree could be found under which they might seek rest and shelter from the scorching sun, neither was there a drop of water to quench their burning thirst. Four days had thus passed, and yet no sign of relief. Some began to complain and even curse their sad fate ; others, more pious, appealed to heaven for help ; while the most infamous among them, called upon the devils in hell for assistance. The two soldiers just mentioned seemed particularly bold in their

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 01

oaths and blasphemies, which filled the heart of our Saint with sorrow, causing tears to flow down his cheeks. He said to Father Andreas Fisaguirra, a priest of the Order de Mercede. who was with him at the time : "Although these people are unworthy of any favor from heaven on account of the blasphe- mies they utter, nevertheless I will show them, as well as the rest, a spring of water. Ascend the next hill ; there yon will find a folded paper ; two paces distant you will see a round stone ; raise it, and there you will find water gushing forth in abundance.

Andreas could not believe the assertion of Sola- nus ; for how was it possible to find a spring in such an arid desert, or even a paper, where no European had probably ever set foot?

However not daring to contradict the word of the Saint, he led the travelers to the little hill where the paper and stone were found, and gushing from beneath the latter, a crystal spring poured forth its, limpid waters. All quenched their thirst, and were about to examine the paper when it suddenly dis- appeared to be seen no more. All were convinced that this miracle had been wrought through the intercession of Solanus, causing their love and respect for him to increase continually.

It is related that when they had reached the spot pointed out, our Saint, with outspread hands and glowing countenance, was rapt in an ecstasy. Con- tinuing the journey they all arrived at Cordova. Passing through the city, they saw gallows erected as if an execution was ahout to take place. St.

62 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

Francis said to Father Andreas : "Do you see the gallows? To-morrow the two soldiers who traveled with us will be hanged for having committed mur- der." Father Andreas did not doubt this assertion, having witnessed so many extraordinary proofs of St, Francis' sanctity ; nevertheless he could not help being astonished when he saw the prophecy verified the next day. Letters had been secretly sent from Charka with the order to execute the sol- diers on their arrival, or whenever they could be taken, which the authorities did not fail to do.

The labors of our Saint among the different tribes of Indians in South America had extended over a period of fourteen years marked by miraculous eon- versions and acts of heroic charity found only among the Saints. He would have preferred to spent the rest of his life among these Indians, but obedience called him elsewhere, and as a true Re- ligious he regarded the voice of obedience as the voice of God, therefore promptly yielded to its require- ments. He had been appointed Superior of the missions in Tucuman, and although he had protested that he lacked the ability necessary for the position, he had not been allowed to resign. And now when it seemed that his presence was absolutly needed among the Indians, his Superiors thought otherwise, and being truly a Saint, his sanctity was proved by his ready obedience. "Obedience is better than sacrifice. (Kings xv., 22.)

CHAPTER IX.

Last years in Tucuman.

We left our Saint in Cordova, a city founded in 1572 by Jerome Cabrera, a nobleman of Cordova, on the Guadalquavir, in Spain. The country around the former Cordova is sterile, as the little stream, Rio Primero, is so shallow sometimes to be almost dry, while the other creeks, Secundero, Ter* zero and Quartero, are so impregnated with salt as to be unfit for drinking, which leave but little pas- ture beside the salt and rocky meadows. The vine is cultivated to a limited extent. At the time of which we write, Cordova was the principal rendez- vous for travelers from Santa Fe to San Juan de la Frontero, and was generally crowded with people connected with the transfer business. It was an opulent city, but the piety of its inhabitants did not keep pace with its material prosperity ; consequently the missionary labors of our Saint in this city were very great, differing very much from those that he had found necessary among the Indians. It was not so much a work of conversion from paganism and idolatry, as a renewing of the Spaniards, who were already Catholics, from a life of vice and tepidity to one of piety and fervor.

The effect of his burning words was soon per- ceptible by a thorough reformation in their whole [63]

64 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

conduct. A great obstacle in the work of christian- izing the Indians was thus removed. St. Francis Xavier found the immora4 lives of the Europeans in India had much retarded his success among the natives ; Solanus likewise found similar troubles connected with his labors in the New World.

Had the early settlers in both hemispheres valued their immortal souls more than the mortal body and earthly riches, all the natives of the New World would doubtless now be numbered among the true followers of our Lord. The important mission of our Saint at Cordova was faithfully and successfully preached, not only in simple, earnest words, but still more by his holy penitential life, resulting in many remarkable conversions.

Soon the confessionals were crowded, the churches filled to overflowing, so that others had to be erected for the accommodation of the crowds that flocked thither, the merchants generously donating large sums of money for this purpose, as well as for the erection of convents and hospitals. Some of these buildings still stand, awakening the admiration of the beholder.

Our Saint was very zealous in abolishing abuses in the house of God. Observing that some of those present did not conduct themselves properly, he severely rebuked them, even proving his grief by the tears he shed.

His pious, reverent demeanor, taught them what their own conduct should be. Whenever he ap- peared at the altar to celebrate the divine mysteries,

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 00

even the coldest heart was moved to devotion and attention. Nothing filled his heart with greater joy than to see the church crowded with devout wor - shippers. On such occasions he could not remain a silent spectator. One Christmas eve the Church was filled with an attentive congregation ; animated by gratitude and a lively faith they joyfully com- memorated the mysteries of that memorable event. Our Saint ascended the altar, shedding tears of joy and most earnestly exhorting the people to continue thus rejoicing in the Lord for His manifold bene- fits. Leaving the church for a moment, he returned with his poor violin, which had only two strings ; however he began to play, the congregation joined him in singing to the honor and praise of the Most High. That Christmas eve was, no doubt, long re- membered by those who were present, the account being handed down through father and son to future generations.

This joyful season seemed to increase his feelings of love and devotion for the dear Infant Jesus almost to an ecstasy. Then he would invite the Brothers at the Convent to go with him to the Church, there to sing the praises of God.

Brother John Gomez, who had great love and veneration for our Saint, often accompanied him in singing while he played on his violin, having prac- tised much on this instrument while a student. From having been so long a companion of St. Francis, Brother John seemed to have acquired the childlike simplicity of the Saint, so that he would

66 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

often sing when the conversation was upon the Infant Jesus, his heart being filled with joy at the thought of the Divine Babe of Bethlehem. The same magi- cal influence did our Saint exercise over those who came into his presence. He always tried to avoid the great honor and veneration shown him by the people, or directed it to God, the giver of every good and perfect gift. He taught the people to honor their Superiors, both spiritual and temporal, and to obey those in authority, as St. Peter exhorts the faithful. (I Peter , ii.)

Also to obey the laws, and, though wronged, never to rebel, since it belongs to God to take vengeance.

Being informed that some tribes near Santiago de Estero were continually quarreling among them- selves, besides being very hostile to the Spaniards, he hastened thither as an angel of peace. One exhor- tation alone sufficed to restore harmony and kindly feeling among the disputants. Public ceremonies took place, proving to all how fully they were recon- ciled, and to express their joy in having Solanus with them, considering him as their father, friend and brother. The cazics waited upon him, earnestly requesting that he would remain with them, promis- ing faithful and punctual obedience. The sick and oppressed appealed to him for help ; his hand3 raised to bless them brought relief and consolation, frequently in a miraculous manner.

Being informed that a certain Indian, named Lule, was dangerously ill, not knowing whether he had been baptized, Francis went immediately to

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 67

his poor hut, found him speechless and in the agon - ies of death, whilst the desolate wife of the dying Indian was moaning out her sorrow in a language our Saint did not understand. However, without losing faith and courage, he knelt down and com- manded the poor sufferer to speak. A double mira- cle was at once wrought, for the sick man recovered speech, and our Saint acquired the knowledge of his language. He gave him the necessary instruction and baptism when the poor Indian left this world soon after, dying in the presence of his saintly teacher.

One afternoon all the inhabitants of St. Miguel had assembled to witness the national game of bull- fighting. The animal to be fought that day was unusually enraged. Having received several serious wounds, he escaped beyond the wooden enclosure, killing and wounding a number of Indians. The furious beast finding himself at liberty, rushed down a street where our Saint was walking. The Govern- nor, Juan Velasko, seeing the great danger to which the holy man was exposed, at once ordered all the men within the arena to hasten to his rescue. This help would, however, have been too late, had not divine Providence previously assisted him. Strong in his faith, St. Francis walked quietly on, meet- ing the flashing eyes of the bull by a firm, steady look ; then, simply raising his cord, the animal, still bleeding from his many wGunds, stopped sud- denly, then approached our Saint, licked the cord, and moaned gently, as if complaining of the cruelty

68 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

of those who had thus made him suffer. This oc- curred in sight of the governor and people, who all rose, and having ordered the animal to be taken to the enclosure, exclaimed in wonder at the miracle just wrought. The governor addressed the Saint saying: "Thou art the matadore." "Not I," he replied, "but our Lord; and I thank the God of Heaven and Earth for this special grace just be- stowed, for, indeed, the bull was very angry as I could see by his fierce looks." It is not related whether this occurrence abated the passion for this dangerous amusement.

After a very laborious mission our Saint returned to Rioxa so sick and fatigued that he was obliged to go to bed. But even while suffering from a burning fever, Solanus did not forget his dear chil- dren in Christ. In a vision he sa w the great peril to which an Indian woman was exposed at that time. As it was impossible for him to go to her assistance he suffered the agonies of death. At length he said to the Brother who waited on him : "Brother, go to the sacristy, where you will find a priest who has just arrived ; tell him to come to me at once." The priest was Manuel Nunnez, of San Miguel. On a previous occasion being very much troubled and perplexed about some affair, Solanus gave him the needed aid and relief, clearing away all his doubts before he had even made them known.

On the present occasion our Saint urged him to hasten to the poor Indian woman. She was the servant of Pietro Sotelo, and, having been repri-

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 69

manded by her master, was about to commit suicide. Nunnez left at oace for the place designated. On the road he met a man, who sold pigeons. The two entered into conversation, and becoming very much interested, the time passed faster than either had expected. What was the horror of the priest to find the Indian woman hanging on a tree at the very place to which he had been directed. He could do nothing for her, and, greatly distressed, returned to Solanus, informing him of what he had just witnessed. Our Saint had already seen the whole affair as in a vision, and wept bitterly over the untimely end of the poor woman, reprimanding the priest severely. He ordered that the body be taken down and burned as was the custom there in such cases, adding that he would deliver the funeral oration. The sermon of our Saint was so forcible and impressive that henceforth no suicides were committed in Rioxa. Miracles so frequently at- tended the labors of Solanus that his whole life might well be called a continuation of miracles.

In traveling from San Miguel to Santiago del Estero, his companion was Brother Peter Bildosola Gambra, who had been so busy making preparations for the journey. Our Saint was greatly amused at his anxiety, and said with a pleasant smile, uAway with your anxiety, we travel under the protection of God, who will give us more than your pockets can hold." The Brother was somewhat displeased. They, however, proceeded on their way, and soon came to a little stream called "Deep Geek." It is

70 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

usually so shallow that foot passengers can easily tross it, but during the rainy season the waters are very much swollen. Such was the case at this time, the river being deep and the current so strong, there seemed no way of crossing for some weeks at least. All were tired and hungry, so that Brother Peter would have been very glad to have had some of the provisions he had left behind. Travelers hac? collected on both sides of the creek, some of whom began to murmur and even became very angry. Brother Peter also became one of the complainers, and thinking of his well-filled knapsack at home, remarked how nice it would be if they had it now. Solanus rebuked him, saying: uBe quiet, Brother; I told you God would provide." Then turning to- wards his fellow-travelers he predicted that they would be able to cross the stream at nine o'clock the next morning, adding: "The stream will then be shallow and the waters at rest. And as you are all suffering from hunger, I will give you something to eat." Having thus encouraged the people he drew forth a little fishing net, he carried with him, and casting it into the water, caught enough fish to sat- isfy all the people. At night they retired to rest, making themselves as comfortable as circumstances would permit, hoping the prediction of Solanus would be verified the next morning. Their anxiety was of course very great, but at the appointed hour the waters had so far subsided that all could cross over without any difficulty. Among the number was Franciscus Nunnez, a priest, who returned

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 71

thanks to our Saint, in the name of all for their safe deliverance. To prove still more forcibly that a miracle had been wrought, the waters rushed back again and flowed rapidly as on the day before, when the last person had crossed over. Solanus and the Brother continued their journey. About three o'clock in the afternoon a heavy rain fell, but the latter noticed that, while his own habit was thoroughly drenched, that of our Saint was perfectly dry. The Brother reverently kissed it, saying: "Father, how is it that your clothes are dry while mine are so wet?" Solanus humbly replied: " Brother, God has so willed it."

They arrived at Santiago in the evening, when the Brother related all the wonderful events of their journey. When he repeated the same the next day to the officer, Peter Gonzales, the latter replied: "Do not be astonished, for Solanus is a holy man." If our Saint had such power while on earth, how much greater must it now be that he is in the enjoyment of Heaven, where "Death shall be no more, nor mourning, nor crying, nor sorrow shall be any more, for the former things are passed away." (Apoc. XXI., 4.)

CHAPTER X.

Solanus leaves Tucuman, Lima and Truxillo.

We have followed St. Francis thus far in his travels through Tucuman, we have seen him preach- ing to the poor, ignorant natives and working mir- acles, thereby proving his mission. Let us now return to Lima, the capital of Peru. In this great city had been established the Provincial Franciscan Convent of the "Twelve Apostles." This monas- tery was quite large and the spirit of St. Francis of Assissi was well preserved there. To advance more and more in religious perfection, the members of the Province used every means to cultivate the spirit of prayer and recollection. For this purpose some of the Convents were more retired, being removed from the noise and tumult of the busy world. The most fervent among the religious retired thither, that be- ing wholly secluded they might hold intimate con- verse with God in holy meditation. Among these saintly religious was a lay-brother named Andreas Corso ; he commenced one of these retreats near the city of Lima, calling it "The Convent of Santa Maria de los Ange]os,,, L e., Mary of the Angels. Here indeed the requirements found in the "General Statutes" of the Order were fully carried out, viz : "A place of spiritual rest and nursery of perfection for the welfare of the whole Province." Solanus was appointed to continue the work so happily com-

[72]

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 73

menced here. Father Antonius Ortiz as Commissary General, presided at a chapter of the whole Province, when it was unanimously decided to recall Solanus from his mission among the Indians.

We have already learned in the preceding chap- ter of his appointment as guardian of the Mission in Tucuman. Having held the office for a year the Provincial yielded to his earnest entreaties to be re- leased from the office. When the order recalling him to Lima came, great was the sorrow and con- sternation among the Indians, feeling they cou!d not part with him who had indeed been their father and protector. He, however, could not yield to their urgent entreaties to remain, since the voice of obedience called him elsewhere, and as a true Relig- ious he would rather die than disobey his superiors.

Seeing there remained no alternative but to go, the poor Indians asked for some little remembrance of one so dear to them all. But what could he give them from his poverty, he who possessed nothing? One of the chiefs asked for his cord, which Solanus gave, the rest envying the happy possessor of this precious treasure. It became in turn the property of the principal families in Tucuman, and was the means of effecting many cures.

When the time for departure came, our Saint con- cluded to do so secretly, having previously made two announcements which appeared like prophecies. A wealthy man offered him money for the expenses of his long journey : "Keep it," said Francis, smil- ing, "for you will be so poor as to need alms for

<4 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

your bnrial." The gentleman was astonished, but Solanus patting him on the shoulders, continued : "Yes, yes, my friend, what I have said will infal- libly come to pass." And so it proved ; four years later the rich man sold all his possessions and en- tered the Franciscan Order where he died in pover- ty as was predicted. The other prophecy of our Saint was that "Talavera would be destroyed, new mines discovered, and between Santa Fe and San Miguel a new city build ; finally that all Chako would be converted. " A portion of this prediction has been verified, viz : Talavera is no more ; mines have been discovered. The latter part of the prophecy though not yet verified, will be, no doubt, as divine Providence shall decree. Solanus depart- ed alone on his wearisome journey of 700 miles. At length he reached the Convent of Chuquisaba, 200 miles from Lima. The Guardian was very much surprised to see our Saint waiting at the door alone and asking a night's lodging, as it seemed impossible he could have traversed that long dis- tance without a guide at least. And so it would have been for an ordinary person, put for a saint it was comparatively easy. During this journey he stopped for one da}T at the Convent at Potosi. It was the Feast of St. Francis of Assissi, Oct. 4th. While at dinner with Solanus, the Guardian said in honor of the day and of his guest, "Brethren, to-day let us be glad and rejoice in the Lord." This dis- pleased some of the Religious who were either very sad or thought silence should on no account be

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 75

broken. Their thoughts were seen in their serious faces. Solanus observed this, and notwithstanding his love for silence and retirement, as well as being much fatigued, he left his seat at the table and began to dance in the middle of the refectory, at the same time urging all to be cheerful and hsppy. His ad- vise was readily taken. — Ecclesiasticus says : "All things have their season. A time to weep and a time to laugh. A time to mourn and a time to dance." (Eccl. iii., 1 to 4.) Thomas a Kempis says: "Evil ought not to be done either for any thing in the world or for the love of any man ; but for the profit of one that stands in need, a good work is sometimes freely to be omitted, or rather to be changed for a better. (Bk. I., ch. xv.) Without charity the outward work profiteth nothing ; but whatever is done in the spirit of charity, be it ever so little and worthless in itself, will become fruitful as St. Paul teaches in Cor. xiii., 3. Our Lord considers the love and desire with which a person performs the work, rather than how much he does, as we can read in St. Luke vii., 47. Thomas a Kempis says again: "He does well who regards rather the common good than his own will. He does much that loves much ; he does much that does well what he does." (Bk. I., chapt. xv.) There- fore in the strictest communities recreation and cheerful conversation are allowed on Sundays, Holi- days, and during the visits of friends. In such cases one good work is omitted or changed for another and better, that of charity.

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On his arrival at Lima, our Saint knew that his superior had appointed him Guardian of the Con- vent Santa Maria de los Angelos. He so strongly ob- jected to holding office of any kind, that they yielded to his wishes, in a measure, by naming him Vicar in- stead of Guardian, appointing to the latter office one who was weak and sickly, so that in the end the chief duties and responsibility would fall upon Solanus.

While he was thus laboring in the retirement of the secluded little Convent near the great metropolis of Lima, the poor Indians of Tucuman were weep- ing and bitterly lamenting the loss of their dear friend and teacher. Their sorrow was not only shown in this way. Many a petition was sent to the Commissary, Antonius Ortiz, urging the return of Solanus. He would readily have yielded to their earnest entreaties had the health of our Saint per- mitted.

The next year a new Commissary General, Fr. Juan de Monte Major, was sent over from Spain. He insisted that our Saint should be the Guardian of Santa Maria de los Angelos. Finding that he had again been appointed to this office, Solanus went to a retired part of the garden, and sitting un- der a tree, gave vent to his grief in tears and sobs. Father Juan seeing his deep sorrow, yielded to his wishes, and withdrew the nomination for that time. But soon finding how much good Solanus would ac- complish as Guardian, appointed him to that po- sition afterwards. But his tears and grief were

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 77

again renewed, and going to the Commissary at St. Magdalena fell on his knees, and refused to rise un- til the nomination was withdrawn. Father Juan a^ain yielded to his wishes and the election was annulled.

Feeling sure that honorable appointments of some kind would be his portion if he remained in Lima, St. Francis earnestly petitioned to be removed to some more retired Convent. His superiors yielded the more readily to his wishes, as they noticed his health was gradually failing, and, therefore, sent him to the Convent at Truxillo, about 80 miles north of Lima. Here he could breathe freely and at the same time give full vent to his zeal for the salvation of souls and his desire to relieve the wretched and suffering. This arrangement, however, did not last long. The next year (1603) a new Commissar y ar- rived, the renowned Father Juan Yenido, who after- wards became Bishop of Lima. He was a very en- ergetic, inflexible person, and soon after his appoint- ment at Truxillo, commanded Solanus, in obedience to accept the office of Guardian.

As we already know, our Saint could not refuse where obedience was concerned, and, therefore, ac- cepted the Guardianship at Truxillo. The next year he was transferred to the Convent of Santa Maria de los Angelos, near Lima, having been ap- pointed to the same office by the general chapter held there. Although his tears and entreaties proved his great repugnance, which prevailed so far over his love of obedience that he handed in his

78 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

resignation eleven times during the next four months ; the last time it was accepted. He then most humbly knelt down before the Com- missary and community, acknowledging his utter inability to hold any office, most earnestly begging to be allowed to take the last place as being the only one for which he was fitted. All were deeply touched by this great humility, even the Commissary did violence to his own feelings in giving Solanus a severe reprimand for what he called his repeated obstinacy, saying he should receive what he desired and what was justly his due, that is, be deposed from office.

On hearing this, the joy of Solanus could not be restrained, he gave vent to it by shedding tears, kissing his Superior's hand and dancing like a child who has received some new toys. Here, indeed, was true humility, such as Thomas a Kempis des- cribes when he says: uHe that seeketh anything else but simply God and the salvation of his soul, will find nothing but trouble and sorrow. Neither . can he remain long in peace, who does not strive to be the least and subject to all. (Bk. I., ch. 17.)

His Superior no longer urged our Saint to accept any office, leaving him in peace and at liberty to follow his own inclinations. They well knew that he was a "chosen vessel," destined by God for some extraordinary work.

We will now follow him in his labors among the inhabitants of Lima and the neighboring cities. Being released from official duties, he could freely

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 4lJ

devote his time to the salvation of souls, urged on by his great love for God.

It was his custom to rise at 11 o'clock at night, and spend an hour in the church preparing for the Divine Office, which he recited with his FeLo v-relig- ious at midnight, according to the rule of the Order and as he had already done in Spain. This was followed by meditation ; but when the other Eel g- ious retired to rest, our Saint would still remain in the church continuing his meditations upon the mys- teries of our holy Religion, frequently interrupting them by fervent ejaculations of love or sorrow, as his Confessor has frequently watched him unob- served. The porter had often found him there at four o'clock in the morning in a state of ecstasy. At the end of Prime he would scourge himself severely and then prepare for the celebration of Holy Mass. During the Divine Sacrifice, he was almost con- sumed by the fire of holy love, his face glowing as if transfigured. People flocked in crowds to the lit- tle church of Santa Maria de los Angelos to be present when our Saint officiated. All considerei it an honor to serve at his Mass, but finally yielded to the earnest desires of his Excellency, the Viceroy of Peru, Couut Ludovicus of Velasco, \^ho came frequently to this church for that purpose, his tears often flowing freely as he witnessed the seraphic countenance of our Saint. Love for God constantly increased in his soul, the blessed name of Jesus sounding like sweet music in his ears. A physician one day called at the Monastery, to converse with

80 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

Solanus. Reference being made to the love of God, he immediately became so enraptured with the thought, that, fearing he should lose ail self-control, at once left the room. The doctor could not under- stand the cause of this strange and even impolite conduct. The religious present were not in the least surprised, saying it was no unusual occurrence, at the same time relating a similar instance. On the Feast of the Visitation Solanus had given a con- ference to the Poor Clares, choosing as his s lbject "The Magnificat." As he was about to explain, ftie words: "And my spirit hath rejoiced in God, my Savior," (Luke I. 47) he was obliged to pause through the excess of his feelings. Then raising his eyes towards Heaven he uttered wonderful things regarding the Mother of God, showing that he must have been truly inspired. Then having twice repeated : uMy spirit hath rejoiced," he was rapt in an ecstasy, which lasted a quarter of an hour. When it was over he was so covered with confusion at the thought of what had just occurred, that having reverently adored the most Blessed Sacrament, he hastened away without saying an- other word. The Brothers expected to find him pnying, and after searching in various places, he was seen in the garden, embracing a crucifix, his countenance inflamed like that of a Saint having just left his Heavenly home.

We trust the reader will pardon a slight digres- sion and allow us to quote from Prescott's "Con- quest of Peru," (Vol. 1., p. 21.) where the famous

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historian speaks of the foundation of Lima by Piz- arro, in 1535.*

The city of Lima, commenced on so grand a scale, had amassed great wealth, and during the time of its prosperity, the inhabitants had given themselves to luxury and pleasure with all the vices that wealth entails. Seventy years had passed since its foundation, and now Solanus came, like another Jonas, to preach penance to these misguided people.

While still Guardian of the Monastery Ste. Maria de los Angelos, he left the Convent one evening, telling the porter to recommend him to God, as he was about to undertake a great work. He pro- ceeded to the Plaza, and soon an immense crowd assembled around him.

* ' 'The first act of Pizarro was to determine on a site for the fu- ture Capital of this vast colonial Empire. Cusco, wi hdrawn am ng the mountains was altogether too far ?emoved from the sea coast for a commercial people. The little settlement of San Miguel lay too far to the north. It was desirable to select some more cen- tral position, which cuild be easily found in one of the fruitful valleys that bordered the Pacific. Such was that of Pacbacamac, which P zarro n w occupipd Put on further examination he pre- ferred the neighboring valley of Rimac, which lay to the north, and whirh took its name, signifying in the Quichna tongue, 'one wl o speaks,' from a celebrated idol, whose shrine was frequent- ed by the Indians for the oracles it delivered. J hrough the valley flowed a bmad stream, which like a great artery, was made, as u mil, by th- natives to supply a thousand firm rivers that mean- dered through the beavt'ful mradows.

On this river Pizarro fixed the site of his new Capital, at some- wh t less than two leagues distance from its mouth, which ex- panded into a commodious haven for commerce that the prophetic eye oi the founder saw would, some day—and no very distant one —float en its waters.

The central situation of the spot recommends it as a suitable res- idence for a Peruvian Viceroy, whence he might hold easy com- municaton with the different parts of the country and keep vig- ilant watch over his Indian vassels

The climate was delightful, and although only 12 degrees south of the line was so far tampered by the cool breezes that generally blew from the Pacific or irom the opposite quarter, or down the frozen sides ot the Cordilleras that the heat was less than corres- ponding latitudes on the Continent. It never rained on the coast, but this dryness was corrected by a vaporous cloud, which through

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He commenced his discourse by quoting from the first Epistle of St. John, ii., 16 : "All that is in the world is the concupiscence of the flesh and the con- cupiscence of the eyes and the pride of life." He declared this assertion of the Apostle to be literally true of the city of Lima, for it was buried in sins and vices. Having most forcibly and graphically des- cribed the wickedness of the people in a loud voice, he uttered against them the fearful threats and judgments of the Almighty, from whom they had re- ceived the full measure of grace and mercy, and unless they would immediately do penance, all

the warmer months hung like a curtain over the valley, sheltering it from the rays of a irop Leal sun, and imperceptibly distllirg a refreshing moisture that clothed the Held in the brightest verdure. The name bestowed on the infant Capital was "Ciudad de los Reyes," or "Tre City of the Kings," in honor of the day, it be- ing the 6'h of January, 1535, the Festival of the Epiphany, when it was said to have been founded, or more probably when its site was determined as its actual foundation seems to have been ten days later. But the Castilian name ceased to be used, even within the first generation, and was supplanted by that of Lima, into which the oi iginal Indian name of Kimac was corrupted by the Indians. This city was laid out in a very regular plan. The streets were to be much wider that usual in Spanish towns, and perfectly straight, crossing one another at right angles, and so far asunder as to afford space for gardens to the dwellings and for public squares. It was arranged in triangular form, having the river for its base, the waters of which were to be carried by means of fcton* conducts, through all the principal streets, afford- ing facilities for irrigating the grounds around the houses. No sooner had the governor decided on the site and on the plan of the city than he commenced operations with characteristic energy.

The Ind'ans were collected from a distance of more than a hun- dred miles, to aid in the work. The Spauiards applied themselves with vigor to the task under the eye of their chief. The sword was exchanged for the tool of the artisan. The camp was converted into a hive of diligent laborers; and the sounds of war were suc- ceeded by the peaceful hum of a busy population.

The Plaza, which was extensive, was to be surrounded by the Cathedral, the palace of the Viceroy, that of the municipality, and other public buildings; and their foundations were laid on a scale and with a solidity which defied the assault of time, and in s me instances, the more formidable shock of earthquakes, that at different periods have 1 id portions of the fair Capital in ruins. (PrescoU's Conquest of Peru, vol, i., p. 21.)

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 83

should iniserabb7 perish. He then concluded with these words :

"Your bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost, but you have degraded thern by your sins." Then with the fervor of a prophet, he exclaimed: "Open them ; open your houses and your temples to con- cupiscence, and I foretell your perdition !" All were deeply affected by these words ; a feeling of sadness pervaded the whole assembly. Some, how- ever, misunderstood the meaning of our Saint's warning, and thought he predicted the destruction of their houses and temples. As earthquakes had often threatened the overthrow of Lima, they firmly believed this calamity awaited them. Hence the terrified people immediately ran through the streets exclaiming : "Lima will perish! Solanus, the Holy Father, has announced it." The whole city was soon in an uproar, each one striking his breast and saying : "Oh, Lord ! be merciful unto me a sin- ner." Ill-gotton goods were restored ; enemies re- conciled, the churches crowded with penitents seek- ing the Confessionals in expectation of the predic- tion soon to be fulfilled. The excitement increased to such a degree that the Viceroy, Caspar de M 3nte Rey, convened the royal council, «* n 1 called for the arch bishop Torribius Ildefons Mongrovio (who was afterwards canonized by Innocent XII.)

This prudent prelate immediately sent for the Commissary General of the Franciscan Convent of St. Francis de Jesu. The Commissary knew noth- ing more than could be learned from general reports

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floating through the city. However he despatched a policeman at once to Santa Maria de los Angelos, summoning Solanus before the royal council. The porter hastened to the church where the brothers were reciting Matins and Lauds. Being mu,ch excited, he said something in a confused way about the viceroy and archbishop ; also that the policeman was waiting to take Solanus before these dignitaries. All were, of course, terrified and astonished, not knowing what it could mean, fearing for both Sola- nus and themselves. The former, however, remained calm and unmoved, kneeling before one of the fathers to receive his blessing. A brother, in passing, told him not to fear, to whom our Saint replied : "Know, brother John, that I have preached at the command of God." On arriving at the royal palace, the Commissary General requested him to repeat the discourse he had delivered to the people at the Plaza, urging him to fear nothing whatever. Sola- nus replied : "He who trusts in God alone has no cause for fear." He then turned towards the august assembly awaiting him, which consisted of the Archbishop, Viceroy and other dignitaries of both church and state, and spoke to them with the same fire, zeal and unction as when he addressed the people. The effect was also equally great, all were so much affected that even the prelates and high officials proved their sorrow b}r sobs and tears, im- agining that the days of Lima were numbered, and it would soon be only a heap of ruins. When the Viceroy had somewhat recovered from his fear, he

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOL ANUS. £5

ventured to ask if it was really true that this very night Lima would be destroyed, burying the just and the unjust alike in one common grave. Sola- nus now discovered the mistake — fortunate though it was — that had been made, and told the people ; he did not intend to predict an actual destruction of the city, but that he had been sent by God to an- nounce the moral perdition of the people if they did net repent, but this sentence was now averted by the public penance of the inhabitants.

At this declaration the whole assembly drew a sigh of relief, as if they had just escaped a terrible accident, and the Viceroy exclaimed: "Here, no doubt, is the hand of the Almighty proving the sanctity of His Apostle." He desired Francis to give this explanation in writing and affix his signature thereto. To the same document was added the royal seal of the Viceroy with these remarkable words : "Let us not continue longer in wickedness. This is indeed the work of God and an inspiration of the Holy Ghost, who made use of this means to soften the obdurate hearts of sinners, and confirm them anew in Divine grace." Copies of this declaration were posted all over the city, and thus calmed the excitement that had reigned everywhere. The inhabitants of Lima continued their exercises of penance, knowing too well that otherwise the prediction of Solanus would be ful- filled ; in fact our Saint was like a second Jonas to the city of Lima. Hence, to him might well be ap- plied the words of Holy Writ : "Now the word of

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the Lord caine to Jonas, son of Amatha, saying : Arise, and go to Ninive, the great city, and preach in it, for the wickedness thereof is come up before me." (Chap. I., 1 and 2.) "And the word of the Lord came to Jonas the second time, saying : Arise and go to Ninive, the great city, and preach in it the preaching that I bid thee.— And Jonas began to enter the city — and cried and said : Yet forty days and Ninive shall be destroyed. And the men of Ninive believed in God, and they proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least. And God saw their works that they were turned from their evil ways, and God had mercy with re- gard to the evil which He had said that He would do to them and He did it not." (Jonas II.)

The city of Truxillo did not share the happy fate of Lima, as the people failed to take warning from the counsels and threatenings of Solanus. In 1603 he wept while preaching to the people from the pul- pit of the Convent Church. He urged them to do penance and be prepared for the fate awaiting them, as the whole city would be destroyed by an earth- quake on account of its wickedness ; adding that the pulpit from which he then preached would alone remain standing amid the ruins, as a witness to this prediction. But the people of Truxillo were incred- ulous, laughed at the assertion and continued their sinful life.

However two pious persons, Didacus Sanchez and his wife, Maria Ortega, having more faith, left the city and removed to Lima. But after the death

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 87

of our Saint they were pursuaded to return to Trux- illo, where they perished with the rest of the inhab- itants on the 14th of February 1618, when an earth- quake buried the entire city without a moment's warning.

An old lady is reported to have been saved, hav- ing taken shelter under the very pulpit mentioned above, which even the falling of the heavy ceiling did not overthrow. Thus the prediction of Solanus was fulfilled to the very letter.

It now became evident that our Saint was not an ordinary preacher of the word of God, but an in- spired Apostle of Jesus Christ, who said to his dis- ciples when sending them to preach : "It is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speak- eth in you." (Matt, x., 20.)

Hence we find him everywhere exercising this di- vine function. He even went to the market places where crowds of people had assembled eagerly seek- ing to accumulate the riches of this world. With a voice that echoed through the busy streets, he would cry out : "Love God ; do not offend Him, for He has died for us on the cross." Then most tenderly kissing his crucifix, he would exclaim : "Oh ! who could not love Thee, my God, who art indeed so worthy of our love !" Then he would go elsewhere, still preaching penance to the people.

On one occasion, Brother Juan Gomez accompan- ied him to Lima. They came to the magnificent Plaza de los Mercadores, i. e., Merchants' Exchange.

Francis soon perceiving that the devil was the

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chief director of the business, was overwhelmed with grief and sadness. Taking his crucifix and looking earnestly for a moment, he exclaimed in a voice that filled the people with terror: "0 ye sinners, I beseech }'0u, do not offend our Lord who sacrificed Himself for you ; He entreats you not to crucify Him anew by your sins." Having uttered these words he passed through the streets so quick- ly that Brother Juan Gomez had to take hold of the Saint's cord to keep pace with him. It frequently happened that his companion was left behind, so rapidly did our Saint walk, urged by his gr.at love for God. On several occasions he was seen to be raised from the ground and carried through the air by divine power. These miracles are well authen- ticated and to reject them would be to deny all hu- man testimony.

Here then we have the key to the marvelous effect of the sermons of the saintly Solanus, viz : the holi- ness of his life and the miracles that he wrought everywhere. He was always prepared to preach, not being limited to time or place. In imitation of Jesus Christ, his divine Master, and St. Francis of Assissi, his beloved Father, his pulpit could be erected anywhere. If he found only a few people assembled in the church, he would preach for a short time words of faith and encouragement. On one occasion he entered a saloon and addressed the peo- ple he found there, reminding them of the thirst our Lord suffered when dying on the cross for love of them. At another time he went to the theatre,

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. SS

when the actors were already on the stage ; he did not go to listen, but to denounce the wickedness and immorality usually connected with theatrical per- formances. He appeared upon the stage, and spoke to the audience of the great drama once enacted on Calvary. At the conclusion he exclaimed: "The Most High has humbled Himself; the Almighty has trembled with fear, and He who is happiness itself has been overwhelmed with sadness. What a drama to see the great and mighty Lord to whom the stars sing honor and praise, who is seated on the Cheru- bim and holds in His hands the whole universe. He has humbled Himself beneath the foot of man and offered His Divine face to be mocked and in- sulted by sinful scoffers. "

On hearing these impressive words, the actors left the stage and from the audience was heard general lamentation and weeping instead of the usual ap- plause.

The words of Solanus had deeply touched their hearts, a great change had been wrought, and they returned home in a far different manner than they had usually done when leaving the theatre, "for the words of Saints have a secret unction not found elsewhere. " — (Rev. Candide Chalippe, Life of St. Francis of Assissi, translated from the French, by the Congregation of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri, London. New York : D. & J. Sadlier & Co.)

One night,in 1600, there was a terrible earthquake in Lima, so violent that it roused the people from their sleep. The next day all the churches were

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crowded with suppliants begging for mercy. The Friars knelt before the altar and clianted the Mise- rere. Soon a low, heavy dull sound was heard, win- dows clashed, the foundations of the church were shaken, the altar candelsticks seemed ready to fall, and the whole assembly ran to the doors. At this moment, Solanus arose and having said a few words, order was restored ; he then began to preach, and with such force and fervor, that not only the people, but the Religions wept bitterly. Their fear had been aroused by the earthquake, but was increased still more by the earnest and powerful words of Solanus. He added, however, that at present they had no cause for fear.

The success of a sermon or instruction, no doubt, depends, to a great extent, on the preacher himself, yet by no means entirely. The grace of God is the chief and essential aid in this work.

We have seen that the inhabitants of Lima heeded the warnings given and did penance for their sins ; while those of Truxillo turned a deaf ear and suffer- ed the terrible penalty for their disobedience.

St. Paul says : "I have planted ; Apollo watered, but God gave the increase." (I. Cor., 3. to 6.) The blessing of God, so all-important, is partially obtained by the devout and holy life of the preacher and by his fervent prayers, which he should never fail to offer most earnestly for his hearers, who should also cooperate faithfully with him in this blessed work. In order then to draw profit from the instructions given, they should listen attentively

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to what is said, rather than to how it is said. They should receive with humility the reproofs given for their tepid and wicked conduct ; apply the in- structions to themselves rather than to others, and afterwards regulate their lives accordingly.

But as many neglect to do this, "being hearers rather than doers of the Word," we should not be surprised that so many sermons and instructions do not produce the desired effect.

CHAPTER XI.

Death of Solanus.

In May, 1610 our Saint began to suffer severely from a complication of diseases, which compelled him at last to keep his bed. But as his bodily strength failed, the powers of his soul seemed to gain new strength and vigor.

A crucifix was placed at the foot of his bed to which he frequently turned his eyes, thanking his Heavenly Father for the privilege of being permitted to suffer for his sins and thus deemed worthy of sharing in the sufferings of our Redeemer. He also returned thanks to his Lord and Master for thus taking revenge on his body. The interior emotions of his grateful heart were sometimes so intense as to break forth in exclamations of holy gladness. It seemed as if he saw our Lord bodily present in his

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little cell, when he would exclaim : "Venite adore- mus et procidamus ante Deum." "Come let us adore and fall down before God." (Ps. 9.) ^Ye may, therefore, believe that our Saint was favored with many visions during his illness. It became gradually so serious that the attending physicians, Peter Rodriguez Toras and Martin Sanchez thought it advisable to have the last Sacraments administered. When Solanus was told of this he replied : B 'There is still time enough, for I am not so ill as that, yet I am only too glad to receive so loving a guest."

The reception of the Sacraments seemed to impart new vigor to the invalid, so that Father John Venido thought he might perhaps be able to gain the Por- tinucula Indulgence on August 2nd. Having over- heard this last remark, he said: "Not that one; however, I trust I may gain it on St. Bonaventure's Feast, July 14th." From this remark, as well as others which he made, it is evident the day of his death had been made known to him.

A few days before his death, many birds of most beautiful plumage appeared at the window of his room, singing melodious airs never before heard in Spain or South America ; their music even con- tinued during the night ; nothing seemed to disturb or frighten them away ; were the angels of conso- lation sent to cheer our Saint in his last moments?

On the third day before his death, a Fellow-religi- ous came to arrange his bed, so that it would be more comfortable. "What?" exclaimed the Saint, fciMy Jesus is hanging on the cross, and shall I be

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 93

served by others ! My Jesus naked, and shall I be carefully covered ? My Jesus wounded with blows and stripes and crowned with thorns, and shall I re- ceive so much kindness and attention ?" Then he groaned as if deeply grieved while tears of compas- sion bathed his cheeks. The next day, while many were with him, he exclaimed : "God be praised ! What mercy towards one who has deserved to be trodden under foot like the sand of the desert ; in- stead of this Thou sendest me Thy angels, these good brothers, who are all busy for my sake." Then he earnestly exhorted them all to love God and serve Him according to their state as Religious. The rest of the time he was wholly occupied in prayer and communion with God, in making acts of love and other virtues.

He was anointed two days before his death and thus prepared for the last struggle, if the passage of a Saint from earth to heaven can be so called. He showed his great love for poverty by asking permis- sion of his Guardian to be buried in the poorest habit that could be found in the Convent. He then most humbly asked pardon of all for the scandalous life — as he called it — which he had led. On the eve of his death he was rapt in so profound an ecstasy that many thought him to be really dead. Having recovered his senses, he exclaimed: "I rejoiced at the things that were said to me, we shall go into the house of the Lord." (Ps. CXXL, 1.) From that very moment the ecstatic joy of his soul was plainly visible on his radiant and beautiful

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countenance, he seemed, indeed, to have a certain foretaste of the glory awaiting him. A brother said to our Saint : "When the Heavenly Father shall have taken thee, remember me." To which he replied : "Indeed, I will. I go to heaven through the merits of the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ, although I am the greatest of sinners. When I enter my true home, I will remember thee and be thy true friend." The Feast of St. Bonaventure dawned, the fever seemed suddenly to abate. His expectorations, which had until then been very nauseous, now became sweet and agreeable. His hands, which before were almost as dry and hard as wood, now assumed a natural appearance, becoming very soft and flexible. From this change the Religious began to have a little hope of the saintly Father's recovery. Some of them, however, commenced the prayers for the dying, and when they pronounced the "Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost," St. Francis opened his eyes and uttered his favorite exclamation: " Glorlficetur Deus" "God be praised." The psalms having been recited, the Brothers said the Credo, while the birds at the win- dows accompanied them with their singing. When they had said : "Et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto ex Maria Virgine : Who was conceived of the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary," the Elevation bell rang, which announced the Consecration at the Mass celebrated in honor of St. Bonaventure ; at that sacred moment St. Francis yielded up his soul to God who gave it. His eyes rested upon the

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 95

crucifix, his arms were extended in the form of a cross, while he uttered his favorite prayer: "Glori- ficetur DeusT

He expired at the age of 61, at 11 a. m., July 14th, 1610.

Let us learn from this great Saint how to die well!

CHAPTER XII.

Occurrences at the Death and Burial of St. Francis Solanus.

When the soul of St. Francis Solanus had left its "earthly tabernacle," his body was clothed as he had desired in a very old and worn habit, for his Fellow-religious endeavored to cany out, although in this respect unwillingly, the last wishes of their deceased Father. In the afternoon his remains were carried to the oratory of the Infirmary and placed on a bier, which had been prepared. His peaceful, radiant countenance, even in death, filled the beholder with admiration. There seemed something supernatural in the calm expression of his face. His eyes which before had been closed to the vanities of earth, were now opened wide, and His body, during life so frail and emaciated, now became well- developed ; the flesh, hitherto dry and hard, especially that of the feet and hands, was

06 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOL ANUS.

terder and smooth ; the limbs, instead of being cold and rigid, became flexible and retained their natural degree of heat. Finally, the room itself shared in these marvels, being filled with a most agreeable odor.

Seventeen hours after his death, ala}'-brother was tempted to procure some relics of the Saint and tried to cut a lock of hair and a nail from his toe. But he was unfortunate and each time cut the skin, but it only served to make known the wonders of God ; for, from each incision the blood oozed red and warm to the great astonishment of the two physicians who were present.

The Viceroy of Peru, Count de Monte Claro, hearing of the Saint's death, sent immediately to the Guardian of the Convent, requesting him to ar range the funeral services at such a time that he could be present. He had always been a great friend and protector of Solanus, therefore his request was readily granted.

The report of his death had hardly passed beyond the Convent walls, when the whole city was in com- motion, stirred as it were, from the very center to the farthest limits. Young and old, natives and foreigners, hastened to the Convent and requested to see the remains of their beloved Father, to kiss bis hands and feet and carry home some precious relic. Locks of hair and pieces of his habit were [jut off, some would touch his venerable body with their beads or clothing ; the same pleasant odor was still diffused all around. Towards evening it became

LIFE OF ST. FRANXIS SOLANUS. 97

necessary to exclude the visitors from town, to give room for the many religious Communities from the city of Lima. Nearly all of them had known and honored him as a Saint during the time he had spent in their city. Now they wished to pay their tribute of honor and love.

While the remains were exposed the first night in the chapel of the infirmary, a brilliant light, like a pillar of fire, appeared above the blessed body, so bright as to turn night into day. It gradually dis- appeared, but returned ten or twelve times after- wards. It was also seen on the night before his death and on that following his burial.

Our Lord undoubtedly wished to prove by this miracle, that St. Francis had passed away from this valley of tears and darkness to that City built on the mountain, the heavenly Jerusalem. "For they that are learned in the law of the Lord, i e. in true wisdom, shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that instruct many to justice, as the stars for all eternity. " (Dan. XII.) Two hours before day break, the Religious were obliged to open their doors to the crowds eagerly seeking admittance. The concourse was so great that the Father Guar- dian was obliged to call in the assistance of a special police force, to preserve order and prevent accidents. Persons of all ages and condition hastened to honor him who had desired only to be despised and neglected.

On the morning of the 15th of July, the Arch- bishop of Lima, accompanied by a large body of the

03 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

clergy, came to pay his tribute of respect to Sola- nus. The viceroy, faithful to his promise, met them in the Franciscan Convent, and most respectfully kissed the feet of the Saint, considering himself unworthy to kiss his hands. He asked as a favor to take the mattress on which the Saint was then placed, which was cheerfully granted.

At the commencement of the funeral services, the Archbishop himself and the Viceroy carried the pre- cious remains from the Convent to the Church, one at the foot and the other at the head of the hearse, while the Superiors of the different religious Orders helped to bear it as they walked on the opposite sides. Although the Church was very spacious, having three aisles, yet the concourse of people al- ready assembled was so great, that it was almost impossible to make room for carrying the bier, so that the body-guard of the Viceroy went in advance and almost forced a passage. The sacred remains were placed on a catafalque in the center of the Church, before the high altar. The music from the Cathedral choir at once began to peal forth, having offered their services for the solemn occasion. Father Johannes Venido, Commissary of the Fran- ciscan Province, celebrated the Requiem Mass. A full choir of Keligious from the different Communities of the city sang the plain but solemn chant accom- panied by instruments of the Orchestra.

The Mass being ended, Father Johannes Sebastia- nus, Provincial of the Society of Jesus, delivered the funeral oration, depicting in graphic language

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the wonderful deeds and heroic virtues, the many miracles and glorious death, of the Saint. When the services ended, the precious body was placed in a wooden coffin and deposited beneath the main altar, which was the common cemetery of the Religious.

CHAPTER XIII.

Miracles Wrought at the Death and Burial of St. Francis Solanus.

Many miracles were wrought through the interces- sion of St. Francis at his burial, a few of which we will note here.

Father Johannes Sodanus and Ludovicus Pacheko suffered from such severe headache that they feared serious consequences. The former full of confidence placed the hand of our Saint upon his head, when the pains instantly ceased. The latter found relief from the application of a piece of cloth used by the Saint.

The son of Johannes de Esquibil, a boy of seven years, had a malignant fever. At the very moment when St. Francis expired, the boy exclaimed : "Take me to Father Solanus and I shall be cured." They did so, and the boy reverently kissing the hands and feet of the Saint, went home in perfect health.

The miracles wrought did not alone relate to

100 LIFE OF ST FRANCIS SOLANUS.

bodily infirmities ; those afflicted with spiritual maladies were also cured by means of the Saint.

At this time there lived in Lima a man addicted to vice and wickedness. Thirty years passed, dur- ing which he had been the slave of his passions. When Sol anus was buried, this great sinner was among the persons assembled, in the Church. As he entered the sacred edifice, he said to himself : "If this man is a Saint, he will free me from my wicked habits and inclinations ;" at the same time recom- mending himself to the intercession of the Saint, and even kissed his feet. Suddenly his heart was moved with contrition, heat once sought the Confes- sional, and as a true penitent, revealed to the good fath3r th 3 sad state of his soul by a sincere confes- sion which was followed by a good life.

A lady in Lima belonging to the nobility, for twelve years indulged feelings of hatred towards a man who had reduced her to poverty. The advice and remonstrances of the priests had failed to change her sentiments even after the death of the man. However, inspired, no doubt, by God, she went with the multitude to pay her tribute of veneration to the Saint. On approaching the bier, she said to herself: "How dare I, being guilty of so many sins, attempt to touch the feel of a Saint?" From this moment commenced her complete conversion. She begged the Saint to obtain mercy for her, while she rev- erently kissed his venerable hand. Her after-life was in conformity with this happy change.

St. Solanus proved his pewver of working miracles

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not only for the relief and comfort of others, but also for their punishment. A man named Michael Gomez had not only no desire to visit the remains of the Saint, but even indulged thoughts of disre- spect. The following night he was tormented with unspeakable sufferings. Knowing well the cause of this, he went to the Church, to kiss the feet of the Saint, although very reluctantly ; he returned home and retired to bed. But there was no sleep for his eyelids or peace for his troubled conscience, for it seemed as if the venerable Father Solanus was actu- ally present and repeating to him several times : "Thou dust and ashes, why dost thou refrain from kissing my feet? Be on thy guard ; thou shalt yet see what will befall the." The next day Gomez was the picture of misery and remorse. His feet were crippled, his mouth distorted, while his whole appearance reminded one of the dead, rather than the living.

This unfortunate man understood the cause of his condition. He appealed at once to the Saint for mercy and protection, and applied some relics to his body, which gave him much relief. His lameness, however, continued so that he was oblige 1 to use crutches for a time, but at length was able to lay them aside.

These are but a few of the many miracles wrought by the blessed body of St Solanus ; they will, how- ever, suffice 1o prove how wonderful is God in his Saints, and how precious in His sight is the death of the just.

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Portrait of the Saint.

The Viceroy of Peru insisted that a correct por- trait of the Saint should by all means be obtained. This intention he made known to the Guardian of the Convent, who also desired it. The night follow- ing the burial, arrangements were made so that an artist could take a true sketch of the Father whom all mourned. At the hour appointed, the body was removed from the vault, and the lid of the coffin raised. No sign of decay could be perceived. His mouth, eyes, and in fact his whole countenance ap- peared as on the day of burial. Father Johannes Vasquez, of the Order of St. Dominic, also relates that a sweet odor came from the Saint's mouth. When the artist had obtained a correct likeness, the body was replaced in its former resting place.

CHAPTER XIV.

General Opinion Regarding the Sanctity of Solanus.

St. Francis was universally respected and hon- ored ; all classes of people regarded him as a most holy man.

When a student attending the Jesuit College at Montilla, his native city, his companions could not fail to be influenced by such an exemplary life, fear- ing to utter an unbecoming expression in his pre- sence. When engaged in a conversation not likely to meet his approval, they would say: "Stop, Solanus is coming. " After entering the Franciscan Order, this veneration for him seemed to increase. During his novitiate, the older Fathers were wont to look upon him as the model of a perfect Religi- ous. They eagerly sought his society and always went away edified and encouraged to make still greater efforts to attain perfection.

The Superiors of his province appointed him master of novices, besides entrusting him with several responsible offices. He, however, always considered himself as the last of all and unworthy of any charge ; but the more he humbled himself, the more was he respected and honored, so that his countrymen finally called him by no other

[103]

104 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

name than that of "the Saint" and ever honored him as such.

To avoid all these marks of respect, and that he might have an opportunity to shed his blood for Christ, he earnestly begged to be sent to the Afri- can missions ; but his request was not granted.

Soon after a new apostolic field was opened in the New World. Solanus renewed his petitions, and this time received a favorable answer. With deep regret, his Fellow-religious took leave of him, knowing well the treasure they were losing. During their voyage to America, the modesty, humility and sanctity of Solanus, exerted a powerful influence over those on board the ship, gaining the love and esteem of all. This blessed influence was specialty manifested at the shipwreck near Bonaventure. His courage and unshaken confidence in God were the means of saving many from death, or prepared them to die in peace. On that memorable Christmas, which they were to celebrate on the dreary coast of South America, when hope had forsaken all hearts, save that of Solanus, he raised their drooping spirits by words of hope and comfort, so that all felt they were indebted to his prayers and fortitude, looking upon him as their guardian angel.

We may understand how much he was venerated by the Indians, when we consider that, notwith- standing the lapse of centuries and the apostasy of many in Tucuman, his memory is still held in bene- diction among them. After remaining there many years, he was recalled to Lima, when several earnest

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 105

petitions were sent to the Commissaries of the Order for his return. The fame of his wisdom and sanc- tity far from diminishing, seemed rather to increase while in Lima. He was the special friend of the Viceroj's, one of whom considered it a special favor to serve his Mass at St. Mary's of the Angels.

The Archbishops of the Diocese always paid him great honor. The Superiors of all religious Commu- nities as well as their subjects, in fact the entire population of Lima, considered him worthy of the honor due a Saint, which is clearly proved by the almost miraculous conversion that took place when he so earnestly warned them of the terrible chastise- ment awaiting them, unless they at once did penance. He was not only honored during life, but even still more after death, as we have already seen ; for this poor friar who begged as a special favor to be buried in the poorest habit found in the Convent, was borne to his last resting place by the Archbishop and Viceroy of the famous city of Lima, accompanied by the clergy and religious Communities. ''Thus shall he be honored whom the king hath a mind to honor." (Esther vi. 9.)

Note.— Father DMacus Alfarez de Pas, a renowned theologian of the Society of Jesus and a cotemporary of Solanus, writes as follows:

"Almighty God made known in July of last year (1610) in a won- derful manner, the great value of poverty. On the 14th of that month, Father Francis Solanus, died in the Convent of Friar Minors at the age of sixty. He was a holy priest and a zealous pre cber of the word of God. He was born in the province of Baetica, Spain, in th* cty of Montilla. He was justly renowned for his sanctity, a worthy son of the Seraphic Father Francis, hav- ing been a member of the Order for forty years. He by no means

l'^6 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

led a tepid life, on the contrary, walked with giant seps and made rapid progress in the spiritual life. His humility was a ery great, considering himself as the least and last of all, and, therefore, despised honors and dignities, being very patient, m^ek and obe- dient, and so pure and chaste, that words can hardly describe the peifection to which he carried these virtues.

li I he fire of charity and brotherly loye burnt with ever increasing ardor, which often ed him to visit the sick, consoling th» m by his kind and living words. His zeal for the House of God, and his earnest desire for the salvation of souls, almost consumed him. His sermons though not modelled on the rules of art and rhetoric, or according to approved methods of elocution, nevertheless, an abundant harvest was gathered, many souls being rescued from their sinful wavs. Folanus loved retirement, and preferred being alone except when the glory of God requ red it otherwise. His usual occupation was prayer and meditation on divine things. Many times was he rapt in ecstasy, bee ming, as it were, wholly absorbed in God. Being thus otten favored by Hea^ en , he passed whole nights before the High Altar near his God in the Blessed Sacrament. There he would sing the sacred canticles, accompa- nying himself on the violin, and mediate upon divine things. He had so entirely consecrated Irms -If to our Lord, that he was satis- fied with the poorest cl »thing and hardly dared eat enough to sup- port his frail body. He treatcd his body like an enemy, or more truly, as a fr end, since he preferred to sacrifice it by scourgings, right watches, fasts and other mortifications, than to preserve it through too great care and delicacy. In short, his life was noth- ing less than a very holy and most fruitful existence, a constant, fervent player, replete with heavenly consolations and inspira- tions.

"The day after his death, as his body was about to be consigned to the tomb, persons cf all ages and conditions gathered from far and near, forming an assembly such as n>ver before had been seen in the whole kingdom. The old and the young, those who were bidden and those who were not, came with all haste at the simple re- port of his death; most of them, to kiss his feet and honor him as a Saint. The different religious Communities also came, but not in groups of six or eight, as was the usual custom, but in as great numbers as possible, not to increase the grandeur and display of his obsequies, but to fill the hearts of multitudes with a s'ill greater desire of perfection, i also went with the many who thronged to the little Convent, and arrived just as they were tak- ing the precious remains to the Church. The crowd was so great, that I found it almost impossible to approach near enough to wit- ness the solemn services, although one of the Brothers did his ut

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 107

most to open a way for me. I must acknowledge that I was greatly surprised at the ^cene befoie me, seeing th^ most honorable lord, John de Mendoza, Count of Monteclarns and V croy oi this great kingdom, with his Grace, the Archbishop of Lima, Bartholomaeus, cirrving his bier. They were followed by the Superiors of differ- ent religious Orders, and many others dis inguished for their learn- ing and high posi ion. Although so unworthy of it, I joined them. The words of the Royal Prophet suddenly recuned to my mind : lNim;s honorati sunt, amici tui Deus ; nimis confortatus est princi- patus eorumj* 'But to me thy friends, O God, are made exceed- ingly honorable; their principality is exceedingly strengthened ' (Ps 138. 17 )

"Notwithstanding the immense throng of people, we finally ar- rived at the Church. The bier was placed before the High Altar; I had leisure then to reflect upon that home of blessed Solanus which his pure and spotless soul had occupied With the devout multitude, I reverently kissed his hands and feet; they were not rigid or cold, bat soft, tender and moderately warm, so that I seemed to touch the body of one who was sb eping, not that of a dead person. Those who gathered around the bier, were joyous, instead of sorrowful. They did not feel that he nteded prayer, but rather that he rested from his labors, therefore, they praised God who is so admirable in His Saints. No unpleasant odor could be perceived, or trace of corruption. The presence of death did not cause the usual feeling of dread and terror, but rather joy of spirit, humility of heart and unspeakable peace.

4 'When the funeral ceremonies began, the Viceroy ordered that the rich cushion of his state chair, ornamented with gold and sil- ver, should be placed under the head of Solanus, in exchange for the poor, rough pi'low which was removed to his seat and left there during the services. By this act, it seemed to me, the Vice- roy proved his royal dignity more fully while sitting on the straw pillow, than when using his rich cushion. The latter made him appear as the legate of an earthly prince, while the former as a pious. Christian ruler and a true servant of Christ. When the prayers, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the funeral oration were ended, they deposited the precious remains of Solanus in the place prepared. It was, however, with great difficulty, as the reo- ple pressed around in crowds, to see and kiss his feet, and touch his body with their rosaries and c'oths, even cutting offportions of hi 8 habit. At length the body-guard of the Viceroy restored order, and the remains of the venerable servant of God were placed in a plain wooden coffin. The next night it was taken cut, so that a skillful artist could take a true likeness of the Saint. This painter told me, that Solanus seemed like a person sleeping peacefully , at

108 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SQLANUS.

the same time emitting a pleasant odor as if his body had been embalmed with precious spices.

1 'His soul is now glorified with our Lord, his body is preserved by his Fellow-religious wiih great respect, while his memory, as we truly hope, will be held in perpetual benediction."

Thus far Father Didacus Alfarez de Pas, of the Society of Jesus.

CHAPTER XV,

Miracles Wrought Through the Intercession of St. JSola7ius after his Death.

Before giving the process of Beatification and Canonization of St. Solanus, we will enumerate some of the many miracles wrought through his intercession.

CURE OF BODILY INFIRMITIES.

A young girl of twelve years, named Agnes, had been afflicted with epilepsy since her third year. Medicines seemed of no use. At length her father had recourse to Solanus. He tied a small piece of the habit of our Saint around his child's neck. From that day she was entirely free from her former at- tacks of illness.

When the parish priest of the Cathedral at Lima was taking his dinner on the first Sunday in July, 1649, a piece of meat was caught in his throat, and all efforts of the best physicians failed to remove it ; there seemed no chance that he could live. At

LIFE OF ST. FRANXIS SOLANUS. 109

this critical moment, the suffering Father invoked the aid of Solanus, his friend and benefactor, for whose canonization he was then earnestly laboring, saying: "My Father, if, as I believe, thou art a Saint and lovest me, please ask of God relief from my present distress." The prayer was hardly ended, when the piece of meat easily passed down the priest's throat. Blood flowed abundantly, but in the afternoon he was able to attend the services at the Cathedral.

THE DEAD ARE RAISED TO LIFE.

As the Bolandists relate, ten dead persons were restored to life through the intercession of Salanus. We will mention the circumstances connected with only two of them. At some distance from Lima, a child named Nicholas was seriously ill with fever ; signs of death appeared, his father and friends felt that nothing could save the child. At this moment, the former remembered Solanus and his power of working miracles. Therefore, full of confidence, he appealed to him, saying: "O blessed Father Francis, give me back my son alive, I will never be ungrateful to thee for this favor ; I promise to make a novena at thy tomb and will always render thee special devotion." The prayer was scarcely ended, when the boy opened his eyes, his countenance re- gained its natural color and the fever left him. All who had witnessed this miracle were convinced that the child had not only been restored to life, but also to perfect health.

;10 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

In November, 1639, a daughter of Anthony Dias, five years old, met with an accident by which one of her eyes was nearly torn from its socket, and her skull fractured. The parents hastened to their child, but could only take to their arms a lifeless corpse. Having given vent to their tears and lamentations and prepared for the burial, the mother's eyes chanced to rest upon a picture of Solanus, hanging above the child's bed. She at once fell on her knees, then full of faith and con- fidence asked our Lord, through the intercession of Solanus, to restore her beloved one to life ; she quickly applied some of the oil, burning before the tomb of the Saint, to the child's face, and immedi- ately the injured eye was restored to its socket, and the broken skull completely healed. The child ex- claimed : "Jesus is with me." A blue spot under the eye was the only sign that marked the injury.

MTRACLES RELATING TO THE SOUL.

In 1630, John Francis de Valladolid said Mass in the Chapel of the Saint. A lady Juliana, being present, prayed most earnestly for her husband then absent on a journey. At the elevation of the Sac- red Host, she heard a voice that seemed to come from the Saints sepulcher, saying : " Patience." She then made a firm resolution to be always resigned to the will of God. Three days later she received with great fortitude the news of her husband's death, and ever after remained perfectly resigned to the dispensations of God's providence. Another ex-

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. HI

ample will show the great power of Solanus : A young man, aged about twenty years, gave himself up to a life of shameful wickedness. He was at length sent to the Penitentiary. When every offort to effect his conversion proved unavailing, his poor mother had recourse to St. Francis. She had sev- eral Masses offered at his tomb. Her confidence was rewarded by the perfect conversion of her child, who was afterwards a most dutiful and affectionate son, providing for the wants of his mother and sisters.

OTHER MIRACLES.

Solanus was not unmindful of the temporal nec- cessities of those in trouble. A fire broke out in the woods of the Guambacho valley ; near by were large fields of sugar cane, just ready to be cut. The flames spread in all directions, threatening every thing with destruction. The parish priest, with stole and holy water, tried to quench the raging elements, but without success. In this emergencjr, Captain Anthony Alvaredo, who was present, remembered that he had two pieces of St. Solanus* habit ; he handed them to Martin de Orega, the priest, who cast them into the flames, which at once abated and were soon extinguished. Four other cases are on record where fires were quenched in a similar manner.

CHAPTER XVI.

Beatification and Canonization.*

Since many miracles were wrought at the tomb of Francis Solanus, as well as elsewhere, through his intercession, those who were entrusted with prepar- ing the acts of hi3 beatification, were requested by the Archbishop of Lima, and his suffragan Bishops, to collect all reliable information concerning his virtues, deeds, miracles, in short, his whole life. The years 1610-'ll and '12 were spent in these labors.

The acts thus collected, included the testimonies of three hundred and four witnesses. The greatest- part of this evidence was obtained from persons holding the highest dignities in Church and State, as well as from Religious highly esteemed for their piety and learning. All agree as to his undoubted sanctity and as being most worthy of veneration for the miracles he had wrought. These documents were sent to Rome, and by Benignus a Genua, Minister General of the Franciscan Order, presented to the Congregation of Rites, by whom they were subjected to a most rigid examination.f A copy of these papers was presented to Philip III. with

♦From J. Schroeder, Priest of the Diocese of Paderborn. Life of St. Francis Solanus.

fThe Congregation of Rites was established at Rome, by Sixtus V. , their duties required them to prepare the acts of beatification and canonization.

[112]

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 113

the request to use his influence with Paul V. to ad- mit Solanus in the catalogue of Saints. The king promised to do so, and at once gave orders to that effect to his minister in Rome.

However, nothing was done during the reign of Paul V., and Gregory XV. (1621-1623) . Pope Urban VIII. (1623-1644) resumed this important affair, Feb. 1st, 1625, and issued a Circular, or Brief to the Archbishop of Lima, in nearly these words : <;As the rules and regulations of the Church given in 1612 have, in general, been complied with, the Archbishop, two of his prelates and some other gentlemen of his diocese will please collect, most carefully, reliable information regarding the life, deeds and miracles of the holy man of God." The Archbishop of Lima, Don Gonsalvi de Campo, having died in the mean- time, the papal instructions were delivered to the Dean and Archdeacon of the Cathedral. The pub- lication of them was, however, delayed until Septu- agesima Sunday, 1628, three years after their issue in Rome. Great preparations were made for this event. The city authorities had given orders that on the Saturday previous the various city bands should meet at the City Hall, at the Plaza Major, at 10 a. m., and thence march through the principal streets of the metropolis. At noon the Cathedral bells were rung, followed by the other church bells of the city. Between- these chimes, choral airs pealed from the church towers. In the evening the whole city was most brilliantly illuminated. , The next morning a stately procession solemnly

114 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SCLANUS.

marched from the Cathedral to the Hall of the Chapter.

In the principal room, a beautiful picture of St. Solanus was exposed to view. Before this was a little altar on which had been placed a silver urn, containing the Papal rescripts. Here, Don Domi- nicus de Almeida, Dean of the Chapter, received from the Commissary General of the Franciscan Order in the Peruvian Empire, these rescripts which he respect- fully kissed, and then presented to the parish priest of the Cathedral who carried them in procession to the Dome. While it was passing through the streets, the bells of the churches pealed forth their joyous anthems, and the Te Deum was chanted, accom- panied by bands of music.

When the procession arrived at the Cathedral, the rescript was placed on an altar covered with rich embroidery. Solemn High Mass then commen- ced. Before the Offertory, Didacus Morales, a member of the Cathedral chapter, received the rolls containing the documents sent from Rome, handed him by the deacon of the Cathedral. He ascended the pulpit and read aloud to the people the Papal Briefs, and at the close, the order of the Papal Com- missary, whereby every person, no matter of what rank or condition, was commanded to make known whatever he knew of the life, deeds, miracles, &c, of Francis Solanus. High MaS% was then continued . According to Spanish customs, the afternoon was spent in festivities and general rejoicings. In 1630 Ferdinand Arias de Ugarte was appointed

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 115

to the Archiepiscopal See of Lima. This prelate faithfully executed the orders of Urban VIII. The next year the examinations were closed. Accord- ing to Johann George de Werndle (an old biogra- pher of 1676) they contained the testimonies of eight hundred witnesses, a copy of which signed and securely sealed was given to Father Ildephonsus, of the Order of St. Francis, who was obliged to de- liver them to the Congregation of Rites in Rome.

In May, 1631, he went from Lima to Spain. There King Philip IV., and his royal consort, Isa- bella, with many of the nobility, gave him letters to Urban VIII., entreating his Holiness to canonize Solanus at once, dispensing with the injunction which did not permit inquiry into the virtues and miracles of one who had died in the odor of sanctity to be commenced until fifty years after the person's death. The king promised three thousand ducats to defray the necessary expenses.

What Father Ildephonsus and his successors ac- complished in Rome, we may gather from a memo- rial presented in 1642 to Father Joseph Maldonad, Commissary General of the West Indies, which reads as follows : ^Father Ildephonsus arrived in Rome, Nov 7th, 1632, and presented a memorial of 2114 pages, containing the life of the servant of God, Francis Solanus. But as fifty years had not yet elapsed since the death of that servant of God, Father Ildephonsus endeavored to obtain a dispen- sation. Wise and learned Cardinals were consulted as to the possibility of granting this request, and at

116 LIFE OF ST FRANCIS SOLANUS.

length concluded to leave the decision of the matter to his Holiness.

Father Jerome Serrano, the successor of Father Ildephonsus, tried every possible means to obtain the desired favor, but received little encouragement.

However, Father Bonaventure de Salinas, aided by his Majesty, the king of Spain, at length obtained a reply from his Holiness to the effect that he would soon rejoice the New World — America — by canon- izing Franciscus Solanus. Nevertheless, at Rome, it was not considered advisable in this case to dis- pense with the decree of Pope Urban VIII. There- fore, it was not until 1660 that the examination for canonizing Solanus could be resumed.

First there was question whether public homage had at any time been given him, since this was contrary to the Church canons. Satisfactory proof to the contrary being given, Clement IX , (1667-'69) then permitted the examiners to proceed with the cause, ascertaining the correctness of the testimony already given regarding the life, sanctity, virtues and mir- acles of the servant of God. The Congregation of Rites decided Dec. 10th, 1667, and having approved the testimony given, permitted the cause to be con- tinued. After the usual delays and appeals, the following document of Beatification was published :

u Clement X in perpetual memory of the event:

"Our Divine Leader and Master, Jesus Christ, who sitteth at the right hand of the Majesty on high, rewards in heaven, with the crown of eternal glory,

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 117

those of His soldiers, who have here on earth, in an heroic degree, carried on His warfare, whilst aided by divine assistance and through the spirit subduing the works of the flesh, have not only rendered them- selves as a sacrifice of sweet odor to God, but have also acquired merits for themselves by the victories gained over their evil inclinations, and by leading those who know not God, to the knowledge of truth.

"In like manner, we also, although so undeserving, are here on earth, the Vicar of our Master, endeavor- ing, as far as our frailty permits, to follow in His foot- steps, and promote the love and veneration of these men on earth, since we have known from our Lord, that it will redound to the honor of the divine Maj- esty, to the defense of the church, to the edification of the faithful and to the salvation of souls.

"There has been gathered by our venerable breth- ren, the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, who constitute the Congregation of Rites, a collection of acts, which has been drawn up with the permission of the Apostolic Chair, concerning the sanctity of life which they have maturely and carefully discus- sed and considered, and it has now sufficiently appeared that the servant of God, Franciscus Sol- anus, from the Order of St. Francis, called Friars Minor of the Observance, has in many ways been conspicious for his divine and moral virtues, as also for miracles which have been wrought, as asser- ted, by God through his intercession, in order to manifest his sanctity to the world. This same Con- gregation of Cardinals being assembled in our

118 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

presence, and having heard the eonsultors, agreed that at any time when it seemed proper to Us, we could with safety proceed to canonize this servant of God, but that at present, he be called Blessed in the whole world. We have, therefore, willingly listened to the pious and earnest requests, which have been respectfully presented to Us, concern- ing these things, from our beloved son in Christ, Charles, king of the two Spanish Kingdoms, from his mother, Mar}r Ann, our beloved daughter in Christ, widow of his late Catholic majesty, and also queen of the two Kingdoms, and from the whole Order already mentioned. By the advice, in perfect agreement, and in unison with said Cardinals, we do permit, in virtue of the Apostolic powers vested in Us, that said servant of God, Franciscus Solanus, be henceforth called Blessed ; that his body and his relics be exposed to the veneration of the faith- ful, but shall, however, not be carried in procession ; that a halo shall surround his picture, and that, an- nually, on the first free day after his blessed death, the Office and Mass be taken from that of the Con- fessors who are not bishops, according to the rules of the Roman Breviary and Missal. Furthermore, we permit that this Office and Mass be com- memorated in the following places, namely: in the city of Montilla, where the servant of God was born ; in the city of Lima, where he died, and where his body rests ; and in the Tucuman Province where he sowed so plentifully the seeds of Catholic doctrine ; and in fine, by all the secular as

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOL ANUS. 119

well as regular clergy and faithful of both sexes, who are obliged to recite the canonical hours ; but still more by the brothers and sisters of the whole said Order to use this Office, and by the priests to celebrate this Mass, especially by those priests who celebrate in the churches of the said Order. Moreover, within a year from the issue of these letters, and in the Indies, from the day of their arrival, we grant faculties in the churches of the above mentioned cities, of the Province, and the whole Order ; that the sol- emn Beatification of this same servant of God, be celebrated, with the proper Office, as in the Breviary and the Holy Mass as a feast of the major double, and this be done, alike on a day to be appointed by the respective ordinaries which will be announced within thirty days, yet after this very solemnity has taken place in the principal Church of the Prince of the Apostles in our City, for which we appoint the 30th of next June.

Given in Eome, at St. Mary's Maggiore under the ring of the fisherman, this 25th of January, 1675, in the fifth year of our Pontificate."

According to the words of this Brief, his native city of Montilla, was permitted to celebrate the Feast of our Saint. Papal letters, dated Dec. 18, 1675, however, extended it to the entire Andalu- sian Province.

CANONIZATION.

In the beatification of a person, it is only per mitted to honor and invoke him in certain countries,

120 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

and on certain conditions. This beatification is generally, though not always, followed by the canonization. It is never done unless after the beatification, at least two miracles have been per- formed through the intercession of the person.

After the lapse of some years, Father Franciscus Eosselon presented a petition to his Holiness, Alexander VIII., requesting the canonization of Blessed Francis Solanus. It was referred to the Congregation of Rites. Cardinal Chisi presented a report relating to the petition, 1688, stating that the Congregation could proceed to make the cus- tomary objections and examination regarding the miracles wrought through the intercession of Solanus after his beatification. Having obtained the Pope's permission, the examination of the acts commenced which had been printed in Rome, in 1692. Twenty- five miracles were reported to have been wrought in Montilla alone, and seven elsewhere.

We have space for but a few of them.

1.

Mary of Aquilar occupied the same room at night with her young daughter and nephew. They were suddenly startled by a loud noise as if the house was falling. It was their custom to have a lamp always burning before the picture of Solanus, to him they had immediate recourse in their dan- ger, and God heard their prayers. That portion of the house in which they slept, alone remained standing ; the rest was crushed into fragments.

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOL ANUS. 121

2.

Franciscus Antoninus Perez, a priest, was very ill with malignant fever, and almost at the point of death. His brother Ludovicus Perez, also a priest, said a Mass for his recovery at the altar of Blessed Francis. From the Offer tor y until the end, Louis was filled with peace and consolation. Having finished the Mass and his thanksgiving, he hastened to his brother, whom he found free from fever, and in a few days became entirely well.

3.

Maria Ruiz, seventy years of age, was unable to move, eat or drink without help, on account of the contraction of her hands and feet. Physicians having tried every remedy without success, de^ clared her incurable. But she had full confidence in Blessed Francis, and vowed as soon as she was able, to visit a Chapel erected in his honor. Her illness having somewhat abated, the old lady drag- ged herself, as best she could, to the Chapel ; the visit was repeated the next day, when she found her hands and feet moved more readily than before. On the third day, she still used her crutches, but without help from others, her daughter alone ac- companied her. On arriving at the Chapel, she declared most confidently that she would not return home without being perfectly restored to health, and able to walk without crutches. Nine times she walked around the Chapel and altar of the Blessed Francis, then returned home completely

122 LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS.

cured. In token and confirmation of this mir- acle she raised her crutches very high, so that all could see them. — These and many other miracles, wrought after the beatification of Solanus, and through his intercession, stood the test of the most rigid examination before the Congregation of Rites, and were fully ratified by its members ; neverthe- less his canonization was deferred. The Church is always very deliberate in such matters — mention is again made of it, in an assembly of the Congrega- tion of Rites, held in presence of Clement XI., in 1712; again under Pope Innocent XI., 1723, who directs that the miracles in question should once more be subjected to a rigid examina- tion. July 9th, 1726, Pope Benedict XIII., de- clared that the sanctity of Francis, the servant of God, could not be doubted. The solemn pro- mulgation of the decree was, however, deferred, while the assistance of the Holy Ghost was in- voked.

On July 14th, three miracles were pronounced as beyond all doubt, and could not be denied.

1. The instantaneous cure of Johanna de Blanca, seriously affected by a cancer.

2. The delivery of the city of Hon til) a from pestilence.

3. The sudden cure of Francisca Victoria of pestilence and malignant fever.

His holiness, therefore, declared that it was per- fectly right and safe to proceed at once to the canonization of Blessed Francis. On Dec. 27, 1726,

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the following Apostolic Brief was issued concern- ing the cause in hand :

" Benedict, Bishop, Servant of the Servants of God, in perpetual Memory of the Event :

" Since we must honor our Lord Jesus Christ in His Saints, we are inclined and favorably disposed to augment the glory here on earth of the true ser- vants of God, so that through their bright examples, the honor of God be everywhere increased, and the lukewarm excited to works of true piety. And since we have received the life and virtues of the blessed servant of God, Francis Solanus, of the Order of Minors of the Regular Observance, who became illustrious through the excellence of Chris- tian virtues, as well as through many miracles wrought by him, we believe we shall do great ser- vice to the people eutrusted to our pastoral care, by solemnly enrolling him in the catalogue of confessors, who are not Bishops, according to the canons of the Roman Church, on this day, dedicated to the honor of St. John the Evangelist.

" 1. On the 10th of March, 1549, Francis Solanus, the martyr of desire, was born in Montilla, a city of Andalusia, in the diocese of Cordova, already renowned for the many martyrs it has given to our Lord. He was a son of noble and pious parents, who conscientiously brought him up in the fear of God, and in those virtues that adorn the true Christian. Being him- self fully animated with these sentiments, he was received as a member of the Community of Friars

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Minor of the Regular Observance. He there be- came illustrious for his many virtues, his constant practise of more exact discipline than even the Order required, and for his truly Christian humility. His days and nights were passed in works of piety and the most severe mortification, nay, he even imitated the examples of those holy Fathers, Bene- dict and Francis, who threw themselves upon sharp thorns, in order the more completely to over- come their sensuality.

" While his wonderful life bears repeated witness to these and many other noble and virtuous quali- ties of mind and heart, he has also by his preachings which were animated with burning love, and other eminent virtues, converted many souls to God, and thus obtained the title of Saint. Among many other instances, his great power with God was manifested in the cure of a boy, entirely covered with sores, by merely kissing his wounds after re- moving the bandages.

u 2. Again the Saint showed his great charity dur- ing the prevalence of a malignant pestilence that raged in Andalusia. He visited those afflicted with the plague, and deprived of bodily or spiritual com- forts, relieving their maladies. He was deterred by no fear of disease or death ; devoting himself un- remittingly to the care of the sufferers. When him- self attacked by the fatal disease, he was delivered by the hands of God, after which he devoted him- self more courageously than ever to the care of the sick, until the ravages of the pestilence had ceased.

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"3. While the praise of this saintly man was spread abroad by every one, he endeavored in every way to escape the honors awaiting him, so great was his humility. He sought no other honor than that of God. Most ardently did he desire to suffer martyrdom for Christ, humbly entreating his supe- riors to be allowed to go to Africa, that he might there preach the word of God. Although this request was not granted, they at length allowed him to embark with other missionaries, to announce the Gospel to the Indians in remote lands.

"Since the salvation of souls was the dearest object of his devoted zeal, he cheerfully endured the greatest perils on, both, land and sea, continually working miracles as he journeyed with his compan- ions to the vineyard entrusted to him by our Lord. And having once rescued the tender lambs and sheep from the mouth of the wolves, in order to preserve them for the Great Shepherd of Souls, he braved all dangers and difficulties while watching over them with the greatest care.

"As he always considered the miseries of others as his own, and love for God and his neighbor con- tinually burned in his heart, having learned, by Divine assistance, all the languages of the various tribes, he prevailed, with the help of Divine grace, upon the barbarians to lay aside their rude and savage customs, after which they voluntary came to Solanus, entreating him to instruct them. In this way he led countless multitudes through the sa- , cred water of baptism to a new and better life.

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Being held by them in the greatest veneration, he easily gained their consent to his wishes, which others could not have done except by threats or punishment. The effect of his presence and the power of his simple eloquence over the Indians may be inferred from the following occurrence :

The savages had planned a bloody massacre of the Christians just as they were celebrating the sacred mysteries of our Lord's Passion on Holy Thursday. Solanus appeared among them and so earnestly pleaded for his people, that their cruel weapons were laid aside ; not ouly was peace res- tored, but nine thousand were converted to the Christian faith. The great wonder of this miracle was still more increased from the fact, that although the barbarians spoke different languages, yet Sola- nus addressed them in but one dialect, and was distinctly understood by all. The fame of Francis having widely spread abroad, being often increased by the wonderful miracles wrought, he endeav- ored to escape all the honors shown him, by retir- ing into solitude, being withdrawn therefrom only by the voice of obedience, when he was sent lo Lima, the capital of Peru, where he stirred up the people to penance, threatening them, like another Jonas, with fearful calamities, if they continued in their wickedness. But they hearkened to his voice and truly repented of their sins.

"4. The great labors Solanus had undergone for God's honor, complete!}7 ruined his health. At length, knowing that his end approached, he ear-

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 127

nestly desired to be strengthened by the Sacraments of the Church. On July 14, 1610, he yielded up his spirit to God who gave it, folding his arms in the form of a cross and responding to the prayers, with his eyes continually fixed upon the crucifix. This holy death took place in the Monastery of the Holy Name of Jesus, in Lima, on the feast of St. Bonaventure, under whose protection he had long before placed himself. When the soul of Francis had passed from earth to heaven, his sacred body, before rough and sun-burned, became white and beautiful, as if the glory of heaven rested upon it ; and gave forth sweet odors. Crowds of people flocked from all directions to venerate these sacred remains, each one trying to obtain portions of his garments and preserve them as relics.

"The virtues and miracles of Solanus having been fully proved and admired, then ratified by the Holy Apostolic See, our predecessor Clement X. of happy memoiy, has, after the usual solemnities of the Holy Roman Church, enrolled this Franciscus Solanus in the catalogue of the Blessed, January 25, in the year of our Lord 1675.

u5. Afterwards, our venerable brethren, the Car- dinals of the Holy Roman Church, have in accord- ance with the Canons, presented a number of miracles, wrought after his beatification, and they have also in our presence, and in three full consis- tories of our brethren, the venerable Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, as also of the patriarchs, arch- bishops and bishops present in Rome, been legally

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discussed. We have received their unanimous opinion through the notaries of the Apostolic See, We have also received from Christian kings and princes, and from the whole Order of Friars Minor urgent petitions that we would admit blessed Fran- cis Solanus into the catalogue of Holy Confessors, who are not bishops.

4 'Hence the solemn day has been appointed to carry out this great work, and by prayers, fasts and alms-deeds the assistance of Almighty God has been most earnestly invoked. And finally, when every- thing had been conscientiously carried out according to the decrees of our predecessors, the Roman Pontiffs, and according to the Canons of the Holy Eoman Church, We, with our venerable brethren, the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, the patri- archs, archbishops, bishops, priests, secular and regular, as also a great number of people, assembled on this day, which is consecrated to God in honor of St, John the Apostle and Evangelist, in this venerable Church of the Prince of the Apostles, most humbly to invoke the blessing of Almighty God.

"Here Laurentius Corsini, our venerable brother of the Holy Roman Church and Cardinal-Bishop of Tusculum, has for the first, second and third time repeated the r quest that we should admit the servant of God, Franciscus Solanus, into the catalogue of Holy Confessors. Having, therefore, devoutly recited the appointed prayers, and humbly invoked the light of the Holy Ghost, therefore, in

LIFE OF ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS. 129

honor of the holy and undivided Trinity, in exalta- tion of the Catholic Faith, for the propagation of the Christian name, in the power of Almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, of the holy Apostles, Peter and Paul, and by the power vested in Us, according to the counsel and unanimous deci- sion of these our venerable brethren, the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, the patriarchs, arch- bishops, bishops, who were assembled in great numbers with Us at the Vatican Basilica, We have definitely declared "Holy" Blessed Francis Solanus, by birth a Spaniard, of the Order of Friars Minor of the Regular Observance, of whose sanctity, purity of faith, and excellence in other virtues, as well as the miracles he has wrought there was, and is at present, no doubt, with those already declared Blessed, the Confessors, but not Bishops, Peregrinus Latiosus a Foro Livii, of the Order of the Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and John of the Cross, of the Order of the Discalceates of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel. We have appointed and decided, and by these presents appoint, decide and certify that he be added to the catalogue of Holy Confessors, who are not bishops. We have given orders and now repeat them, that he be honored by all the faithful as a real Saint, since we ordain that in the Catholic Church there may be erected churches and altars in his honor, on which the unbloody Sac- rifice can be offered to God. That every year, the 14th July, the day on which he ascended to his heavenly home, be observed as a feast like that of a

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Confessor, who is not a Bishop, and that it be solemnly celebrated.

"6. By the same authority We have, and do grant, through the mercy of our Lord, an indulgence of one year and one quarantine, to all the faithful, who with contrite hearts confess their sins on the anniversary of his feast, and venerate his holy relics. Those who do the same on the octave thereof, may gain an indulgence of forty days, for penance imposed, or in any way to be performed.

u7. Finally, we return thanks to Almighty God for having honored His Church by this illustrious and shining light, and have recited solemn prayers in honor of St. Francis Solanus, St. P^re^rinus Latiosus, and St. John of the Cross. At the High Altar over the relics of the Prince of the Apotles, we have offered the most holy Sacrifice of the Mass, in which this very Confessor and the others above mentioned, have been commemorated ; and we have granted to all the faithful who were present a plen- ary indulgence.*

"8. Moreover, it behooves us, for such special favors to honor, praise and glorify God the Father, from whom all good proceeds, and to whom honor and praise are forever due ; and that we render this homage most devoutly and earnestly, beseeching Him, through the intercession of His chosen servant, Francis Solanus, to turn away His indignation from us on account of our sins and show us mercy. That

*On the usual conditions.

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He would impart the fear of His holy name to the nations that know Him not, that they may at length understand there is no other God but our God.

u9. Finally, as it would be difficult to send this our Brief to all places where it should be known ; therefore, it is our will that copies of it be made, signed by a notary public, and sealed with the seal of any person in the ecclesiastical authority, and that it be everywhere acknowledged in the same manner as these presents if exhibited in public.

" 1 0 . It shall not be permitted for any person who- soever to contradict the tenor of this our declara- tion, decree, adscription, relation, command, statute, indulgence and will, or to rashly oppose it.

"But if any one have the