_St. Malachy's Apostolic Labours, Praises and Miracles._
[Sidenote: 1140, October]
42. (23). Malachy embarked in a ship, and after a prosperous voyage
landed at his monastery of Bangor,[576] so that his first sons might
receive the first _benefit_.[577] In what state of mind do you suppose
they were when they received their father--and such a father--in good
health from so long a journey? No wonder if their whole heart gave
itself over to joy at his return, when swift rumour soon brought
incredible gladness even to the tribes[578] outside round about them. In
fine, from the cities and castles and hamlets they ran to meet him, and
wherever he turned he was received with _the joy of the whole
land_.[579] But honour is not to his taste. He exercises his office as
legate; many assemblies are held in many places, so that no region, or
part of a region, may be defrauded of the fruit and advantage of his
legation. He _sows beside all waters_;[580] there is not one who can
escape from his sedulous care. Neither sex, nor age, nor condition, nor
[religious] profession is held in account.[581] Everywhere the saving
seed is scattered, everywhere the heavenly trumpet sounds. He scours
every place, everywhere he breaks in, with _the sword_ of his tongue
unsheathed _to execute vengeance upon the nations and punishments upon
the peoples_.[582] The terror of him is _on them that do evil_.[583] He
cries _unto the unrighteous, deal not unrighteously, and to the wicked,
lift not up the horn_.[584] Religion is planted everywhere, is
propagated, is tended. His _eyes are upon_ them,[585] his care is for
their necessities. In councils, which are everywhere held, the ancient
traditions are revived, which, though their excellence was undisputed,
had fallen into disuse by the negligence of the priests. And not only
are the old restored, new customs are also devised; and whatsoever
things he promulgated are accepted as though issued from heaven, are
held fast, are committed to writing for a memorial to posterity. Why
should we not believe those things were sent from heaven which so many
heavenly miracles confirm? And that I may make what has been said
credible, let me touch on some of these miracles in a few words. For who
can enumerate all? Though I confess I had rather dwell on those things
which can be imitated than on those which can only excite wonder.
43. (24). And in my judgement the first and greatest miracle that he
exhibited was himself.[586] For to say nothing of his _inner man_,[587]
the beauty and strength and purity of which his habits and life
sufficiently attested, he so bore himself even outwardly in a uniform
and consistent manner, and that the most modest and becoming, that
absolutely nothing appeared in him which could offend the beholders.
And, indeed, _he who offends not in word, the same is a perfect
man_.[588] But yet in Malachy, who, though he observed with unusual
care, ever detected, I will not say an _idle word_,[589] but an idle
nod? Who ever knew his hand or his foot to move without purpose? Yea,
what was there that was not edifying in his gait, his mien, his bearing,
his countenance? In fine, neither did sadness darken nor laughter turn
to levity the joyousness of his countenance.[590] Everything in him was
under _discipline_, everything a mark _of virtue_, _a rule_[591] of
perfection. Always he was grave, but not austere. Relaxing at times, but
never careless; neglecting nothing, though for a time ignoring many
things. Quiet often, but by no means at any time idle.[592] From the
first day of his conversion to the last of his life, he lived without
personal possessions.[593] He had neither _menservants_ nor
_maidservants_,[594] nor villages nor hamlets, nor in fact any revenues,
ecclesiastical or secular, even when he was a bishop. There was nothing
whatever ordained or assigned for his episcopal mensa, by which the
bishop might live; for he had not even a house of his own. But he was
almost always going about all the parishes[595] serving the Gospel,[596]
and _living of the Gospel_,[597] as the Lord appointed for him when he
said, _The labourer is worthy of his hire._[598] Except that more
frequently, _making the Gospel_ itself _without charge_,[599] as a
result of the labours of himself and his companions, he brought with
him that by which he might sustain himself and _those who laboured with
him in the work of the ministry_.[600] Further, if at times he had to
rest he did so in the holy places which he himself had scattered through
the whole of Ireland; but he conformed to the customs and observances of
those with whom it pleased him to tarry, content with the common life
and the common table. There was nought in his food, nought in his
clothing, by which Malachy could be distinguished from the rest of the
brethren; to such a degree, though he was _greatest_, did he _humble
himself in all things_.[601]
44. Then, when he went out to preach, he was accompanied by others
on foot, and on foot went he himself, the bishop and legate. That was
the apostolic rule; and it is the more to be admired in Malachy
because it is too rare in others. The true successor of the Apostles
assuredly is he who does such things. But it is to be observed how he
_divides the inheritance with his brothers_,[602] equally descendants
of the Apostles. They _lord it among the clergy_;[603] he, _though he
was free from all men, made himself the servant of all_.[604] They
either do not preach the Gospel and yet eat, or preach the Gospel in
order that they may eat; Malachy, imitating Paul, eats that he may
preach the Gospel.[605] They _suppose that_ arrogance and _gain are
godliness_;[606] Malachy claims for himself by inheritance labour and
a load.[607] They believe themselves happy if they _enlarge their
borders_;[608] Malachy glories in enlarging charity.[609] They _gather
into barns_[610] and fill the wine-jars, that they may load their
tables; Malachy collects [men] into deserts and solitudes that he may
fill the heavens. They, though they receive tithes and first-fruits
and oblations, besides customs and tributes by the gift of Cæsar and
countless other revenues, nevertheless _take thought what they shall
eat or what they shall drink_;[611] Malachy _having nothing_ of such
things, yet _makes many rich_[612] out of the store-house of faith. Of
their desire and anxiety there is no end; Malachy, desiring nothing,
knows not how to think about the morrow.[613] They exact from the poor
that which they may give to the rich; Malachy implores the rich to
provide for the poor. They empty the purses of their subjects; he for
their sins _heaps altars_[614] with vows and _peace-offerings_.[615]
They build lofty palaces, raise up towers and ramparts to the
heavens.[616] Malachy, _not having where to lay his head,[617] does
the work of an evangelist_.[618] They _ride on horses_[619] with a
crowd of men, who _eat bread for nought_, and that not _their
own_;[620] Malachy, hedged round with a college of holy brothers, goes
about on foot, bearing _the bread of angels_,[621] with which to
_satisfy the hungry souls_.[622] They do not even know the
congregations;[623] he instructs them. They honour powerful men and
tyrants; he punishes them. O, apostolic man, whom so many and so
striking _signs of his apostleship_[624] ennoble! What wonder, then,
if he has wrought wondrous things when he himself is so wonderful? Yet
truly not he but God in him.[625] Moreover, it is said, _Thou art the
God that doest wonders._[626]
45. (25). There was a woman in the city of Coleraine[627] who had a
demon. Malachy was called; he prayed for the possessed; he commanded the
invader and he went out. But his iniquity was not yet fully satisfied,
and he entered into an unhappy woman who happened to be standing by. And
Malachy said, "I did not release that woman from your grasp in order
that you might enter this one; go out of her also." He obeyed, but went
back to the former woman; and driven forth from her once more, he again
went into the second. So for some time he vexed them alternately,
fleeing to and fro. Then the saint, indignant that he was mocked by a
demon, summoned up his spirit, and shouted; and when he had made an
attack on the adversary with all the forces of faith, he drove the demon
away from both, no less vexed than those whom he had vexed. But do not
suppose, reader, that the delay which he caused the saint was due to his
own strength: it was permitted by the divine dispensation, evidently in
order that by this as well the power of the evil one as the victory of
Malachy might be made more manifest.
Hear now what he did elsewhere, but not by reason of his presence.
Assuredly what he had power to accomplish when absent, he could do also
when present.
46. In a district of the northern part of Ireland a sick man lay in his
house. His sickness was beyond doubt due to the evil influence of
demons. For one night he heard them talking; and one said to another,
"See that this wretched man does not touch the bed or bedding of that
hypocrite, and so escape from our hands." The man perceived that they
were speaking of Malachy, who, as he remembered, had not long before
passed a night in that house. And the bedding was still in its place;
and taking courage, with his utmost effort he began to crawl, weak in
body but strong in faith. And lo, in the air there was clamour and
shouting: "Stop him, stop him, hold him, hold him; we are losing our
prey." But, carried on by faith and the desire to escape, the more they
shouted the more he hastened to the remedy, straining with knees and
hands. And when he reached the couch, and went up on it, he rolled
himself in the bed-clothes, and heard the wailing of them that lamented,
"Alas, alas, we have betrayed ourselves, we have been deceived, he has
escaped."[628] And quicker than a word, there left him the terror of the
demons and the horror which he suffered, and with them all his sickness.
In the city of Lismore a man vexed by a demon was delivered by Malachy.
Also once, when he was passing through Leinster, an infant was brought
to him who had a demon, and he was brought back whole.
In the same region he ordered a mad woman,[629] bound with cords, to be
loosed and to be bathed in water which he blessed. She washed and was
healed.
Another woman also in Saul,[630] a region of Ulaid,[631] who was tearing
her own limbs with her teeth, he cured by praying and touching her.
There was a madman, who predicted many things to come. His friends and
neighbours brought him to the man of God, bound strongly with cords,
because his very madness had made him strong to do hurt and exceeding
terrible. Malachy prayed, and immediately the sick man was healed and
released. This was done in a certain place, the name of which we omit
because it has a very barbarous sound, as also have many others.[632]
At another time in the above-mentioned city of Lismore,[633] the parents
of a dumb girl[634] brought her to him in the midst of the street as he
passed, asking him with much entreaty that he would deign to help her.
Malachy stood and prayed; and he _touched her tongue_ with his finger
and _spat_[635] upon her mouth, and sent her away speaking.
47. (26). Going out of a certain church he met a man with his wife, and
she could not speak. And when he was asked to have mercy on her, he
stood in the gate, the people surrounding him; and he gave a blessing
upon her, and bade her say the Lord's Prayer. She said it, and the
people blessed the Lord.
In a city called Antrim[636] a certain man lying on a bed, now deprived
for twelve days of the use of his tongue, at the bidding of the saint,
who visited him, recovered his speech and received the Eucharist; and so
fortified he breathed his last breath in _a good confession_.[637] O,
_fruitful olive tree in the house of God_![638] O, _oil_ of
gladness,[639] giving both anointing and light! By the splendour of the
miracle he gave light to those who were whole, by the graciousness of
the favour he anointed the sick man, and obtained for him, soon about to
die, the saving power of confession and communion.[640]
One of the nobles came in to him, _having somewhat to say to him_;[641]
and while they were speaking, _full of faith_[642] piously stole three
rushes from the couch on which Malachy sat, and took them with him: and
God wrought many things as a result of the pious theft, by that man's
faith and the sanctity of the prelate.
By chance he had come to a city called Cloyne.[643] And when he was
sitting at table a nobleman of that city came in and humbly prayed him
for his wife, who was pregnant, and had passed the appointed time of
parturition, so that all wondered, and there was none who did not
believe that her life was in danger. With him also Nehemiah,[644] the
bishop of that city, who was sitting next to him, made request to
Malachy, and others also as many as were present reclining together.
Then he said, "I pity her, for she is a good and modest woman." And
offering the man a cup which he had blessed, he said, "Go, give her to
drink, and know that when she has taken the draught of blessing[645] she
will bring forth without delay, and without danger." It was done as he
commanded, and that very night there followed that which he promised.
He was sitting in a plain with the count of Ulaid, dealing with certain
matters, _and a great multitude_[646] was about them. There came a woman
who had long been with child. She declared that contrary to all the laws
of nature she had already been pregnant for fifteen months and twenty
days. Malachy having pity for this new and unheard-of trouble, prayed,
and the woman was delivered. Those who were present rejoiced and
wondered. For all saw with what ease and rapidity she brought forth in
the same place, and the sad portent of birth denied was changed to a
happier marvel.
48. (27). There happened in the same place an event with a similar
miracle but a different issue. He saw a man who was reported to be
consorting publicly with his brother's concubine; and he was a knight, a
servant of the count. And publicly accosting the incestuous man he
displayed himself to him as another John, saying, _It is not lawful for
thee to have thy brother's_ concubine.[647] But he, nevertheless, in
his turn displaying himself to Malachy as another Herod, not only did
not hearken to him, but even answered him haughtily, and before them all
swore that he would never put her away. Then Malachy, much agitated, for
he was vehemently zealous for righteousness, said, "Then God shall
separate you from her against your will." Paying little heed the man
went away at once in a rage. And meeting the woman not far from the
crowd which was in the place, he treated her evilly and with violence,
as though he wholly belonged to _Satan_ to whom he had a little before
been _delivered_.[648] Nor was the crime hidden. The damsel who
accompanied the lady ran back to the house (for it was not far from the
place), and, breathless, announced the wickedness that had taken place.
At the word her brothers, who were at home, enraged at the dishonour
done to their sister, rushed thither with all haste and slew the enemy
of virtue, _taken in the very_ place and _act_[649] of crime, piercing
him with many wounds. The assembly was not yet dismissed when, lo! his
armour-bearer proclaimed what had happened. And all wondered that the
sentence of Malachy had taken such speedy effect. When this word was
heard all evil-doers (for there were many in the land) feared and, being
terrified, purified themselves, _washing their hands in the blood of the
ungodly_.[650]
49. (28). Dermot the count,[651] who had now for a long time lain on his
bed, he sprinkled with blessed water, and caused him to rise up without
delay, and so strong that he mounted his horse on the spot, surpassing
assuredly the hope of himself and of his friends--rebuking him severely
at the same time because he was a bad man _serving his belly_[652] and
his appetite immoderately.
In the town of Cashel a man came before him with his paralysed son,
asking that he should be healed.[653] And Malachy, praying briefly,
said, "_Go thy way; thy son_ shall be made whole."[654] He went, and on
the morrow he returned with his son, who was nevertheless by no means
whole. Then Malachy rose and standing over him prayed at greater length,
and he was made whole. And turning to the father he said, "Offer him to
God." The man assented, but did not keep his promise; and after some
years his son, now a young man, relapsed into the same state, no doubt
because of his father's disobedience and his violation of the pledge.
Another man came from a long distance, when Malachy was in the borders
of Munster, bringing to him his son, who was entirely deprived of the
use of his feet. When he inquired how this had happened to him, he said,
"As I suspect, by the malignity of demons"; adding, "It was they, if I
mistake not, who, when he was playing in a field, _caused a sleep to
fall_ upon him,[655] and when the child awoke he found himself so."
Saying this, he poured forth his petition with tears, and earnestly
sought help. Malachy pitying him prayed, bidding the sick boy in the
meantime to sleep there upon the ground. He slept, and he arose whole.
Because he had _come from far_[656] he kept him some time in his
company, and he used to walk with him.
50. In the monastery of Bangor a certain poor man was maintained by the
alms of the brothers; and he received a small sum every day, for
performing some office in the mill. He had been lame for twelve years,
creeping on the ground with his hands, and dragging his dead feet after
him. Him Malachy found one day before his cell, sad and sorrowful, and
asked him the cause. And he said, "You see how for a long time I am
miserably troubled and _the hand of the Lord is upon me_;[657] and lo,
to increase my distress, men who ought to have had pity, rather laugh at
me and cast my wretchedness in my teeth." And when he heard him, moved
with compassion, he _looked up to heaven_,[658] at the same time raising
his hands. Having said a short prayer he entered his cell, and the other
rose up. And standing upon his feet he wondered if it was true,
suspecting that he was in a dream.[659] But he began to move with slow
steps, for he did not altogether believe that he could walk. At length,
_as it were waking out of a deep sleep_,[660] he recognized the mercy of
the Lord upon him; he walked firmly, and returned to the mill _leaping_
and exulting _and praising God_. When those saw him who had before seen
and _known him_ they _were filled with wonder and amazement,[661]
supposing it to be a spirit_.[662]
Malachy likewise healed a dropsical man by praying, who remained there
in the monastery and was appointed shepherd.
51. A city of Ireland called Cork was without a bishop. They proceeded
to an election; but the various parties did not agree, each, as is
usual, wishing to appoint their own bishop, not God's.[663] Malachy
came to the place when he heard of the disagreement. Calling together
the clergy and people he took pains to unite the hearts and desires of
the opposing parties. And when they had been persuaded that the whole
business ought to be entrusted to him, on whom in a very special manner
lay _the care of_ that as also of the other _churches_[664] throughout
Ireland,[665] immediately he named to them, not any of the nobles of the
land,[666] but rather a certain poor man whom he knew to be holy and
learned; _and he was a stranger_.[667] He was sought; and it was
announced that he was lying in bed, and so weak that he could in no
wise go out unless carried in the hands of those who ministered to him.
"Let him rise," said Malachy; "in the name of the Lord I command it;
obedience will save him." What was he to do? He wished to obey, but he
thought himself unfitted; for though it should be possible for him to
go, he dreaded to be a bishop. So with the will to be obedient twin
enemies were contending, the load of weakness and the fear of the
burden. But the first conquered, the hope of salvation being given him
as an aid. Therefore he made the attempt, he moved, tested his power,
discovered that he was stronger than usual. Faith increased along with
power, and again faith made stronger gave in its turn increase of power.
Now he was able to rise unassisted, now to walk somewhat better, now not
even to perceive weariness in walking; at length, to come to Malachy
without difficulty and quickly, unaided by man. He promoted him, and put
him into the chair, with the applause of clergy and people. This was
done without question, because neither did they dare to oppose the will
of Malachy in any way, seeing the sign which he had wrought; nor did he
hesitate to obey, being made surer, by so evident a proof, of the will
of God.
52. (29). A certain _woman was diseased with an issue of blood_;[668]
and she was of noble birth and very dear to Malachy, though by reason of
the nobility rather of her character than of her descent. When she was
entirely failing, her strength no doubt being exhausted with her blood,
and was now near the end, she sent to the man of God, in order that--the
only thing that remained to be done--he might help her soul who should
see her no more in the body. When Malachy heard it he was troubled,
because she was a woman of virtue, and her life fruitful in work and
example. And perceiving that he could not reach her in time he called
Malchus, for he was young and active (he is that brother of Abbot
Christian whom we mentioned above),[669] and said, "Haste, take her
these three apples on which I have invoked the name of the Lord; I am
assured of this, that when she tastes these she _shall not taste of
death_ before _she sees_ us,[670] though we shall follow somewhat more
slowly." Malchus hastened as he was commanded, and when he came he went
in to the dying woman, showing himself another servant of Elisha, except
that his work was more efficacious.[671] He bade her take that which
Malachy had blessed and sent to her, and to taste it if by any means she
could. But she was so refreshed when she heard Malachy's name, that she
was able to obey, and indicated by a nod (for she could not speak) that
she wished to be raised up for a little while. She was raised up, she
tasted; she was strengthened by what she tasted, she spoke, and gave
thanks. _And the Lord caused a deep sleep to fall upon_ her,[672] and
she rested most sweetly in it, having long ceased to enjoy the benefit
of sleep, or to partake of food. Meanwhile _her blood was
staunched_[673] and awaking after a while she found herself whole,[674]
but she was still weak from long fasting and loss of blood. If in any
degree the cure was not complete,[675] on the following day the
wished-for presence and appearance of Malachy made it perfect.
53. (30). A nobleman lived in the neighbourhood of the monastery of
Bangor, whose wife was _sick nigh unto death_.[676] Malachy, being asked
to _come down ere she died_,[677] to _anoint the sick_ woman _with
oil_,[678] came down and went in to her; and when she saw him she
rejoiced greatly, animated by the hope of salvation. And when he was
preparing to anoint her, it seemed to all that it ought rather to be
postponed to the morning; for it was evening. Malachy assented, and when
he had given a blessing over the sick woman, he went out with those who
were with him. But shortly afterwards, suddenly _there was a cry
made_,[679] lamentation and great wailing through the whole house, for
it was reported that she had died. Malachy ran up when he heard the
tumult, and his disciples followed him. And coming to the bed, when he
had assured himself that she had breathed her last, he was greatly
troubled in mind, blaming himself that she had died without the grace of
the sacrament. And lifting up his hands to heaven he said, "_I beseech
thee_, Lord, _I have done very foolishly_. I, even _I, have
sinned_,[680] who postponed, not she who desired it." Saying this he
protested in the hearing of all that _he_ would not _be comforted_,[681]
that he would give _no rest to his spirit_,[682] unless he should be
allowed to restore the grace which he had taken away. And standing over
her, all night _he laboured in his groaning_; and, instead of the holy
oil, flooding the dead woman with a great rain of _tears_,[683] he
bestowed on her such a substitute for the unction as he could. Thus did
he; but to his companions he said, "_Watch and pray._"[684] So they in
psalms, he in tears, passed a night of vigil. And when the morning came
the Lord heard His saint, for the _Spirit_ of the Lord was _making
intercession for him_, who _maketh intercession for_ the saints _with
groanings that cannot be uttered_.[685] Why more? She who had been dead
_opened her eyes_,[686] and, as those do who wake from a deep sleep,
rubbing her forehead and temples with her hands, she rose upon the bed,
and recognizing Malachy, devoutly saluted him with bowed head. And
mourning being _turned into joy_,[687] amazement took hold of all, both
those who saw and those who heard. And Malachy also gave thanks and
blessed the Lord. And he anointed her, nevertheless, knowing that in
that sacrament _sins are forgiven_, and that _the prayer of faith saves
the sick_.[688] After this he went away, and she recovered, and after
living for some time in good health, _that the_ glory _of God should be
made manifest in her_,[689] she accomplished the penance which Malachy
had enjoined upon her, and again _fell asleep_[690] in a _good
confession_,[691] and passed to the Lord.
54. (3). There was also a woman whom _a spirit of_ anger and _fury_[692]
dominated to such an extent that not only her neighbours and relatives
fled from her society, but even her own sons could scarcely endure to
live with her. Shouting, rancour and _a mighty tempest_[693] wherever
she was. Violent, fiery, hasty, terrible with tongue and hand,
intolerable to all, and hated. Her sons, grieving both for her and for
themselves, dragged her into the presence of Malachy, setting forth
their lamentable complaint with tears. But the holy man, pitying both
the sickness of the mother and the trouble of her sons, called her
aside, and made urgent inquiry whether she had ever confessed her sins.
She replied, "Never." "Confess," said he. She obeyed; and he enjoined
penance on her when she made confession, and prayed over her that
Almighty God might give her _the spirit of meekness_,[694] and in the
name of the Lord Jesus bade her to be angry no more. Such meekness
followed that it was plain to all that it was nothing else than a
marvellous _change effected by the right hand of the Most High_.[695] It
is said that she is still living to-day, and is so patient and gentle
that, though she used to exasperate all, now she cannot be exasperated
by any injuries or insults or afflictions. If it be allowed me, as the
Apostle says, _to be fully persuaded in my own mind_,[696] let each
accept it as he will; for me, I give it as my opinion that this miracle
should be regarded as superior to that of raising the dead woman,
mentioned above, inasmuch as there the outward, but here the _inner
man_[697] was restored to life. And now let us hasten to what remains.
55. A man who as regards the world was honourable, as regards God
devout, came to Malachy and complained to him concerning _the barrenness
of his soul_,[698] praying that he would obtain for him from Almighty
God the grace of tears. And Malachy, smiling because he was pleased that
there should be spiritual desire from a man of the world, laid his cheek
on the cheek of the other as though caressing him, and said, "_Be it
done unto you as you have asked_."[699] From that time _rivers of waters
ran down his eyes_[700] so great and so nearly incessant that the phrase
of Scripture might seem applicable to him: "_A fountain of gardens, a
well of living waters_."[701]
There is an island of the sea in Ireland, from of old fruitful of
fishes;[702] and the sea there abounds in fish. By the sins of the
inhabitants, as it is believed, the wonted supply was taken away, and
_she that had many children was waxed feeble_,[703] and her own great
usefulness utterly dwindled away. While the natives were grieving, and
the peoples taking ill the great loss, it was revealed to a certain
woman that a remedy might be effected by the prayers of Malachy; and
that became known to all, for she herself proclaimed it. By the will of
God it happened that Malachy arrived. For while he was going round and
filling the region with the Gospel, he turned aside thither that to them
also he might impart the same grace.[704] But _the barbarous
people_,[705] who cared more for the fishes,[706] demanded with all
vehemence that he would deign to regard rather the sterility of their
island. And when he answered that it was not for that he had come, but
that he desired to catch men rather than fish,[707] yet seeing their
faith[708] he _kneeled down on the shore and prayed_[709] to the Lord
that, though they were unworthy of it, he would not deny them the
benefit granted long before, since they sought it again with so great
faith. _The prayer went up_,[710] there came up also _a multitude of
fishes_,[711] and perhaps more fruitful than in ancient days; and the
people of the land continue to enjoy that abundance to this day. What
wonder if _the prayer of a righteous man_ which _penetrates the
heavens_,[712] penetrated _the abysses_,[713] and called forth from the
depth of the sea so great supplies of fish?
56. There came, on one occasion, three bishops into the village of
Faughart,[714] which they say was the birthplace of Brigit the
virgin;[715] and Malachy was a fourth. And the presbyter who had
received them with hospitality, said to him, "What shall I do, for I
have no fish?" And when he answered that he should seek them from the
fishermen, he said, "For the last two years no fish have been found in
the river;[716] and for that reason the fishermen also are all scattered
and have even abandoned their art." And Malachy replied "Command them to
_let down the nets_[717] in the name of the Lord." It was done, and
twelve salmon were caught. They lowered them a second time, and catching
as many more they brought to the tables both an unlooked-for dish and an
unlooked-for miracle. And that it might be clear that this was granted
to the merits of Malachy, the same sterility nevertheless continued also
for the following two years.
FOOTNOTES:
[576] Of which, it appears from this and other passages (see p. 33, n.
1), he was still abbot.
[577] 2 Cor. i. 15.
[578] _Gentibus._
[579] Ps. xlviii. 2.
[580] Isa. xxxii. 20.
[581] Cp. Serm. ii. § 3. Perhaps here, as in that passage, we should
read _person_ (_persona_) for _profession_ (_professio_).
[582] Ps. cxlix. 6, 7.
[583] Ps. xxxiv. 16; 1 Pet. iii. 12.
[584] Ps. lxxv. 4 (vg.).
[585] Ps. xxxiv. 15; 1 Pet. iii. 12.
[586] St. Bernard's secretary, Geoffrey, recalls this sentence (_V.P._
iii. 1). He mentions the saint's many miracles and then proceeds,
"But, as he himself says, in commendation of St. Malachy, the first
and greatest miracle that he displayed was himself." About half of the
present section is embodied by Gerlatus in his description of the
character of Godscalcus (_M.G.H._, Scr. xvii. 700).
[587] Eph. iii. 16.
[588] Jas. iii. 2.
[589] Matt. xii. 36.
[590] Cp. Serm. ii. § 4.
[591] Cp. Consecratio in Ordering of Deacons (Gregorian Sacramentary).
[592] Cp. Serm. ii. § 4.
[593] This statement must be accepted with some reserve. Malachy must
have had personal property while he was coarb of Patrick. And
accordingly Serm. i. § 6, connects his voluntary poverty with his
episcopate in Down, and above (§ 21) his departure from Armagh is
represented as a return to poverty. The context shows that St. Bernard
is here thinking of the period when he was legate.
[594] Gen. xxxii. 5, etc.
[595] _I.e._ dioceses.
[596] Cp. Rom. i. 9.
[597] 1 Cor. ix. 14.
[598] Luke x. 7.
[599] 1 Cor. ix. 18; cp. Serm. ii. § 1.
[600] Phil. iv. 3 combined with Eph. iv 12; cp. Acts xx. 34.
[601] Matt. xviii. 4, combined with Ecclus. iii. 20.
[602] Luke xii. 13.
[603] 1 Pet. v. 3 (vg.).
[604] 1 Cor. ix. 19.
[605] Cp. _De Dil._ 17: "Paul did not preach the Gospel that he might
eat, but ate that he might preach the Gospel; for he loved not food
but the Gospel." The reference is of course to 1 Cor. ix.
[606] 1 Tim. vi. 5.
[607] _Opus et onus._
[608] Amos i. 13.
[609] Cp. 2 Cor. vi. 11.
[610] Matt. vi. 26.
[611] Matt. vi. 25, 31.
[612] 2 Cor. vi. 10.
[613] Cp. Matt. vi. 34.
[614] Secret of Mass for Nativity of St. John Baptist, etc.
[615] Exod. xxxii. 6, etc.
[616] Cp. Gen. xi. 4.
[617] Matt. viii. 20; Luke ix. 58.
[618] 2 Tim. iv. 5.
[619] Jer. vi. 23, etc.
[620] 2 Thess. iii. 8, 12.
[621] Ps. lxxviii. 25.
[622] Ps. cvii. 9.
[623] _Plebes._
[624] 2 Cor. xii. 12 (vg.).
[625] Cp. 1 Cor. xv. 10.
[626] Ps. lxxvii. 14.--The following narratives of Malachy's miracles
are not in chronological order. They are arranged according to their
character. Thus the first four (§§ 45, 46) are instances of his power
over demons.
[627] Coleraine is said to have been founded by St. Patrick; and it
was certainly a religious establishment at least as early as the sixth
century (Adamnan, i. 50). One of its erenachs died in 1122 (_A.F.M._).
The word "city" implies that the community was still in existence.
[628] Compare the story of St. Gall listening to the conversation of
the demon of the mountain and the demon of the waters, told in
Stokes's _Celtic Church in Ireland_, p. 145, from the Life of St. Gall
in _M.G.H._, Scr. i. 7.
[629] The first of three miracles of healing the insane.
[630] In Lecale, co. Down, near Downpatrick. There St. Patrick made
his first convert, and there he died. It is not easy to explain why
St. Bernard calls it a "region." See further, p. 113, n. 3.
[631] Ulaid was a district which included the greater part of the
present county of Down, and the southern part of Antrim.
[632] For a similar avowal by Jocelin, who wrote in the same century
as St. Bernard, and other illustrative passages, see Adamnan, p. 4.
[633] See § 8, and above in this section.
[634] The first of three healings of dumb persons.
[635] Mark vii. 33.
[636] The word "city" implies that there was a religious community at
Antrim. That this was the case is proved by the round tower which
still remains, and other evidence (Reeves, p. 63). But apparently the
_Annals_ do not refer to any monastery or church at that place. See,
however, _U.A._ and _A.F.M._ at 1096 for a possible exception.
[637] 1 Tim. vi. 13.
[638] Ps. lii. 8 (vg.).
[639] Ps. xlv. 7.
[640] Cp. Serm. ii. § 8.
[641] Luke vii. 40.
[642] Acts vi. 5.
[643] Printed text, _Conuama_, no MS. variants being recorded in the
margin: perhaps a misprint for _Clonuama_. Mabillon has _Duevania_ and
K _Duenuania_. A seems to read _Clueuuania_. All these variants point
to _Cluain uama_ (the meadow of the cave), the Irish name for Cloyne,
which is undoubtedly the place referred to (see next note). The next
two miracles are concerned with childbirth. The first of them may have
been related to St. Bernard by Marcus, the author of Tundale's Vision
(see Friedel and Meyer, _La Vision de Tondale_, p. iv., and above p.
lxv. n. 3).
[644] Nehemiah Moriarty, who died in 1149 (_A.F.M._), being then, it
is said, 95 years old (Tundale, p. 5). In Tundale (p. 53 f.) he is one
of four bishops who were with St. Patrick in Paradise, the others
being Cellach, Malachy and Christian O'Morgair. He is there (pp. 5,
54) called bishop of Cloyne (_Cluanensis_).
[645] Cp. 1 Cor. x. 16.
[646] Luke vi. 17.
[647] Mark vi. 18.
[648] 1 Cor. v. 5; 1 Tim. i. 20.
[649] John viii. 4.
[650] Ps. lviii. 10 (vg.).
[651] Probably Dermot MacMurrough, who became king of Leinster in
1126, and died in 1171. He was driven out of his kingdom in 1166, and
then invited the Anglo-Normans to come to his aid. The result was the
conquest of Ireland. His character merits the description which St.
Bernard gives of it.
[652] Rom. xvi. 18.
[653] The first of three healings of paralysis.
[654] John iv. 50.
[655] Gen. ii. 21.
[656] Mark viii. 3.
[657] Acts xiii. 11, etc.
[658] Mark vii. 34.
[659] Cp. Acts xii. 9.
[660] Gen. xlv. 26 (vg.).
[661] Acts iii. 8-10.
[662] Mark vi. 49.
[663] This implies that the diocese of Cork had already been founded.
But we cannot be sure that St. Bernard is correct when he says that
the clergy and people met to elect a bishop, in view of his inability
elsewhere (§ 19) to distinguish bishops from abbots. It is at least
possible that there was strife between different septs concerning the
appointment of a coarb of Barre, founder of the church of Cork.
Malachy may have taken advantage of the strife to nominate a ruler who
belonged to no sept in the district and who would allow himself to be
consecrated bishop. The vacancy may have been made by the death of
Donnell Shalvey, erenach of Cork, in 1140 (_A.F.M._). The word
_erenach_ is sometimes used at this period where we might have
expected to find _abbot_ (cp. _A.F.M._ 1137, quoted in Additional Note
C, p. 167).
[664] 2 Cor. xi. 28.
[665] Evidently Malachy was now papal legate. The date of the incident
is therefore not earlier than 1140.
[666] It would seem that it was taken for granted that one of the
leading men of a sept would be appointed, according to prevalent
custom, exemplified in the case of Armagh. This suggests that the
vacant office was that of abbot. There would be nothing surprising in
the selection of a "poor man," who was not a local magnate, as
diocesan bishop.
[667] Luke xvii. 16, 18.--This was probably Gilla Aedha Ua Muidhin,
who attended the Synod of Kells in 1152 as bishop of Cork (Keating,
iii. 317), and died in 1172 (_A.U._). Since he attained "a good old
age" there is no reason why he should not have been consecrated as
early as 1140 or 1141. He had been a monk of Errew in Lough Con, co.
Mayo (_A.T._ 1172), and was therefore "a stranger," _i.e._ not a
native of Munster. He is called a "poor man," no doubt, for the same
reason as Malachy himself (§ 24), because he had embraced the life of
voluntary poverty. He had a reputation for piety and learning, for the
Annals describe him as "full of the grace of God" (_A.U._), and "the
tower of devotion and wisdom and virginity of Ireland" (_A.T._). And
if the tradition is trustworthy that he was abbot of St. John the
Evangelist at Cork, founded by Cormac Mac Carthy "for pilgrims from
Connaught" (see the charter of Dermot Mac Carthy printed in Gibson's
_History of Cork_, ii. 348), and that it received its later name of
Gill Abbey from him, we can explain how he came to be near at hand
when the election was taking place.
[668] Matt. ix. 20.--In this and the next two sections we have three
miracles wrought on women; one at the point of death, another dead,
and the third spiritually dead.
[669] See § 14.
[670] Matt. xvi. 28; Mark ix. 1; Luke ix. 27.
[671] See 2 Kings iv. 29 ff.
[672] Gen. ii. 21.
[673] Luke viii. 44.
[674] Cp. Mark v. 29.
[675] _Si quominus._ The text seems to be corrupt. A friend suggests
the emendation _sed quominus deficeret_.
[676] Phil. ii. 27 (inexact quotation).--The story told in this
section was a favourite of St. Charles Borromeo (Alban Butler, _Lives
of Saints_, ed. Husenbeth, ii. 607).
[677] John iv. 49.
[678] Cp. Mark vi. 13; Jas. v. 14.
[679] Matt. xxv. 6.
[680] 1 Chron. xxi. 8, 17.
[681] Gen. xxxvii. 35.
[682] 2 Cor. ii. 13; cp. Jer. xlv. 3.
[683] Ps. vi. 6 (vg.); Jer. xlv. 3.
[684] Matt. xxvi. 41, etc.
[685] Rom. viii. 26.
[686] Acts ix. 40.
[687] John xvi. 20.
[688] Jas. v. 15.
[689] John ix. 3.
[690] Acts vii. 60.
[691] 1 Tim. vi. 13.
[692] Exod. xv. 8 (vg.).
[693] Ps. l. 3 (vg.).
[694] 1 Cor. iv. 21.
[695] Ps. lxxvii. 10 (vg.).
[696] Rom. xiv. 5.
[697] Eph. iii. 16; cp. 2 Cor. iv. 16.
[698] Ps. xxxv. 12 (vg.).
[699] Matt. viii. 13, combined with John xv. 7.
[700] Ps. cxix. 136.
[701] Cant. iv. 15.
[702] Here and in § 56 we have two miraculous draughts of fish.
[703] 1 Sam. ii. 5.
[704] Cp. Rom. i. 11.
[705] Acts xxviii. 2.
[706] Cp. 1 Cor. ix. 9.
[707] Cp. Luke v. 10.
[708] Cp. Mark ii. 5; Luke v. 20.
[709] Acts xxi. 5.
[710] Acts x. 4.
[711] Luke v. 6; John xxi. 6.
[712] Ecclus. xxxv. 21 (inexact quotation).
[713] Cp. Ps. cvii. 26 (vg.).
[714] Faughart is a parish north of Dundalk.
[715] Apparently the only authority earlier than St. Bernard which
makes Faughart the birthplace of St. Brigit is her fourth _Life_ (i.
6, _Trias_, 547).
[716] The Kilcurry River.
[717] Luke v. 4.