Latin Miracle Stories of St Nicholas
29 Narrations of miracles by the living St Nicholas
Anonymous
BHL 6130-6176
Introduction
 Eglise Saint-Florentin, Saint-Florentin, France Photo: Denis Krieger, Mes vitraus favoris, used by permission |
Any medieval Latin manuscript containing a hagiographical Life of St Nicholas will usually also contain a mass of miracle stories, often in variable order. This makes collation difficult. One helpful way to handle this is to have the Latin text of all these stories in a Word document, and simply do a Ctrl-F on the Latin words on the page image. This file was created for just this purpose, in order to make this possible. It has been made available in case it is of use to others. The contents are placed in the public domain.
The file was created using the index in the Bibliotheca Hagiographica Latina. The printed Latin text of the first forty-seven of the miracle stories has been located, scanned in, and, for convenience, run through Google Translate.
The Latin texts included here are not critical editions, but rather readers' editions, and the punctuation has been improved to assist this. The source is given in each case. Where the text has been printed in modern times in the catalogues of the Bollandists, this has been used. Those texts taken from early editions required intervention, if only to punctuate them. A couple of texts were omitted by the Bollandists with a note, and these have been transcribed from manuscripts. The translations are probably not 100% accurate, but they have been read through, some obvious corrections made, and a few footnotes added. The headings are by myself. This file contains only BHL 6130 to 6176. These are the miracle stories that take place during Nicholas' lifetime, plus those that took place after his death but before his translation to Bari. There are many more such stories in the BHL, but this is a convenient stopping point.
The task of constructing a critical text, with a professional translation and commentary, of all these pieces still remains to be done. It seems possible that it may never be done. But in the meantime this file should assist researchers.
Roger Pearse
Sources
These are the editions used and referred to below.
- Catalogus codicum hagiographicorum Bibliothecae Regiae Bruxellensis. Pars I, Codices Latini membranei, vol. 1 (1886).
- Catalogus codicum hagiographicorum Bibliothecae Regiae Bruxellensis. Pars I, Codices Latini membranei, vol. 2 (1889)
- Catalogus codicum hagiographicorum Latinorum ... Bibliotheca Nationali Parisiensi, Tomus I (1889)
- Catalogus codicum hagiographicorum Latinorum ... Bibliotheca Nationali Parisiensi, Tomus I (1890)
- Falconius, N.C., S Nicolai Acta Primigenia (1751)
- Giacomozzi, C., Otlone di Sant'Emmerano, Vita sancti Nicolai (BHL_6126). Edizione critica, traduzione ecommento, diss. Trent (2017-8).
- Honorius Augustodunensis, Speculum Ecclesia, sive sermones aliquot evangelici..., Cologne (1531). The sermo S.Nicolai is on f.208v.
- Lippomanus, Sanctorum Priscorum Patrum Vitae, vol. 3 (1553)
- Mombritius, B., Sanctuarium seu vitae sanctorum, vol. 2 (1910 reprint).
8.1 [BHL 6130] Fasts While A Baby
From: Catal. Paris., vol. 1, p. 503, c. 1.
| Sanctissimus Nicolaus, Myrreae civitatis archiepiscopus, ex utraque parte alta progenie editus est. Patre namque Epiphanio, matre vero Nomia, apud Patheram civitatem oriundus extitit. Qui utrique parentes, quamquam genere clari, fide tamen et spiritu clariores, hunc solum puerum suarum rerum morumque heredem a Domino petierunt: quod sancto Spiritu donante impetraverunt. Revera etenim in illo Spiritus sancti gratia redundabat, cum in cunis lacte matris abstinentiam servaret. Infans quidem et tener corpore, senex mente et spiritu habebatur, dum divina Nicolaus gratia afflatus, alienus ab omni lascivia, Christi vestigia a prima infantia sequeretur. In quo nimirum pax, fides, caritas, pietas eximia, patientia, castitas, humilitas, quae est condimentum omnium virtutum, fuere. Si itaque in sanctis suis mirabilis est Deus, in illo tamen mirabilior, si taliter dici potest, fuit, per quem tanta et inaudita miracula operari dignatus est. De quibus tam praeclaris et innumerabilibus miraculis quoddam suorum quasi primitias miraculorum Deo adjuvante enucleare disponimus. | The most holy Nicholas, archbishop of the city of Myra, came of a high lineage on both sides. For his father was Epiphanius, and his mother was Nomia, a native of the city of Patara. Both parents, though noble in blood, yet more noble in faith and spirit, asked the Lord for this only child to be the heir of their property and manners: which they obtained by the gift of the Holy Spirit. In fact, the grace of the Holy Spirit was overflowing in him, when in his cradle he kept abstinence from his mother's milk. Indeed, the child was considered tender in body, but old in mind and spirit, while Nicholas, inspired by divine grace, alienated from all lasciviousness, followed the footsteps of Christ from his earliest childhood. In which, of course, there was peace, faith, charity, extraordinary piety, patience, chastity, and humility, which is the essence of all the virtues. If therefore God is wonderful in his saints, yet more wonderful in Him, if it may be said so, was he, through whom he deigned to work such great and unheard of miracles. With the help of God, we intend to set forth some of his miracles, so excellent and innumerable, as if first-fruits of miracles. |
8.2 [BHL 6131] As a Baby Stands on Feet
From: Catal. Paris., vol. 1, p. 503, c. 2.
| Primo igitur die nativitatis ejus, dum nutrix ipsius balneum illi in quodam vasculo praepararet, eumque ibi deponeret, jam caelo infans erectus per se sine nutricis vel alicujus sustentaculo quasi media hora super pedes suos stetit. | Therefore, on the first day of his birth, while his nurse was preparing a bath for him in a vessel, and laying him there, the infant, raised up by himself, stood on his feet for about half an hour without a nurse or any supporter. |
| O res miranda nimium, res ac praedicanda. O puer insignis, divinus quo fuit ignis : Quem nutrix stantem vidit Dominumque rogantem. |
Oh things to marvel at too much, things to be preached. O remarkable child, divine in whom was the fire: Whom the nurse saw standing and asking the Lord. |
| Quicumque titulum hunc legitis, magnum quoddam et inauditum a saeculis miraculum Nicolai Myrreorum archiepiscopi dinoscite, fratres carissimi: quoniam ipso die quo natus fuit, re vera fere unius horae spatio, ut veraci comprobatur testimonio, rectus super pedes dicitur substitisse, ac deinde more aliorum infantium in cunis sese collocasse. Qua in re Deum semper magnificate ac Nicolaum digne honorificate. | Whoever reads this title, know, my dear brothers, a great and unheard-of miracle of Nicholas, the archbishop of Myrrh, for on the very day he was born, in fact, in the space of about an hour, as confirmed by true testimony, he is said to have stood upright on his feet, and then that he had placed himself in the cradle after the manner of other infants. In this matter always magnify God and honor Nicholas with dignity. |
8.3 [BHL 6132] Heals a Woman in Childhood
From: Catal. Paris., vol. 1, p. 503-4, c. 3.
| Aliud quoque insigne miraculum hujus sanctissimi viri sub silentio praeterire noluimus, quod in pueritia ejus Domino operante factum est. Quadam itaque die, dum solito rediret a scholis, librum in quo sancta meditabatur nulli tradens oblivioni sed in manu deferens, quandam debilem mulierculam viribus corporis destitutam et incessu etiam pedum defectam obviam habuit. Quae sanctum intuens puerum, genibus ejus obvoluta, fusis lacrimis pie exorando adjutorium ab eo poposcit. Cujus vocem audiens puer Nicolaus, motus solita pietate, manu eam tenuit et incessum reddidit sanitatique restituit. Quae mulier, tanto in se recepto miraculo, gratulabunda abiit, suoque patruo retulit haec Nicolao episcopo. Quo audito episcopus miraculo, evocans eum ad se et benigne eum manibus amplectens benedixit et sanctificando sanctificavit suisque orationibus eum commendavit Domino nostro Jesu Christo. | We do not want to pass over in silence another remarkable miracle of this most holy man, which happened during his childhood as the Lord was working. One day, therefore, as he was returning from school as usual, not forgetting about the book on which he was meditating, but carrying it in his hand, he met a certain feeble little woman, destitute of physical strength and even unable to walk. Looking at the holy child, she wrapped herself around his knees, and with flowing tears piously implored him to help her. Hearing her voice, the boy Nicholas, moved by his usual piety, took her by the hand, returned the ability to walk, and restored her to health. This woman, having herself received such a miracle, went away giving thanks, and reported these things to his uncle, Bishop Nicholas. When the bishop had heard about the miracle, calling him to himself and kindly embracing him with his hands, he blessed him and sanctified him by sanctifying him, and with his prayers he commended him to our Lord Jesus Christ. |
8.4 [BHL 6133] The Murdered Merchant in a Cask of Salt
From: Catal. Brux., vol. 1, p. 315-6, c. 1.
| Mercator quidam orationis et dilectionis causa ad sancti Nicolai ecclesiam festinans, hospitio viri cujusdam susceptus est. Qui mercatoris pecuniam intuens et affectans, noctu surrexit et hominem sopitum crudeliter jugulavit. Dehinc innocuum cadaver membratim divisit et divisum in quodam dolio occuluit et juxta vescendarum consuetudinem carnium multo sale solidavit. Perpetrato denique tantae impietatis scelere, crudelissimus hospes ad lectum suum ivit, dormivit et quievit. Nocte media clementissimus confessor Christi Nicolaus illud crudele et nefandum hospitium vehit; speciosissimus miles ingredi dignatus est et, aperto dolio, illud dilaceratum et attritum cadaver extraxit et membra membris reconcilians totum corpus reformavit, et prorsus nulla remanente cicatrice vitae reddidit. Tunc sermone pio mercatorem suum allocutus et consolatus, hominis homicidae exivit domo, et suae beatitudinis reductus et receptus est palatio. | A certain merchant, hastening to the church of St. Nicholas for prayer and pleasure, received the hospitality of a certain man. He, on looking at and touching the merchant's money, got up in the night and cruelly strangled the sleeping man. Then he divided the innocuous corpse into parts, and hid the parts in a kind of cask, and, after the custom of meat for eating, he packed it with much salt. Finally, having committed such an impious crime, the most cruel host went to his bed, slept and rested. In the middle of the night, the most merciful confessor of Christ, Nicholas, drew aside that cruel and evil host; as a most splendid soldier he deigned to enter, and, opening the barrel, he took out the torn and bruised corpse, and restoring the limbs to the limbs, he reformed the whole body, and returned it to life without any scar remaining whatsoever. Then he addressed and consoled his merchant with a pious speech, and he left the house of the murderous man, and, restored to his bliss, he was received at the palace. |
| Facto mane mercator surrexit incolumis, et domus dominum alloquens et salutans intermissi laborem itineris arripere disposuit. Ignorabat enim mortem suam quam hospes suus intulerat, et ab illata morte praesenti vitae qualiter redditus fuerat. Tunc peccator stupens et admirans, perpetratum facinus retexit et qualiter eum jugulasset, qualiterque ejus universa membra divisisset seriatim aperuit. "Ego," inquit, "te miserande jugulavi, ego tua membra universa divisi, et divisa isto in dolio scelerate occultavi. Vere magnus confessor sanctus Nicolaus, qui, tua contrita et divisa membra reformando, consolidavit et redintegrata praesenti vitae restituere potuit." Mercator ille, haec audiens et vera esse cognoscens, Deo et sancto Nicolao gratias reddidit, et quomodo sub militis specie sanctum Nicolaum viderit et audierit, stupenti nimis et admiranti hospiti suo alacriter exposuit. Mox quoque ab eo satisfactione recepta ac pace inter ipsos firmissime compacta, confoederantur hospes et mercator idem. Sicque pari devotione concurrentes simul ad ecclesiam beati Nicolai, facti sunt ibidem ipsi sancto servi perpetui. | In the morning the merchant got up unharmed, and after addressing and saluting the master of the house, he made ready to take up the labour of the journey. For he was ignorant of the death which his host had brought upon him, and in what manner he had been returned from that death to the present life. Then the sinner, astonished and wondering, revealed the deed he had committed, and how he had strangled him, and disclosed how he had cut off all of his limbs in turn. "I," he said, "miserably strangled you, I cut off all your limbs, and wickedly hid them in that barrel. Truly the great confessor, St. Nicholas, who by reforming your broken and divided members, consolidated them and was able to restore them renewed to the present life." The merchant, hearing these things and knowing them to be true, gave thanks to God and to St. Nicholas, and eagerly explained to his greatly amazed and astonished host how he saw and heard St. Nicholas under the guise of a soldier. And no sooner had he received satisfaction from him, and made peace most firmly between them, than the guest and the merchant agreed together. So, coming together with equal devotion to the church of the blessed Nicholas, they became there perpetual servants of the same saint. |
8.5 [BHL 6134] The Poisoned Well at Arnavendensis
From: Catal. Paris., vol. 1, p. 504, c. 5.
| Turbae multae de Castello Arnavendensi venerunt, supplicantes sanctissimo Nicolao, uno ore postulantes simulque dicentes: "Benignissime pater, a longe quidem aquam haurimus, et in fonte quem habuimus prope infirmam mulierem et mente captam invenimus mortuam, multa spurcitia sordidato fonte. Quin etiam per noctem ibidem clamat nocturnis. Post haec nullus homo nullaque bestia hausit ex illo. Est quidem juxta nos collis vicinus ubi prisco in tempore aquae venae fuisse dinoscuntur, sed nunc abscondita est aqua per multos jam annos. Quapropter credimus per te, beatissime pater, Dei opitulante clementia ibidem tuis meritis posse exsurgere aquam." | Many crowds came from the castle of Arnabanda,1 praying to the most holy Nicholas, speaking with one mouth and saying at the same time, "Most kind father, we have drawn water for a very long time indeed, and in the spring which we had close by we found dead a sick woman who was out of her mind, and much filth in the fouled spring. Moreover there she wails at night throughout the night. After this neither man nor beast has drunk from it. There is indeed a neighbouring hill near us where it is known that there were streams of water in previous times, but these days the water has been gone for many years. For this reason we believe that through you, most blessed father, with the aid of the mercy of God, the water can flow again by your merits."
1. Giacomozzi, p.171 n.1, and p.213 n.2 identifies this place as Ἀρναβανδέων, between Myra and Plakoma, and the location of the monastery of Holy Sion. The name varies. |
| To those who asked these things at the same time, blessed Nicholas said, "Behold, dearest brothers, carrying the holy gospel in our hands together with the venerable cross with the greatest reverence, let us all arrive at the place, gathered together, sure of the mercy of God." | Haec illis simul petentibus, ait beatus Nicolaus: "Ecce, fratres carissimi, summa cum reverentia in manibus nostris portantes sanctum evangelium una cum venerabili cruce, certi de misericordia Dei congregati omnes perveniamus ad locum." |
| Cum autem ad eundem locum venissent, ilico sanctus Nicolaus fossorium apprehendit, flexisque genibus diu oravit. Finita vero oratione, in altum in nomine Domini cubitum et dimidium fodit, continuoque sufficienter emanavit abundantia aquae. Tunc omnes simul voces dederunt, laudantes atque glorificantes Dominum Jesum Christum, quia fontem aquae famulo suo Nicolao concessit. Sed ille non haec suis meritis sed populi deputavit. Ad horrendum autem et contaminatum fontem cum accessisset, audita sunt ibidem teterrima diabolica sibila et voces. His auditis, ilico Nicolaus orationem fudit. Cum autem ab omnibus dictum fuisset "Amen," mox cum fumo nigerrimo cuncti viderunt exinde exire tetrum noctunum [sic.] laxa voce clamantem: "Minime, minime valeo alicubi aspectum ferre Nicolai." | Then when they had come to the same place, St. Nicholas at once grasped the spade, and prayed on bended knees for a long time. When the prayer was finished, he dug to the depth of a cubit and a half in the name of the Lord, and immediately a sufficient abundance of water flowed out. Then they all raised their voices together, praising and glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ, because he granted a spring of water to his servant Nicholas. But he did not value these things for their own merits, but for the people. Then, when he came to the horrible and contaminated spring, there were heard there the most dreadful diabolical hissings and voices. On hearing these, Nicolaus immediately poured out a prayer. Then, when they had all said "Amen," immediately they all saw a dark figure of night surrounded by black smoke come out from thence, crying out in a weak voice: "No, no, I can't bear to look at Nicholas anywhere." |
8.6 [BHL 6135] A Blind Man
From: Catal. Paris., vol. 1, p. 504-5,2 c. 6.
| Praeterea erat quidam amisso lumine caecus, nomine Antonius, qui cotidie sedebat ante ecclesiam nihil videns. Quem videns vir Dei Nicolaus, dixit ad eum : "Quot anni sunt ex quo amisso lumine non vides?" Mox illi isdem caecus respondit: "Domine mi, ecce jam tres anni sunt ex quo non vidi; et cuncta quae habui expendi in medicis, et nihil mihi profuit." Tunc ad eum ait beatus Nicolaus : "Cur non credidisti sanctis, ut esses sanus sine pecunia?" Respondit caecus : "Ecce, pater, doce me quid faciam, quia credo et fiducialiter totam spem meam Deo et sanctis ejus committo." Dicit ei beatus Nicolaus: "Credis modo quia possum te in virtute Dei sanare, ut lumen videas?" Respondit: "Ego credo Deo et tuis sanctis orationibus, quia potes impetrare ab omnipotente Domino quatinus a me miserrimo caecitatis tenebras auferas et lumen restituas." Eadem hora misertus beatus Nicolaus, stans oravit pro illo, tulitque oleum de lampade sancti Theodori, signumque crucis super eum faciens et oculos illius ungens, ait: "Spero in virtute Domini mei Jesu Christi quia lumen caeli adveniente die crastina propriis videbis oculis." Hisque peractis, ipsa nocte Nicolao diu orante, veniente die crastina oculi ejusdem caeci aperti sunt; et ambulabat gaudens et videns et glorificans Deum, quia per orationem famuli sui Nicolai meruit videre lumen. | Now there was a certain man named Antonius, who, having lost the light, was blind, and who sat every day before the church, seeing nothing. Nicholas, the man of God seeing him, said to him, "How many years has it been since, having lost the light, you do not see?" Immediately the blind man answered him: "My lord, behold, it is now three years since I have seen; and all that I had was spent on doctors and didn't benefit me at all. Then blessed Nicholas said to him, "Why didn't you believe in the saints, so that you could be healthy without money?" The blind man answered: "Behold, father, teach me what to do, because I believe and confidently entrust all my hope to God and his saints." Blessed Nicholas said to him, "Do you believe that I can heal you by the power of God, so that you may see the light?" He answered: "I believe in God and in your holy prayers, because you can obtain from the Almighty Lord to take away from most wretched me the darkness of my blindness and restore the light." At the same hour, the merciful and blessed Nicholas, standing and praying for him, took oil from the lamp of Saint Theodore, and making the sign of the cross over him and anointing his eyes, he said: "I trust in the power of my Lord Jesus Christ that in the morning you will see the light of heaven with your own eyes." And when these things were complete, after Nicholas prayed that night for a long time, on the next day the eyes of the same blind man were opened, and he walked rejoicing and seeing and glorifying God because, through the prayer of his servant Nicholas, he had deserved to see the light. |
8.7 [BHL 6136] Three Men from Andronica
From: Catal. Paris., vol. 1, p. 505, c. 7.
| Igitur quodam tempore tres homines de regione Andronica venerunt ad sanctum Nicolaum, deferentes hominem ligatum, habentem spiritum immundum. Qui obnixe flagitantes, dicunt: "Quia multa certamina detulit nobis daemoniacus iste, ne ostenderemus illum tuae paternitati tuaeque mirae sanctitati." Quod audiens beatus Nicolaus, ait ad illos : "Solvite plasma Dei, quia Dominus Jesus adjuvabit eum." Aiuntque illi: "Non solvemus eum, pater sanctissime, quia fugiet et nullus inveniet illum." Dixitque Nicolaus : "Ante Dei faciem nullus fugere valet." Statimque introivit in sanctuarium et tulit oleum benedictum, eundemque in sanctae Trinitatis nomine unxit daemoniacum, et solvit eum. Dei autem nutu et Nicolai orationibus continuo exivit daemon, factusque est aeger pariter mente et corpore sanus, perrexitque viam suam glorificans Deum. Viri etiam illi, qui eum ligatum adduxerant, Deo gratias egerunt et almifico viro Nicolao. | At a certain time, therefore, three men from the region of Andronica came to St. Nicholas, bringing a bound man who had an unclean spirit. Asking urgently, they said, "Because this demoniac brought us many struggles, for fear that we should show him to your fatherhood and your wonderful sanctity." When blessed Nicholas heard this, he said to them: "Release the image of God, so that the Lord Jesus will help him." And they said: "We will not release him, most holy father, because he will flee and no one will find him." And Nicholas said: "Before the face of God no one is able to flee." Immediately he entered the sanctuary and took the blessed oil, and with the same anointed the demoniac in the name of the Holy Trinity, and released him. Then at the beckoning of God and by the prayers of Nicholas, the demon immediately came out, and the sick man became healthy both in mind and body, and he went on his way glorifying God. The men also, who had brought him bound, gave thanks to God and to Nicholas the blessed man. |
8.8 [BHL 6137] Another Blind Man
From: Catal. Paris., vol. 1, p. 5052 , c. 8.
| Statim etiam alter quidam, quem caecum videre lumen fecerat beatus Nicolaus, ilico veniens pronus oravit Dei servum, dicens : "Domine pater, ecce quatuor menses sunt ex quo voluto me per terram dolentque mea interiora et est frigus in corpore meo, nec umquam valeo sedere ad meam necessitatem nec capere cibum: qui etiam cibus meus durificatur in ventre meo; pluraque expendens in medicis, nihil mihi profuit, sed in vanum perdidi omnia mea." Ad quem Nicolaus: "Ego te tradam medico qui te ex integro sanitatem conferre potest absque pecunia." Responditque homo ille: "Et quis est qui mihi tam cito misereatur?" Dicit ei Nicolaus : "Ecce adest nobiscum." Tunc aeger audiens hoc, undique coepit aspicere, ut medicum videret. Dixitque ad eum beatus Nicolaus : "Aestimas videre qui te sanet? Ecce si ex toto corde credideris in eo medico, ego rogabo eum et sanitatem restituet corpori et animae tuae." Mox vero alacriter aeger respondit: "Ego credo Deo vivo et tuae virtutis magnificentiae." Tunc servus Dei Nicolaus nullam moram faciens, sed orans, signavit illum in nomine Domini dicens: "Esto sanus ab ista hora." Deinde homo ille omni conamine Domino Deo et beato Nicolao, sanus factus, gratias agens, perrexit ad domum suam.
2. The page number is wrongly given as p.507 in the BHL. |
Immediately another blind man, whom the blessed Nicholas had made to see the light, immediately came and prostrated himself and prayed to the servant of God, saying: "Lord, father, behold, it is four months since I travelled through the country, and my insides ache and my body is cold, and I am never able to sit at my need, nor to take food, for even my food hardens in my belly, and spending more on physicians, it availed me nothing, but I wasted all my things in vain." To whom Nicholas said: "I will hand you over to a physician who can restore you to full health without money." And the man answered: "And who is it that will take pity on me so quickly?" Nicholas says to him: "Behold, he is with us." Then the patient, hearing this, began to look around to see the doctor. Blessed Nicholas said to him: "Do you care to see who heals you? Behold, if you believe with all your heart in that physician, I will ask him and he will restore health to your body and soul." Soon, however, the patient responded with enthusiasm: "I believe in the living God and in the magnificence of your power." Then Nicholas, the servant of God, making no delay, but praying, signed him in the name of the Lord, saying: "Be well from that hour." Then that man, after every effort by the Lord God and the blessed Nicholas, became well, and, giving thanks, went to his house. |
8.9 [BHL 6138] Feeds a Crowd of Clergy
From: Catal. Paris., vol. 1, p. 505-6, c. 9.
| Una dierum, cum essent congregati reverentissimi clerici, dicunt servo Dei Nicolao : "Hodie volumus, sanctissime pater, benedictionem accipere et laetari a te." Ille autem claro et sereno vultu respondit eis dicens: "Voluntas Dei fiat." Tunc post lectionem sanctae Dei Ecclesiae intraverunt clerici ad accubitale ferculum, ut simul accumberent. Famulus autem Domini, cernens clericos de suis benedictionibus refici desiderantes, ilico tulit tres oblationes et vas non magnum vini plenum, deditque ministro et ait: "Vade et appone ista clericis, ut simul laetentur." Minister vero egit ut sibi praeceperat sanctus. Quod cum vidissent clerici, scilicet urceolum vini, turbati corde coeperunt intra se cogitare pro certo quia eis ad horam non sufficeret. Ut autem cognovit Nicolaus, gaudens laeto animo intravit ad illos, ita dicens : "Ecce, fratres, oportet me hodie propriis manibus obsequium praestare et miscere vobis, ut pariter laetificemur." Mox vero manu sua apprehendit phialam et miscuit illis quantum voluerunt. Postquam vero laetati clerici et jucundati sunt valde, simul ad invicem dicebant: "Gloria summo Deo et laus, qui nunc tale donum famulo suo Nicolao tribuit ut nullus deinceps incredulus existat, quia per eum Dominus virtutes et miracula operaretur." | One day, when the most reverend clerics were assembled, they said to the servant of God Nicholas, "Today, most holy father, we would like to receive a blessing from you and be glad." But he answered them with a clear and serene countenance, saying, "The will of God be done." Then, after the reading of the holy Church of God, the clerics went into the reclining dinner table to recline together. But the servant of the Lord, seeing the clerics desiring to be refreshed along with their blessings, immediately took three wafers and a modest vessel full of wine, and gave them to his servant and said, "Go and give these to the clerics, so they may rejoice together." Then his servant did as the saint had commanded him. When the clerics saw it, that is to say, the pitcher of wine, worriedly they began among themselves to think that it was certain that it would not be enough for them for an hour. But as Nicholas knew this, rejoicing with a joyful heart he went in to them, saying thus, "Behold, brethren, I must this day do duty with my own hands, and mix for you, so that we may rejoice together." Then immediately he took the bowl in his hand and mixed for them as much as they wanted. Then afterwards the clerics were very happy and delighted, and at the same time they said to each other, "Glory and praise to the most high God, who now gives such a gift to his servant Nicholas that no doubter can ever appear, because the Lord works mighty works and miracles through him. |
8.10 [BHL 6139] Moves Unmoveable Stones
From: Catal. Paris., vol. 1, p. 505-6, c. 10.
| Cum pergeret beatus Nicolaus ad venerabilia loca, praemisit ministrum suum, Arthemam nomine, accersire caementarios et artifices ad construendam ecclesiam, ut inciderent lapides. Qui cum essent simul homines septuaginta, per spatium diei totum nullo modo removere valebant lapidem unum, ut eum apte aedificarent. Protinus vero fugati [sic.] et conturbati, ipsum opus simul sedentes dimiserunt. Tunc in nomine Domini beatissimus Nicolaus praecinxit se, et stans cum duobus tantum eundem lapidem vertit et in loco quo voluit per dimidiam horam apte collocavit. Videntes autem qui aderant, statim proruperunt in vocem laudantes et glorificantes Dominum, qui tantas virtutes in omnibus per Nicolaum operari dignatus est ut non solum homines verum etiam lapides ei oboedirent, ad instar verborum Redemptoris dicentis : "Si habueritis fidem sicut granum sinapis, diceretis huic monti: Tollere de loco, et tollet se." | When the blessed Nicholas was proceeding to the venerable places, he sent his servant, Arthemus by name, to gather masons and craftsmen to build the church, to cut the stones. When there were seventy men together, in the space of a whole day they could by no means move a single stone in order to build it up properly. After which, indeed, beaten and demoralised, they left the work itself and sat down together. Then, in the name of the Lord, the most blessed Nicholas girded himself, and standing with two others, he turned the same great stone, and in half an hour placed it properly in the place he wanted. And when those who were present saw it, they immediately burst out cheering, praising and glorifying the Lord, who had deigned to show such powers in all things through Nicholas, that not only men but even stones obeyed him, according to the words of the Redeemer saying: "If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you would say to the mountain: Move from this place, and it will move itself." |
8.11 [BHL 6140] Helps Couple Have a Son
From: Catal. Paris., vol. 1, p. 506, c. 11.
| Verum quia multum est prosequi quanta et qualia per eum Dominus signa et miracula ostendere dignatus est, adhuc superest ut aliquid de sancto viro loquamur. Una dierum vir quidam et uxor ejus simul venientes projecerunt se utrique ante pedes famuli Dei Nicolai et obnixe postulantes aiebant: "Obsecramus clementiam tuam, miserere nostri, alme pater, et consolari nos dignare ex nostra confusione quam patimur, quoniam quidem fere triginta annorum conjugium habemus et filium habere minime potuimus. Modo vero speramus atque confidimus in Deo veraciter et in tua sanctitate, venerande pater, quia per te fructum nos ferre poterimus." Ad haec sanctus Nicolaus manus ad caelum levavit et per dimidiam fere horam obnixe oravit. Post haec manu sua accipiens oleum de lampadibus, in nomine sanctae Trinitatis eos consignavit ac dimisit. Dei autem misericordia opitulante uterque filium eodem anno ad Dei famulum adduxerunt: quem puerum vir Dei Nicolaus de sancto fonte suscepit. Quis cum benedixisset, cum gaudio ad propria remearunt; remeantes autem laetantesque glorificaverunt Deum, quia post tot annos filium habere meruerunt per intercessionem sanctissimi Nicolai. | It is true that there is much to say about how great were the signs and miracles, and of what kind, the Lord deigned to show through him, it still remains for us to say something about the holy man. One day a certain man and his wife, arriving together, threw themselves both at the feet of the servant of God Nicholas, and imploring them, saying: "We beseech your mercy, have pity on us, kind father, and deign to rescue us from our confusion which we suffer, for indeed we have been married for almost thirty years and we could never have a son. But we truly hope and trust in God and in your holiness, reverent father, because through you we will be able to bear fruit." At this Saint Nicholas raised his hands to heaven and prayed earnestly for about half an hour. After this, taking oil from the lamps with his hand, he signed them in the name of the Holy Trinity and dismissed them. Then, with the help of the mercy of God, the pair brought a son to the servant of God in the same year, which child the man of God Nicholas received from the holy font. When he had blessed them, they returned with joy to their own homes; then returning and rejoicing, they glorified God, because after so many years they were found worthy to have a son, through the intercession of the most holy Nicholas. |
8.12 [BHL 6141] Expels a Demon Pretending to be an Angel
From: Catal. Paris., vol. 1, p. 506-7, c. 12.
| Una dierum subito intravit daemon ubi orabat sanctus Nicolaus et transformatus est in angelum lucis. Continuo autem ut in eum aspexit Nicolaus, ita exorsus est: "Quis enim es tu et quare huc venisti?" Respondit daemon: "Angelus sum, et ideo veni ut videam quae operaris." Tunc intellegens Nicolaus diabolicae artis ingenium, vexillum sibi sanctae crucis imprimens ait : "Maligne, egredere citius de cella, mille formas milleque nocendi artes habens: desere me et noli moras facere." Tunc zabulus raucam vocem emittens, ait: "Quid tibi Nicolae, feci? Quid tibi facio? Vel parum saltem tecum me quiescere permitte, ut instruam et doceam te." Servus autem Domini iterum increpavit illum ut exiret. Tunc malignus clamans exiit et dixit: "Et hinc me, Nicolae, expellis. Non tamen longius a te recedam." Et disparuit coram facie sua daemon in illa hora. | One day a demon suddenly went into where Saint Nicholas was praying and was transformed into an angel of light. Immediately Nicholas saw him and began in this way: "Who are you, indeed, and why have you come here?" The demon answered, "I am an angel, and therefore I have come to see what you are doing." Then Nicholas, understanding the trick of the devil's art, and impressing himself with the banner of the holy cross, said: "Evil one, of a thousand forms and a thousand arts of harm, get out of the cell right now. Leave me and make no delay." Then the devil, emitting a hoarse cry, said, "What have I done to you, Nicolas? What am I doing to you? At least let me remain with you a little, that I may instruct and teach you." And the servant of the Lord again rebuked him to go out. Then the evil one came out shouting and said, "So you drive me out of here, Nicholas. But I will not go further from you." And at that moment the demon vanished before his face. |
8.13 [BHL 6142] The Devil Enters Into A Kitchen Servant
From: Catal. Paris., vol. 1, p. 507, c. 13.
| Non multo post intravit ipse diabolus in coquinam et invenit unum ex ministris sancti Nicolai obsequium praestantem ad ea quae necessaria erant. Qui statim introiens in eum, coepit eum graviter vexare. Quod cum Nicolao nuntiatum fuisset, citius orando cucurrit, jamque vociferantem atque instinctu diaboli et a cogitationibus blasphemantem et aliena multa loquentem invenit. Quem cernens, coartare coepit ut exiret et ab his blasphemiis tandem resipisceret. Tunc amplius inflammatus is quem diabolus possidebat, talia Nicolao dicebat: "Nullatenus vestra quae habetis consentio suavia, ut ego labores et fatigationes perpetiar." Vir autem Domini, cognoscens quod diabolico ore loqueretur, appropians et manus illius tenens, ita ait: "Signa te signo crucis, frater." Mox vero ut se signavit, statim ab eo exivit diabolus totus exustus atque ignitus, cunctisque videntibus per coquinae januam exiens, hejulando clamabat: "Vae, vae, quia a Nicolao superatus sum, nec umquam permittit me operari voluntates meas." Famulus autem Domini signavit se et confortavit fratres ut viriliter in Domini persisterent mandatis et ejus oboedirent praeceptis et nullo modo formidarent diaboli versutias. Praedictus autem minister, sana mente sanoque arbitrio ad se reversus, pedibus sancti Nicolai provolutus puram confessionem egit, et ulterius in eum diabolus non praevaluit. | Not long after, the devil himself went into the kitchen, and found one of the servants of St. Nicholas in perfect obedience with what was necessary. He immediately entered into him and began to harass him severely. When Nicholas had been informed of this, he ran at once, praying, and found him already both shouting by the instigation of the devil and blaspheming from his thoughts and speaking many strange things. Seeing this, he began to force him to go out, and at last he came to his senses from these blasphemies. Then he, who was possessed by the devil, was enraged again, and said to Nicholas, "I do not consent that you have pleasures while I endure labours and fatigues." Then the man of the Lord, knowing that he was speaking with the mouth of the devil, approaching and holding his hand, said thus, "Sign yourself with the sign of the cross, brother." Then, as soon as he had signed himself, the devil immediately came out of him, all blackened and on fire, and going out through the kitchen door in the sight of all, howling, cried, "Alas, alas, for I have been overcome by Nicholas, and he never allows me to work my will." Then the servant of the Lord signed himself and strengthened the brethren to persevere manfully in the Lord's commandments and obey his precepts and in no way fear the wiles of the devil. Then the aforesaid servant, restored to himself with a sound mind and a sound will, fell at the feet of St. Nicholas, and made a full confession, and the devil prevailed no further against him. |
workmen8.14 [BHL 6143] Feeds a Gang of Workmen
From: Catal. Paris., vol. 1, p. 507, c. 14.
| Fratres carissimi, adhuc volo et aliud miraculum ad aedificationem enarrare. Quadam vero die artifices ignorante sancto viro ad operandum in loco oratorii sui venerunt. Quos cum vidisset, gavisus est, et intravit ad cellerarium suum, dicens ad illum : "Ecce ad operandum, frater, artifices venerunt. Quot panes ad reficiendum habemus?" Qui tristis statim respondit: "Antea, pater, de operariis nihil dixisti. Quid ergo facere debeam nescio, quia praeter unum panem nullum habeo." Vir autem Domini sereno vultu et mente tranquilla ait ad eum : "Noli contristari, frater, sed offer in nomine Domini ipsum panem et apponamus, ut laborantes reficiantur." Quo oblato, orans benedixit ac fregit et laborantibus tribuit. Qui comedentes saturati sunt, numero scilicet octoginta viri. Tunc videntes se uno pane esse repletos, omnes simul gratias dederunt Deo et sancto Nicolao. | Dear brothers, I want to narrate yet another miracle for your edification. Now one day some artisans, not knowing the holy man, came to work on the site of his oratory. When he saw them, he rejoiced, and went to his cellarer, saying to him, "Behold, the craftsmen have come to work, brother. How many loaves of bread do we have to bake?" He sadly answered at once, "Father, you said nothing earlier about the workers. I do not know what I should do, because I have no loaves of bread but one." And the man of the Lord, with a serene countenance and a calm mind, said to him, "Do not be sad, brother, but offer that bread in the name of the Lord, and let us serve it up, so that the labourers may be refreshed." When this had been offered, praying he blessed it and broke it and gave it to the labourers. Those who ate were filled, namely eighty men in number. Then seeing that they were filled by one loaf, they all together gave thanks to God and to St. Nicholas. |
8.15 [BHL 6144] Heals an Atheist with a Fever
From: Catal. Paris., vol. 1, p. 507-8, c. 15.
| Cum sederet beatus Nicolaus ante ecclesiam Arnivendensis castelli, populum ammonens atque docens, febre quidam correptus et pedibus ejus provolutus, confitebatur clamans et dicens : "Miserere mihi, sancte Dei, et noli contra meam incredulitatem agere, ut peream in conturbationibus quas patior. Audivi enim, sanctissime pater, miracula quae facis et sanctitatem tuam a pluribus; et quia id merebantur peccata mea, induratus ne crederem, sic in memetipso dixi: "Numquam credam homini super terram." Terribiliter igitur una nocte in somnis iter faciens, sterquilinium quoddam visum est mihi flumen esse, subitoque in illud prorupi, atque in auxilium meum te excelsa voce clamavi. Statimque ex alto manum porrexisti et a spurcitia fetoris quo retentus eram abstraxisti me. Rogo ergo et supplico tibi ut, sicut in somnis liberasti me, ita ab hac passione quam ab illa hora passus sum sanes et adjuves me." Quod audiens beatus Nicolaus, dixit ad eum : "Esto, fili, amodo semper fidelis, quia increduli homines et infideles non evadent huic simile judicium. Et sicut a fetoris spurcitia liberavit te Dominus, ita et ab infirmitate passionis tuae esto sanus." Mox itaque abiit sano corpore sanaque mente, laudans Deum et famulum suum bea-tum Nicolaum. | When blessed Nicholas was sitting before the church of the castle of Arnabanda,3 admonishing and teaching the people, a certain one seized with a fever and rolled at his feet, confessed, crying out and saying, "Have mercy on me, saint of God, and do not act against my unbelief so that I perish in the troubles which I suffer. For I have heard from many, most holy father, of the miracles which you do, and of your holiness, and because my sins deserved it, I was hardened not to believe, so I said to myself: "I will never believe in a man on earth." So one night, while traveling in fear in my dreams, I thought that a river was a kind of cesspit, and suddenly I rushed into it, and I cried out to you with a loud voice for my help. Immediately you reached out your hand from on high and pulled me away from the filthiness of the stench in which I was held fast. I therefore ask and beseech you that, just as you delivered me in my dreams, so you will heal me and help me from this illness that I have suffered since that hour. When blessed Nicholas heard this, he said to him, "My son, always be faithful, because unbelieving men and infidels will not escape from a judgment of that sort. And just as the Lord delivered you from the filthiness of the stench, so also be healed from the weakness of your illness." And soon he went away in good health in body and mind, praising God and his servant blessed Nicholas.
3. Othlone, p.171 n.1, and p.213 n.2 identifies this place as Ἀρναβανδέων,, between Myra and Plakoma, and the location of the monastery of Holy Sion. The form of the Latin name varies, here and earlier. |
8.16 [BHL 6145] The Unclean Spirit And The Ladder
From: Catal. Paris., vol. 1, p. 508, c. 16.
| Post non multum vero tempus orante Nicolao cum ministro suo Artheman presbytero, ecce immundus spiritus circa mediam noctem, per scalam ascendere et descendere visus est quasi homo. Cumque eum intuerentur ambo, Artheman pavescens timuit. Tunc ait ad eum Nicolaus : "Noli timere, frater, quia inimicus noster est diabolus, quem cernis, non homo. Consuetudo enim est illius servos Dei multis modis illudere semper." Tunc increpavit eum ut abscederet. Et signum crucis eo faciente, in ipsa hora scala simul et ascensor ejus phantasticus ab eorum facie dissiluit atque disparuit. | Not long after, however, when Nicholas was praying with his servant, the priest Artheman, behold, an unclean spirit appeared about midnight, ascending and descending a ladder like a man. And when they were both looking at him, Artheman, scared, was frightened. Then Nicholas said to him, "Do not be afraid, brother, because our enemy is the devil, whom you see, and not a man. For it is his custom always to mock the servants of God in many ways." Then he rebuked him so that he might leave. And after he made the sign of the cross, at that very moment the ladder and its phantasmal user broke up and disappeared from their sight. |
In Catal. Paris., vol. 1, p. 508, c. 17, the Bollandists give only the opening words and a summary. The text below has been transcribed from manuscripts: A = BNF lat. 5284 f.140r-v, B = BNF lat. 5345. Angers BM 102 was not online so not consulted. Text = A except where indicated. B appears to be copied from A, as the abbreviations are mostly identical.
| Gloriosa sanctorum miracula, qui ab ortu nativitatis suae fideliter domino placuerunt, quis digne, ut expedit, valet4 explicare sermonibus, etiam si omnis artus hominis in linguas verterentur?5 Unde diligenti studio pro posse et nosse nostro6 quia caritas omnia vincit brevi tractatione aperire curamus. Denique actus istius beatissimi confessoris christi nicholai, diligenter ad edificationem conscribimus: quatinus christi favente clementia pro nobis intercessor existat perpetuus. Nullo enim modo dubitamus. Sed firmiter credimus quod quicquid a domino pro nobis postulaverit, suis precibus potest obtinere, et mirabiliter impetrare. Quin etiam hoc inde presumimus quod presagio quodam et divino vaticinio declaratur. Nicholaus enim grece victoria populi nuncupatur latine. Vere inquam victoria esse dicitur: quia ubicunque eum quis invocaverit, suo auxilio et suffragio, seu ope mirifica subvenire misericorditer non desistit. O vere christi confessor mundi per climata omni laudamus praeconio. Gloria christe tibi cunctorum vita salusque. Qui terre marique per sanctos tuos tua mirabilia et virtutes mire ostendis, effugans demones et animae medicamentum assidue praestans. O vere christicola Nicholae, qui ubicunque invocaris statim adesse et velut lucerna radians pretendis virtutes. Et quemadmodum sol quaeque obscura illuminat, sic et tu beatus beati Johannis7 pedissequus.
4. valet B, valeat A. 5. The question mark is present in A and B. 6. pro posse et nosse nostro" = to the best of our ability and knowledge. See "pro posse suo" - https://dictionary.thelaw.com/..., and "Pro posse nostro" = to the best of our power/ability - http://collections.shca.ed.ac.... 7. A, B: "Iohis", which seems to be an abbreviation for Johannis, presumably the baptist. |
The glorious miracles of the saints, who faithfully pleased the Lord from birth, who is able to set these forth worthily, as is expedient, even if every art of man were turned into language? Wherefore, with diligent study, to the best of our ability and knowledge, we take care to open with a brief treatise that love conquers all things. Next we are diligently writing down for edification the acts of that most blessed confessor of Christ, Nicholas: how, by the favouring mercy of Christ, he exists for us as a perpetual intercessor. For we have no doubt about this. But we firmly believe that whatever he has asked of the Lord for us, he can obtain through his prayers, and miraculously procure. Moreover, we presume that this is made known by a certain presentiment and divine prophecy. For "Nicholas" in Greek means "the victory of the people" in Latin. Rightly, I say, it is said that he is "Victory", because wherever any man calls upon him, he does not cease to assist mercifully with his help, and intercession, or his miraculous power. O true confessor of Christ, we praise you with all praise throughout the regions of the world. Glory be to you, O Christ, the life and salvation of everyone. You who on land and sea through your saints show forth your wonders and power in a wonderful way, driving away demons and constantly providing medicine to the soul. O truly Christ-like Nicholas, who, wherever you are called upon, are immediately present, and like a radiant lamp, put forth power. And just as the sun illuminates every darkness, so also are you, the blessed follower in the footsteps of the blessed John. |
8.18 [BHL 6147] Cuts Down a Demonic Cypress Tree
From: Catal. Paris., vol. 1, p. 508, c. 18.
| Quodam quoque tempore a Plamitarum castello ad sanctum virum Nicolaum homines venerunt, ei supplicantes simulque dicentes : "Reverentissime pater, deposcimus tuam sanctissimam benignitatem ut auxilium nobis conferre digneris, quia valde necessarium nobis est incidere unum magnum lignum cypressi stans juxta nostrum castellum, in quo sentimus immundum spiritum habitare, qui nobis non permittit incidere. Si posueris in eo manum tuam, credimus quia incidemus et sternemus illud." Tunc ait servus Dei Nicolaus : "Eamus pariter, fratres. Fiat voluntas Domini nostri Jesu Christi." Cumque ad radicem arboris pervenissent, timore perculsi metuebant percutere lignum. Ad haec beatus fiducialiter intrepidus cum securi sanctam exprimens crucem, septem percussiones manu sua in arborem dedit et laborantibus in nomine Domini incidere praecepit. Deinde cum perficeretur opus, impetum arbore super homines faciente putabat daemon ut occideret multos. At ubi sanctus subito manus in arborem dedit, in alteram partem ruere fecit et ruinam ab hominibus tulit. Tunc fugiens diabolus in altum, proclamans lugendo inquit: "Vae, vae, habitationem meam perdidi et voluntatem meam non explevi. Nunc sanctus persequitur me Nicolaus." | At a certain time also men came from the castle of the Plakomites8 to the holy man Nicholas, supplicating him and saying together, "Most reverently, father, we beg your most holy kindness to help us, because it is very necessary for us to cut down a large cypress tree standing near our castle, in which we feel that an unclean spirit dwells, which does not allow us to cut it down. If you put your hand on it, we believe that we will cut it down and lay it low." Then the servant of God Nicholas said, "Let us go together, brothers. Let the will of our Lord Jesus Christ be done." And when they had come to the root of the tree, they were overcome with fear and feared to strike the tree. At this the blessed one, faithfully intrepid, making the sign of the holy cross with his axe, gave seven blows with his hand to the tree, and commanded the labourers to cut down in the name of the Lord. Then, while the work was being done, the demon thought that he would make an attack on the men with the tree in order to kill many. But when the saint suddenly put his hands on the tree, he made it fall on the other side and took the fall away from the people. Then the devil fled to the heights, crying out in lamentation and saying: "Alas, alas, I have lost my dwelling and I have not fulfilled my will. St. Nicholas is now persecuting me!"
8. Giacomozzi (p.167 n.1) identifies "Plamitarum" with inhabitants of Plakoma, a village in Lycia, north of Myra. The Life of St Nicholas of Sion (BHG 1347), from which this derives has "Πλακωμιτῶν" which is transliterated "Placomitarum" by Falconius in his edition (with the Latin translation opposite) of some Greek texts by Nicolaus, including BHG 1347 |
8.19 [BHL 6148] Calms A Storm While On Pilgrimage To Jerusalem
From: Catal. Paris., vol. 1, p. 508-9, c. 19.
| Denique tempore quodam, cupiens sanctus vir abire in sancta ac venerabilia loca, videlicet civitatem Jerusalem, suscepit secum ministros, scilicet Ammon et Artheman et Hermeum presbyteros. Cumque descenderent in Ascalona portum Adriaticum, invenerunt navem Aegyptiacam. Tunc in nomine Domini benedixit eam, et intrantes abierunt. Nocte eadem supervenit eis tempestas gravis tantoque crevit ut diffiderent mergente navi. Ecce autem flammeus ante eorum oculos apparuit diabolus, volens evertere navem. Tunc adjuravit eum beatus Nicolaus consignans navem. Illa vero hora flammeus discessit diabolus, et mare a fervore tempestatis stetit. Prae timore autem et labore minister ejus Ammon fessus cecidit, et quasi mortuus jacens in navi. Contristati sunt vero nimium qui stabant in navi. Servus autem Domini oravit, et tenens manum ejus levavit et restituit sanum atque incolumem. Tunc dixit: "Videtis virtutem Dei, fratres. Ecce in nomine Domini navigamus." Ilico igitur illis congruus ventus factus est et per quinque dies sanctum Jordanem usque pervenerunt. Cum autem haec nautae vidissent, experti miraculum, glorificaverunt Deum pronique in faciem sanctum virum adoraverunt nimia veneratione, dicentes : "Ora pro nobis, sanctissime pater. In hoc cognoscimus quia per te magnas virtutes operari dignatus est Dominus." Exeuntes autem in nomine Domini de navi, per singula sancta abierunt loca, in singulisque Dominus per eum signa et virtutem suam ostendebat. Leprosos curabat, infirmos sanabat, daemones effugabat, multisque miraculis coruscabat, ita ut omnes qui eum audiebant et videbant laudarent et glorificarent Dominum, dicentes quia "vere justus et sanctus venit in regionem nostram." | Then, at a certain time, the holy man, desiring to go to the holy and venerable places, that is to say the city of Jerusalem, took with him his servants, namely the priests Ammon, Arteman and Hermeus. And when they had landed in the Adriatic port of Ascalon, they found an Egyptian ship. Then he blessed her in the name of the Lord, and going on board, they departed. On the same night a great storm came upon them, and it increased so much that they were afraid of the sinking of the ship. Then behold, a fiery devil appeared before their eyes, wanting to overturn the ship. Then blessed Nicholas exorcised him, placing a seal on the ship. Then at that moment the devil departed in flaming fire, and the sea rested from the fury of the storm. But his servant Ammon, exhausted by fear and labour, fell down, and lay as if dead in the ship. Then those who stood in the ship were greatly grieved. But the servant of the Lord prayed, and holding his hand he lifted him up and restored him safe and sound. Then he said: "You see the power of God, brothers. Behold, we sail in the name of the Lord." Immediately, therefore, the wind became suitable for them, and in five days they came to the holy Jordan. Then, when the sailors had seen these things, having experienced a miracle, they glorified God, and prone before his face they worshiped the holy man with great reverence, saying, "Pray for us, most holy father. In this we know that the Lord was pleased to work in great power through you." Then when they came out of the ship in the name of the Lord, they went through each holy place, and in each the Lord showed his signs and power through him. He cured lepers, healed the sick, drove out demons, and performed many miracles, so that all who heard and saw him praised and glorified the Lord, saying that "a truly just and holy man has come to our country." |
8.20 [BHL 6149] Tells of a Vision
From: Catal. Paris., vol. 1, p. 509-10, c. 20.
| Adhuc, dilectissimi fratres, superest ut de virtutibus et signis et miraculis quae Dominus per eum gessit vestris auribus aliquid intimare curemus. Nam ipse almificus pater suas sanctas visiones, quas ei Dominus revelare dignatus est, evidentissime manifestare dignatus est, dicens : "Quadam nocte quiescente me soporatoque in stratu meo, una cum Artheman presbytero coaetaneo meo, somnium vidi et territus sum. Apparuit mihi vir nimio pulcher decore, super niveum equum sedens, ore mellifluo loquens et dicens mihi: "Veni, famule Dei, et ostendam tibi ammirabile signum, quod universo mundo venturum est, quia tempus metendi advenit jussu Jesu Christi Domini. Et ideo quidem missus sum ut donem tibi arma metendi. " Cumque a praefato viro ego talia audissem, tremebundus dixi ad illum : "Quis enim es tu, domine, qui mihi talia loqueris ? " At ille:" Ego vero angelus Christi sum, qui teneo falces messionis. Ipse autem me misit ad te ut tibi darem de falcibus unam, quoniam quidem tempus messionis futurum est totius mundi. Oportet itaque te arma metendi habere. Utilem quippe ministrum gerere decet." Et cum videre vellem arma illa, apparuerunt ante me falces grandaevae miraeque magnitudinis. Territus nimis ilico excitatus a somno, post orationes et psalmodias omnia per ordinem quae videram et audieram indicavi Artheman presbytero. Quod ille audiens, cum lacrimis dixit: " O pater, quae futura sunt agnosco et quae revelare tibi dignatus est Dominus." Igitur non post multos dies iterum mihi Nicolao hujusmodi apparuit visio. Videbam magnum et supereminens altare vestitum candido decore, et erat inclinatum dextera parte. Ad quod cum multa veniret hominum turba, accessi simul et ego cum illis ut salutarem praefatum altare. Aspiciens sursum vidi aethera patens, et conversus sum circa portam domus. Deinde apparuit mihi foris ipsius portae aqua nimis profunda atque obscura et ingens nimisque metuenda. Interea excitatus a somno prae magno timore, arcessivi Artheman presbyterum coaetaneum meum, dicens : " Surge et simul demus gloriam Deo, qui talia signa, et visiones nobis ostendere dignatus est. "" | Still, dearest brothers, it remains for us to take care to recount something to your ears about the works and signs and miracles which the Lord performed through him. For the bountiful father himself deigned to make known his holy visions, which the Lord had deigned to reveal to him, in a very clear way, saying: 'One night, when I was resting and dozing in my bed together with my contemporary, the priest Artheman, I saw a dream and was terrified. There appeared to me a man of exceedingly beautiful beauty, sitting on a snowy horse, speaking with mellifluous lips and saying to me: "Come, servant of God, and I will show you a wonderful sign that is about to come to the whole world, because the time of reaping has come, by the command of the Lord Jesus Christ. And therefore indeed I was sent to give you the reaping equipment." And when I had heard such things from the aforesaid man, I trembled and said to him, "well who are you, sir, that speak such things to me?" And he said, "I am indeed an angel of Christ, who holds the sickle of the harvest. And He himself sent me to you to give you one of the sickles, because the harvest time of the whole world is at hand. So you need to have reaping equipment. For it is fitting that a useful minister should bear them." And when I wanted to see that equipment, there appeared before me ancient scythes of wonderful size. Greatly terrified, I at once awoke from my sleep, and after prayers and psalms, I told the priest Artheman everything in the order in which I had seen and heard it. On hearing this, he said with tears: "O father, I recognize what is to come, and which the Lord has deigned to reveal to you." Therefore, not many days later, a vision of this kind appeared again to me, Nicholas. I saw a great and lofty altar clothed with white adornment, and it was leaning on the right side. When a large crowd of people had come, I went up to it at the same time, and I together with them, to salute the aforesaid altar. Looking up, I saw on high the heavens open, and I turned around near the door of the house. Then there appeared to me, outside the very gate, a sea of water, very deep and dark and huge and very fearful. In the meantime, awakened from sleep by great fear, I called to the priest Artheman, my contemporary, saying: "Arise, and together let us give glory to God, who has deigned to show us such signs and visions."' |
8.21 [BHL 6150] The Woman from Cyparissus
From: Falconius, p.122, "chapter XIV", with footnote: "Has lectiones, 14.15.16.17 & 18, non Johannes Diaconus, sed alius ex Actis antiquis consarcinavit cap. 30. ipso seculo decimo, vel undecimo (quod est verisimilius) qui, ad usum Ecclesiae Neapolitanae, Diaconum in lectiones redegit." - i.e. "These readings, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18, are not by John the Deacon, but were stitched on the end from some earlier Acts, ch. 30, by someone else, of the 10th or (more likely) 11th century, who arranged John's text into readings according to the usage of the Neapolitan church." The BHLms lists 49 manuscripts of this story.
| Quodam itaque tempore, advenit quadam mulier, de vico qui dicitur Cyparissus, ad sanctissimam domum Archangeli, qui vocatur Croba, ubi erat sanctus Nicolaus. Haec adtulit filium suum, quem iniquissimus daemon ita vexabat crudeliter ut etiam vestimentum, quo induebatur, dentibus laceraret. Quem projecit ad pedes sancti Nicolai, flens et dicens, "Miserere serve Dei huic misello filio meo, quia fortiter vexatur a daemonio." Pietate autem ductus, sanctus Dei famulus super eum apprehendit manum ejus, et insuper flavit in ore illius. Statimque, divina virtute et beati Nicolai meritis emundatus, immundus ab eo evanuit spiritus, sanusque ad propria, cum matre sua exsultans, reversus est. | At a certain time, there came a certain woman, from a town called Cyparissus, to the most holy house of the Archangel, called Croba, where St. Nicholas was. She brought her son, whom the most wicked demon was tormenting so cruelly that he even tore the clothes which he was wearing with his teeth. She laid him at the feet of St. Nicholas, weeping and saying, "Have mercy on this poor son of mine, servant of God, because he is strongly tormented by a demon." But led by piety, the holy servant of God took hold of his hand over him, and, moreover, blew into his mouth. And at once, cleansed by the divine power and by the merits of the blessed Nicholas, the unclean spirit disappeared from him, and in good health he returned, rejoicing with his mother, to his home. |
8.22 [BHL 6151] Another Woman, from Naples
From: Falconius, p.122, "chapter XV". The BHLms lists 48 manuscripts of this story. The oldest is BNF 989 (10th c.) which reads "Necapoleos".
| Rursus autem alio tempore, altera mulier, de vico Neapoleos9 , ab immundo Spiritu graviter torquebatur. Quam assumens vir ejus, adduxit ad monasterium Viri Dei, ubi ipse tunc temporis morabatur10 , et projecit eam ad pedes beati Nicolai, dicens, "Sancte Dei, succurre huic mulieri miserae, quae graviter torquetur a daemonio." Sanctus autem Dei Nicolaus, mox, ut orationem fudit pro ea ad Dominum, immundum ab ea pepulit Spiritum, et sana effecta, abiit in domum suam, glorificans Deum,et sanctam Sion. Hoc erat vocabulum monasterii Sancti Nicolai: id est Sancta Hierusalem.
9. Fal.: "(b) Haec sumpta est ex fine cap. 29. Sed ibi pro Neapoli est Nicapo." 10. Fal.: "(c) Sic saltat foveam homo cautus. Ubi modo est, ille Myrensis Archiepiscopus Nicolaus?" 13. Fal.: "(d) Ex eodem cap. 30. sumpta." |
Then again, at another time, another woman, from the village of Naples,11 was severely tormented by an unclean spirit. Her husband picked her up and brought her to the monastery of the Man of God, where at that time he was staying,12 and laid her at the feet of blessed Nicholas, saying, "Saint of God, help this poor woman, who is severely tormented by a demon." Then Nicholas, the saint of God, immediately, as he poured out a prayer for her to the Lord, drove away the impure spirit from her, and being healed, she went to her house, glorifying God and Holy Sion. This was the name of the monastery of St. Nicholas: that is, "Holy Jerusalem".
11. Fal.: "b. This is taken from the end of ch. 29 [in a different manuscript]. But there for "Neapoli" it reads "Nicapo"." 12. Fal.: "c. Thus a cautious man leaps over a pitfall. In what way is this about Archbishop Nicolaus of Myra?" |
8.23 [BHL 6152] The Paralytic from Sibinum
From: Falconius, p.122, "chapter XVI". The BHLms lists 47 manuscripts of this story. BNF lat. 989 = "Sivino".
| Venit quidam homo ad Sanctam Sion, nomine Nicolaus, de vico Sibino,13 tempore Sancti Jejunii. Hic adduxit quendam infirmum, super animali sedentem, ad Sanctum Nicolaum, ut saluti eum pristinae redderet. Erat autem homo ille toto exsiccatus corpore, ab ea aegritudine, quae Graeco vocabulo, "paralysis", Latine vero "resolutio membrorum" dicitur. Quem in conspectu viri Dei, in terram projiciens, obsecrat dicens, "Nicolae vir Dei, pro isto misello homine interveni, quatenus per tuas sanctas orationes propitietur ei Deus." Cujus infirmitati, plurimum vir Dei condolens Nicolaus, assumpto oleo de dominica lampade, perunxit eum. Inde autem facta super eum oratione, illico eum pristinae reddidit sanitati. Benedictioneque percepta, reversus est ad domum suam, gratias agens glorificans Deum. | A certain man, named Nicolaus, from the town of Sibinum,14 came to Holy Sion at the time of Holy Lent. Here he brought a certain sick man, sitting on an animal, to St. Nicholas, that he might restore him to his former health. Now that man was withered throughout his body, from that sickness which in the Greek word is "paralysis", but in Latin is called "the dissolution of the limbs". In the presence of the man of God, laying him on the ground, he beseeched him, saying, "Nicholas, man of God, intercede for this poor man, inasmuch as through your holy prayers God may be propitiated for him." Nicholas, the man of God, sympathizing greatly with his infirmity, took oil from the Lord's lamp and anointed him. Then, after a prayer was made over him, he immediately restored him to his former health. Having received the blessing, he returned to his house, giving thanks and glorifying God.
14. Fal.: "d. Taken from the same ch. 30." |
8.24 [BHL 6153] Timothy, the lunatic from Cendinum
From: Falconius, p.122, "chapter 17". Falconius accidentally numbers two chapters as "17". This is the first. The BHLms lists 50 manuscripts of this story. BNF lat. 989 = "Cendino".
| Nec multo post, quidam energumenus, de vico Cendino;15 cui nomen erat Timotheus, adductus est in Monasterium Sanctae Sion, ad famulum Dei Nicolaum. Habebat enim homo ille spiritum pessimum, qui ita eum exagitabat, ut, per ligna et lapides, hinc et inde, caput suum percutiendo contunderet. Unde factum est, ut de creberrimis percussionibus, plagis horridis, caput vulneratum haberet, ita ut etiam sanies cum vermibus proflueret. Sustentatus itaque a tribus viris, perductus est, ut diximus, in Sanctam Sion, ad sanctissimum Dei famulum Nicolaum: Quem etiam orabant, ut suis eum curare precibus dignaretur. Inquiunt: "Nicolae serve Dei excelsi, conspice miseriam hominis hujus; ora pro eo ad Deum, ut possit evadere, et Christi consequi misericordiam." Quem Sanctus Nicolaus, propriis consignans manibus; daemonium ab eo expulit, et ab omni aegritudine liberavit, et sanum et incolumem remisit ad propria: gaudens et glorificans Deum, qui hanc confessori suo, gratiam contulerat Nicolao.
15. Fal.: "(e) Et haec ex eodem cap. 30. sumpta est. Sed pro "Cendino", ibi est "Cedemorum". Num proprium sit "Cendenum"?" |
Not long after, a certain strong man, from the town of Cendinum,26 whose name was Timotheus, was brought to the monastery of Holy Sion, to the servant of God Nicholas. For that man had a very bad spirit, which so agitated him, that he was bruising his head from side to side with sticks and stones. As a result he had a wounded head from the frequent knocks and terrible blows and it was oozing pus and worms. Supported therefore by three men, he was led, as we have said, to Holy Sion, to the most holy servant of God, Nicholas: whom they also begged, that he might condescend to cure him with his prayers. They said, "Nicholas, servant of God on high, behold the misery of this man; pray for him to God, that he may escape, and obtain the mercy of Christ." St. Nicholas, sealing him with his own hands, cast out the demon from him, and freed him from all sickness, and sent him back to his own home, safe and sound, rejoicing and glorifying God, who had bestowed this favour upon his confessor, Nicholas.
16. Fal.: "e. And these things were taken from the same, ch. 30 [in a different manuscript]. But instead of "Cendino" this reads "Cedemorum". Possibly the correct reading is "Cendenum"?" 17. Fal.: "(f) Haec etiam ex Actis sumpta est cap. 31." |
8.25 [BHL 6154] While sick, St Nicholas heals a lunatic woman from Olcon named Eugenia
From: Falconius, p.122-3. Falconius accidentally has two "chapter 17"s; this is the second. The BHLms lists 59 manuscripts of this story.
| Cum igitur his, et aliis pluribus miraculis, ac virtutibus beatissimus floreret Nicolaus, decidit in aegritudinem, de qua, ex hac instabili luce subtractus est. Qui cum jaceret in grabatu; accessit ad eum quaedam mulier lunatica, de vico Olcon; cujus nomen erat Eugenia. Quae eum exorabat, ut sibi conferre dignaretur sanitatis gaudia. Cujus precibus beatus Nicolaus annuens; pro ea fudit orationem ad Dominum. Deinde signavit eam: sicque sanitatem, quam optabat consequi; adipisci promeruit. Remeans ergo mulier ad propria; sana et incolumis, magnifice collaudavit Dominum Jesum Christum; qui in Sanctis suis, semper est mirabilis. | Therefore, while the most blessed Nicholas was flourishing with these and many other miracles and virtues, he fell into an illness, because of which he was withdrawn from this unstable light. When he was lying on a pallet, a certain lunatic woman came to him, from the town of Olcon,18 whose name was Eugenia. She entreated him to condescend to confer upon her the joys of health. Blessed Nicholas, assenting to her prayers, poured out a prayer for her to the Lord. Then he signed her [with the cross], and so succeeded in securing the health which she wished to obtain. The woman, therefore, returning to her own home, safe and sound, praised the Lord Jesus Christ magnificently, who is always wonderful in His Saints.
18. Fal.: "(f) This is also taken from those Acts, ch. 31." |
8.26 On the Death of St Nicholas
Part 1 [BHL 6155]
From: Falconius, p.123-4, "chapter 18".
| Cernens itaque servus Dei Nicolaus, mortis inexcusabile adesse praeceptum quam nemo mortalium praeterire praevalet, caepit orare indesinenter, et psallere. Deprecabatur autem Dominum, et attentius, ut sanctos Angelos ad eum dirigeret, quatenus susciperent, quod eis commendatum fuerat, id est sanctam ipsius animam. Et eum intenta mentis intentione profusius oraret; respexit et vidit gloriosos patronos sanctos scilicet nuntios ad te venientes, inclinatoque capite, signo Crucis armavit se, ac deinde se in terram humiliter prostravit, ac trigesimum psalmum incaepit, dicens: "In te Domine speravi, non confundar in aeternum: in tua Justitia libera me, et eripe me. Inclina aurem tuam: accelera, ut eripias me. Esto mihi in Deum protectorem, et in locum refugii, ut salvum me facias. Quoniam firmamentum, et refugium meum es tu; et propter nomen tuum, dux mihi eris, et enutries me, et educes me de laqueo isto; quoniam tu es protector meus Domine. In manus tuas commendo spiritum meum. Redemisti me Deus veritatis." Et cum hoc dixisset, tradidit pretiosam et sanctissimam animam, in manus sanctorum Angelorum, qui ei apparuerant. Aditabant autem tunc ibi Artemas et Hermas venerabiles presbyteri, et Nicolaus Reverendissimus Archidiaconus, ministri quoque, et secundarii ipsius, quos omnes, post perceptam Eucharistiam, benedicens, deosculatus est, et sicut diximus, in pace emisit spiritum. Factum est autem, cum de hoc mundo ad coeleste regnum migravit, ut Myrea civitas, et ejus suburbana, verterentur in tristitiam clamoris, et lamentationis. Clerus itaque et ordo monasticus, patrem piissimum, se amisisse deflebant. Luctus etiam ingens et fletus maximus est exortus virorum et mulierum, quae scissis crinibus scissis vestibus laceratisque genibus (genis), praeeuntes et subsequentes sancti viri exsequias, cum magno animi dolore voces lugubres et singultus amarissimos emittebant; suumque patronum tutorem ac defensorem, et patrem patriae suae, se plangebant amittere. Convenerunt igitur non solum de vicino loco multitudines populorum, diversae aetatis, variique sexus, ad ejus exsequias, verum etiam de universa Lyciae regione, qui ejus in vita, beneficia plurima ab eo consequi meruerunt. Descendit autem in Myrensem urbem, sanctae memoriae Philippus venerabilis et Dei amantissimus, urbis Phellitorum episcopus, ad sepeliendum beati viri corpus. Quod jam exanime inveniens, meruit tamen eum diligenter abluere et componere. Praefatus autem Archidiaconus Nicolaus, una cum Artema venerabili presbytero et Archimandrita, a quibus etiam palpebrae oculorum ejus clausae sunt, et gloriosa illius facies sudario est ligata. Hilarion autem venerabilis vir, una cum ipso Archidiacono, sanctum ejus feretrum, usque ad locum sepulchri, cum honore et reverentia qua merebatur, dignissime bajulavit. Ubi a supradicto Dei amabili episcopo Philippo, et patribus fratribusque Sancti Monasterii ipsius, nec non a cunctis, (qui de diversis partibus illuc confluxerant), expletis hymnis et lectionibus, sicut mos exigebat regionis illius, et ut Sancti Patres in Regulis jusserunt, gloriose ac decenter in sepulchro suo, ab eis Sanctus Nicolaus collocatus est. Ibi itaque usque hodie, ac si vivens in corpore, miracula operatur magnifice, virtute Dei claritate circumfultus, et non solum, ubi corpus ejus quiescit humatum, verum etiam ad quascumque nationes mundi, et regionis provocatus vel arcessitus fuerit; virtutis suas indicia, mirabiliter usque in sempiternum ministrare non desinit. Dormivit autem in senectute bona, et positus est ad patres suos, servus Domini beatissimus Nicolaus Myreae civitatis episcopus, secundum ordinationem Dei, mense, qui est apud Achaeos, decimus; apud nos autem duodecimus, qui est December. Cujus exstitit dormitio in Christo, sexta feria (b), die sexta, intrante eodem mente, id est octavo Idus Decembris: tertiadecima Indictione, Imperante Christianissimo et Dei cultore Imperatore nostro Justiniano, anno trigesimo nono Imperii ejus, sub sanctissimo et beatissimo Patre nostro, Patriarcha Macario. | Nicholas, the servant of God, seeing that there was an unavoidable command of death which no mortal could overcome, began to pray incessantly and to sing psalms. And he implored the Lord, and more attentively, that he would send the holy angels to him, in so far as they would receive what had been entrusted to them, that is, his holy soul. And he prayed profusely to Him with the intent of his mind; he looked and saw the glorious patron saints, that is, messengers, coming to you, and bowing his head, he armed himself with the sign of the Cross, and then he prostrated himself humbly on the ground, and began the Thirtieth psalm, saying: "In you Lord have I hoped, O Lord, let me never be confounded: free me in your justice, and deliver me. Incline your ear: make haste, that you may deliver me. Be my protector in God, and a place of refuge, that you may make me safe. Because you are my strength and my refuge; and for your name's sake, you will be my guide, and you will nourish me, and you will lead me out of this trap; for you are my protector, Lord. Into your hands I commend my spirit. You have redeemed me, O God of truth." And when he had said this, he delivered his precious and most holy soul into the hands of the holy angels who had appeared to him. At that time there came the venerable priests Artemas and Hermas, and Nicolas the Most Reverend Archdeacon, ministers also, and his secondaries, whom, after having received the Eucharist, he blessed and kissed them all, and, as we have said, he breathed his last in peace. And it came to pass, when he departed from this world to the heavenly kingdom, that the city of Myra, and its suburbs, were turned into the sadness of crying and lamentation. The clergy and the monastic order therefore mourned the loss of their most pious father. There was also a great mourning and great weeping of men and women, who, with torn hair, torn clothes, and torn knees, preceding and following the funeral of the holy man, with great pain of heart, uttered mournful voices and bitterest sobs; and they mourned the loss of their protector and defender, and the father of their country. Therefore multitudes of people, of different ages and sexes, assembled not only from a neighboring place, to his funeral, but also from the whole region of Lycia, who in his life had deserved to receive the greatest benefits from him. And Philip, venerable of holy memory and most loving of God, bishop of the city of the Phellites, went down to the city of Myra, to bury the body of the blessed man. Finding him already lifeless, he still deserved to be carefully washed and set in order. And the aforesaid Archdeacon Nicholas, together with the venerable priest Artemas and the Archimandrite, by whom also the eyelids of his eyes were closed, and his glorious face was bound with a cloth. And Hilarion, a venerable man, together with the archdeacon himself, fittingly carried his holy coffin to the place of the grave, with the honor and reverence which it deserved. Whereupon, by the aforesaid Bishop Philip, beloved of God, and by the fathers and brethren of the Holy Monastery, and not only by all who had flocked thither from different parts, completed with hymns and readings, as the custom of that region demanded, and as the Holy Fathers commanded in the Rules, by them, gloriously and decently, St. Nicholas was placed in his tomb. There, therefore, even to this day, as if living in a body, he works miracles magnificently, surrounded by the power of God in the glory of God, and not only where his body rests in peace, but also to whatever nations of the world and region he has been challenged or brought to; He never ceases to minister his signs of virtue, miraculously, to eternity. And he fell asleep in a good old age, and was placed with his fathers, the most blessed servant of the Lord, Nicholas, bishop of the city of Myra, according to the ordinance of God, on the tenth of the month which is with the Achaeans; but with us the twelfth, which is December. Whose sleep existed in Christ, Friday (b), on the sixth day, entering with the same mind, that is, the eighth day of December: the thirteenth Indictment, of our most Christian and God-worshipping Emperor Justinian, in the thirty-ninth year of his Empire, under our most holy and blessed Father, Patriarch Macarius. |
Part 2 [BHL 6156]
rom: Falconius, p.123-4, "chapter 18".
| Positumque est sacratissimum corpus ejus, in gloriosissima domo Sanctae Sion, in dextera parte Aulae ipsius in excelso: tanti Sacerdotis humatione digna. De quo sepulchro, ut ipsi prospicere meruimus, duae fontes exoriuntur, et usque in aevum manare non delinunt. Ex uno autem meatu, a parte capitali sancti Tumuli, olei liquor lucidissimus effluit; qui in primis beneficia praestare videtur, si ex eo peruncti fuerint. Ex altero vero, qui est ad pedes ejus, delectabilis aqua prosilit atque perspicua. Quae etiam, si aegrotis in potu data fuerit, absque ambiguitate salutem corporum operatur. Gloriosorum atque invictissimorum martyrum in eadem domo Sanctae Sion reliquiae conditae sunt, quorum vocabula ista sunt: Sancti Johannis praecursoris atque baptistae, et Sancti Stephani protomartyris, nec non et inclyti martyris Theodori, beatorum quoque martyrum Sergii, et Bacchi, quos Dux Antiochus interfecit pro Christi nomine. Sanctorum etiam quadraginta martyrum, qui sub Licinio Imperatore passi sunt in Armenia minori, in civitate Sebastiae, illic reposita sunt pignora. Cum quibus omnibus, eandem Aulam optime perornat sacer, almus meritis, magnus (Nicolaus). Qui pro nobis omnibus, apud Dominum intercessor existat assiduus. Floruit autem a tempore Constantini, filii Constantini Senioris, et Helenae Reginae, usque ad tempora Justiniani Imperatoris.19 19. Fal.: "(a) Breve equidem spatium! annorum ducentorum! A Constantino M. ad Justinianum. Bellus Conciliator, et melior historicus." |
And his most sacred body was placed in the most glorious house of Holy Sion, on the right side of the hall in a lofty place, worthy of the honor of such a priest. From which sepulchre, as we were able to see for ourselves, two fountains spring forth, and do not cease to flow down the ages. From one channel, by the head part of the holy tomb, a very clear liquid of oil flows out, which especially seems to confer blessings, if they have been anointed from it. And from the other, which is at his feet, sweet and clear water gushes forth. Which also, if given to the sick to drink, without doubt works the health of the body. The remains of the most glorious and invincible martyrs are buried in the same house of Holy Sion, whose names are as follows: Saint John the forerunner and Baptist, and Saint Stephen the protomartyr, and also the famous martyr Theodore, also the blessed martyrs Sergius and Bacchus, whom the Duke Antiochus killed in the name of Christ. Also, the relics of the forty holy martyrs who suffered under the Emperor Licinius in Armenia Minor, in the city of Sebastia, were deposited there. With all of whom by his merits the great and holy one (Nicholas) best adorns the same shrine. Who constantly stands as an intercessor for us all with the Lord. And he flourished from the time of Constantine, the son of Constantine the Elder, and Queen Helena, until the time of the Emperor Justinian. 20
20. Fal.: "(a) A brief space indeed: two hundred years! From Constantine the Great to Justinian. Such a good calculator, and a better historian." |
8.27 [BHL 6157] The Baby in Boiling Water
From: Catal. Brux., vol. 1, p. 316, c. 2.
| In that storm in which the blessed Nicholas, thinking to hide himself under the guise of a pilgrim, fleeing came to the city of Myra, and demanded, not the support of the rich, nor the palaces of the powerful, but entered the cottage of a poor woman with a child, and lodged there, with the intention, indeed, that, separated from a throng of visitors and from the noise of the larger family, he might concentrate on himself quiet and leisure. But the Savior, who taught in his Gospel that the lamp should not be placed under a pot, but placed on top of a lampstand, lifted up on high his faithful one who was trying to hide himself, and he who endeavored to be considered the lowest of all, was made the chief and prince of all in the land. For the allied bishops assembled there were quite anxiously watching out for a suitable pastor for the vacant metropolis of Lycia, and, according to the history of the matter, the blessed Nicholas, designated by divine revelation, was chosen, adopted, and consecrated as archpriest. And that he was worthy to become this was proven by the miracle which, while he was being consecrated, the Almighty wrought. Indeed, the woman who had received him as a guest, during the services of his consecration, in a vessel suitable for bathing infants, placed water on it and fire under it, and put down her little infant son down to be washed: for she had thought, as was her custom, to sit with the child bathing it and to temper the bath with a slow and moderate fire. But at the noise of the news of the promotion of blessed Nicholas, she rushed off to see the unexpected joy of her guest. Having therefore been confirmed after a few hours' space in great solemnity, the woman regained her composure, remembered her son, and ran madly and headlong through the crowd, lamenting and weeping for her son. And on entering the little house, she saw the flame spreading through the side of the vessel and all around, and the water also boiling violently and spraying its bubbles on high. But the boy, who was believed to have been consumed long ago, was playing and laughing and trying to suppress the emerging bubbles with empty (hands). Of course the merits of the glorious confessor deserved to be made known, nor could the women, who undeservedly were also accustomed to attend, neglect the ceremony being prepared for him. Therefore the woman, of sagacious character, understanding the miracle, scattered the fire, pulled out the child, and returned to the church at a quick pace. She repeatedly emphasized the matter to both the clergy and the people, and all were amazed and praised God, who had exalted his saint and who had given them such a pastor, to his praise and glory. | Ea tempestate qua beatus Nicolaus sub peregrinantis specie delitescere ratus, Myrream fugiens devenit in urbem, non suffragia divitum, non potentum palatia requisivit. Sed mulieris pauperculae puerum habentis intravit casam et hospitatus est, ea quidem intentione ut ab adventantium semotus frequentia et a majoris familiae strepitu separatus, sibi quietus intenderet ac vacaret. Salvator vero qui suo in Evangelio lucernam docuit non modio supponendam sed superponendam candelabro, fidelem suum latitare conantem extulit in sublime, et qui omnium infimus haberi nisus est, omnium in continenti caput et princeps constituitur. Nam confines episcopi ibidem congregati de idoneo eidem metropoli Lyciae vacanti providendo pastore sollicitius invigilabant, sicque prout rei gestas continet historia, revelatione divina beatus Nicolaus designatus in archipraesulem eligitur, assumitur, consecratur. Et quod dignus existeret probavit miraculum quod, dum consecraretur, perpetravit Omnipotens. Mulier siquidem quae eum hospitio susceperat, inter consecrationis ejus officia in vase balneandis infantibus apto, aqua imposita et igne supposito, filium suum infantem parvulum ut lavaretur deposuit: cogitaverat enim, ut moris habebat, assidere puero balneanti et igne lento et modico balneum temperare. Sed perstrepente rumore de beati Nicolai promotione, velocius avolat, ut inopinatum de hospite gaudium pervideret. Confirmato igitur post aliquot horarum spatia tantae solemnitatis obsequio, in se reversa mulier, filii recordata, amens et praeceps per publicum fertur, filium lamentans et plangens. Ingrediens vero domunculam, flammam per vasis latera circumquaque diffusam videt, aquam quoque fervescentem proterviter et in sublime suas ebullitiones jaculantem. Puer autem, qui pridem consumptus credebatur, ludens et cachinnans emergentes bullitiones inanibus apprehensas deprimere nitebatur. Gloriosi quippe confessoris declarari merita debuerant, nec poterant sibi paranti obsequium deesse feminae, quae immeritis etiam consuerunt adesse. Mulier ergo sagacis ingenii, perpendens miraculum, igne disperso, puero extracto, gradu concito ecclesiam repetit. Tam clero quam populo rem gestam saepius inculcando depromit, stupentibus cunctis et Deum laudantibus, qui sanctum suum mirificavit quique eis talem pastorem dedit ad laudem et gloriam suam. |
8.28 [BHL 6158] The Three Dominicans
From: Catal. Brux. vol. 1, p.316, from line 37, and p.317, c. III.
| Cum autem in praescripta miraculorum serie huic congrueret sicut tempore ita et loco cetera praevenire, qualibet tamen causa subjunctum ceteris, non est minori venerationi pensandum, quod constaret primo digna veneratione venerandum, quia nihil rei detrahit localis incongruitas in qua tanti patris semper est et ubique memorabilis dignitas, admiranda quoque et adoranda perseveranter sola virtutum operatrix divinitas. Cum itaque pater iste adhuc in carne pudicitiae floreret lilio, pietatis emanaret oleo, geminaeque caritatis rutilaret indicio, immo de se velut vero divinae electionis vase omnium simul effragraret condimentum virtutum: cum, inquam, commissa sibi multiplicando talenta, placabilem sibi procuraret districtum exactoris adventum, et pastoris implens ministerium, mercenarii semper repudiaret incommodum, in tantum unctio docuit eum omnia, ut, dum nonnulla absentia quasi praesentia nosceret, ipsum vere christum Domini esse nemo dubitaret. | But while, in the prescribed sequence of miracles, it would be appropriate for this to precede the others at such a time and place, yet for whatever reason it is subordinated to the others, and it is not to be considered less venerated, which was consistent with the first veneration worthy of veneration, for a local inconsistency detracts nothing from the matter, in which such a great father is always and everywhere worthy of being remembered, to be admired and adored steadfastly also as the only divine agent who works miracles. When, therefore, this father still blossomed in the flesh of chastity like a lily, and emanated the scent of piety, and glowed with a sign of double charity, on the contrary from himself, as if from the true vessel of divine choice, at the same time he gave off the fragrance of every virtue: when, as I say, by multiplying the talents entrusted to him he procured for himself the peaceful arrival of an inspector in the district, and fulfilling the ministry of a shepherd, he always rejected the inconvenience of a hireling, to such an extent that the anointing taught him everything, so that, while he knew some things elsewhere as if at hand, no one doubted that he was truly the Christ of the Lord. |
| Tribus namque clericis scholas adeuntibus, et in loco destinato obiter pernoctantibus, hospes eorum impia cupiditate caecatus sopitos noctu pueros jugulavit, corporibusque seorsum positis, sarcinas innocentium suis usibus, immo abusibus, crudelis carnifex usurpavit. O consilii divini provida dispensatio, o sapientia nullo vere indigens consiliario, quae in ipso impietatis providit opere unde pium servi sui meritum mundo voluit mirifice commendare. Non enim multa mora, et ecce pastor ille Dominici gregis vigilantissimus, consuetae sibi pietatis plaga percussus oves, quaerens quae perierant, homicidae hominis domum irrupit, hominem inhumanitatis arguit, homicidam dignis opprobriis exprobravit, et fateri scelus quod commiserat reverentiae suae respectu quantocius coartabat. Ostensis ergo sibi mortuorum cadaveribus, cognatos sibi cognitosque pietatis gemitus uberius relaxavit et profusus pii cordis precibus tres defunctos ocius excitavit, in Christi nomine vitae reddens mortuos, cujus inspiratione praecognovit occisos. Hujus itaque occasione miraculi inolevit in clero specialis memoria beati Nicolai, perpetua quidem solemnitate celebris, sed non digna aut debita celebritate solemnis, quia tanti patriarchae dignitas humano nequit obsequio sufficienter recoli, qui a Deo filius meruit adoptari; nec est satis laudandus a peccatoribus, qui cum Christo creditur totius seculi judex affuturus. | Now three clerics were going to college, and while passing the night in the appointed place, their host, blinded by impious greed, strangled the sleeping boys at night, and, laying the bodies apart, the cruel butcher seized upon the baggage of the innocents for his own uses, or rather, abuses. O providential dispensation of the divine counsel, O wisdom truly not needing a counsellor, which provided in the very act of impiety a way from which He intended in a wonderful way to recommend the merit of His pious servant to the world. For there was not much delay, and behold, a shepherd, most watchful of the flock of Dominic, struck by his usual pity for the sheep, seeking what had perished, broke into the house of the murderous man, accused the man of heartlessness, upbraided the murderer with worthy reproaches, and forced him through respect for his reverence to confess the crime which he had committed. When the corpses of the dead were shown to him, he cancelled the rather abundant groans of piety of their relatives and acquaintances, and with the prayers of a pious heart overflowing, quickly raised the three deceased, bringing the dead back to life in the name of Christ, through whose inspiration he foresaw that they had been killed. And so a special memorial of blessed Nicholas became usual among the clergy on the occasion of this miracle: indeed celebrated with perpetual solemnity, but not worthy or required by the fame of the solemnity, because the dignity of so great a patriarch cannot be sufficiently remembered by a human service, he who deserved to be adopted by God as a son; nor is it enough to be praised by sinners, he who is believed to be the judge of the whole world with Christ. |
8.29 [BHL 6159] The Two Merchants
From: Analecta Bollandiana, vol. 4, p.202-3.
Q
| Duo mercatores consocii fuerunt, qui lustrando diversas regiones vendendo et emendo infinitam congregaverant pecuniam. Deinde repatriantes, in cujusdam noctis crepusculo in hospitio unius eorum magno sunt recepti gaudio. Nec mora, post susceptam cibi potusque receptionem fessa corpora dormitioni dederunt. | There were two merchant partners who, by visiting different countries and selling and buying, had amassed an infinite amount of money. Then returning home, in the twilight of a certain night they were received with great joy in the lodgings of one of them. And without delay, after receiving the welcome of food and drink, their tired bodies gave way to sleep. |
| Interea antiquus ille humani generis persecutor fallaciae venenum in pectus mulieris infudit, ut domino suo consiliaretur illum socium suum clam intempesta nocte interimere, quatenus divitias utrorumque labore partas solus obtineret. Quod dum mulier perfida auribus viri primo renuentis hortando, admonendo, obsecrando saepius instillavit, instinctu antiqui serpentis voluntati suae pestiferae acquievit citissime. Igitur mitem immites, fidelem infideles sopori deditum more lupi membratim distrahunt, membra quidem in penetralibus suis occultantes, et immensam illius pecuniam in receptaculis abscondentes. | Meanwhile, that ancient persecutor of the human race poured the poison of deception into a woman's breast, to advise her lord to kill his partner secretly in the dead of night, in order that he alone may obtain the riches obtained by the labour of both. While the perfidious woman repeatedly poured into the ears of the man, who at first refused, encouraging, admonishing, and imploring, he very quickly yielded to the suggestion of the ancient serpent of his malicious will. So like wolves the faithless savage ones cut the sleeping mild faithful one to pieces, indeed hiding the limbs in their inmost places, and concealing his immense wealth in the hidden places. |
| Matutinali vero tempore fama undique replevit confinia unum illorum cum gaudio reversum, alterum vero nusquam comparuisse. Uxor igitur illius, hac dira legatione suscepta, quasi amens socium mariti sui aggreditur, quaerens quo vir suus devenisset. At ille, plenus fallacia, affirmabat multimodis juramentis hesterna nocte eum cum copiosa pecunia ab hospitio suo discessisse, nec postea vidisse. | But in the morning the report filled the neighbourhood from all sides that one of them had returned with joy, but that the other was nowhere to be found. His wife, therefore, receiving this terrible news, attacked her husband's companion as if mad, demanding where her husband had gone. But he, full of deceit, affirmed with many oaths that he had left his lodgings last night with a large sum of money, and that he had not seen him since. |
| Mulier vero his verbis utpote sagittis vulnerata letiferis, ad statuam sancti Nicolai, quam adorare consueverat, recucurrit, dolore dictante, in haec verba prorumpens: "Tu gemma sacerdotii, electe Dei confessor, Nicolae, cujus misericordia et pietati virum meum, me ipsam et res nostras commiseram, quare nos oblivioni dedisti? Quamobrem virum meum mihi non reddidisti? Vere nunc, si maritum meum tibi commissum mihi non reddideris, nomini tuo amodo nec gloriam conferam, nec honorem." | But with these words the woman, as if she had been pierced by arrows, ran back to the statue of St. Nicholas, which she was accustomed to venerate, and, speaking with pain, burst into these words: "You jewel of the priesthood, chosen confessor of God, Nicholas, to whose mercy and piety I committed my husband, myself, and our affairs, why have you consigned us to forgetfulness? Why did you not give me back my husband? Truly now, if you do not return to me my husband who was committed to you, I will give neither glory nor honor to your name." |
| Haec et his similia postquam flendo dixerat, discessit, obvians sancto Nicolao. Cui sanctus his usus est verbis: "Quid fles? cur lacrimis manas?" Cui dum mulier omnia sicut gesta erant seriatim exposuerat, a sancto Nicolao ducta est ad viri sui occisorem. | After she had said these and similar things, weeping, she departed, and met St. Nicholas. To whom the saint used these words: "Why do you weep? why do you shed tears?" While the woman seriously explained everything as it had happened to him, she was led by St. Nicholas to her husband's murderer. |
| uem electus Dei servus his aggreditur interrogationibus: "Dic mihi, miser, dic ubi sit maritus istius mulieris." Qui postquam juramentis multimodis affirmavit socium suum in praeteritae noctis crepusculo sanum et incolumem discessisse, egregius Dei amicus, invocato Creatoris coeli et terrae nomine, occisum admonuit ut, si in receptaculis illius hospitii occultatus fuisset, responsum non denegaret. Mira res: vix sanctus sermonem finierat, cum lingua dilaniati corporis aperta voce se adesse respondit. Cujus vocem vir Domini hilari corde percipiens, membra illius dilacerata sibi praesentari jussit; et invocata summi regis majestate, anima ad corpus rediit. | The chosen servant of God attacked him with these questions: "Tell me, wretch, tell me where that woman's husband is." After he had affirmed by many oaths that his companion had departed safe and sound at the twilight of the previous night, the distinguished friend of God, invoking the name of the Creator of heaven and earth, commanded the murdered man, that if he was hidden in the hiding places of that lodging, he would not refuse to answer. A strange thing: scarcely had the saint finished speaking, when, with the tongue of his torn body, he answered in a clear voice that he was present. The man of God, perceiving his voice with a joyful heart, commanded that his torn limbs should be presented to him; and being invoked by the majesty of the supreme king, the soul returned to the body. |
| Quo viso, postquam electus Dei servus omnipotenti Deo dignas persolvit gratias, erectum virum uxori reddidit, dicens: "Ecce, per Dei misericordiam virum quem mihi commendasti tibi sanum reddo." Unde mulier laetificata gratias egit sancto Nicolao et omnipotenti Deo, cui est honor et gloria in seculorum secula. | When he saw this, after the chosen servant of God had paid the due thanks to Almighty God, he restored the husband to his wife, saying: "Behold, by the mercy of God I restore to you the man whom you entrusted to me." Whereupon the woman, delighted, gave thanks to Saint Nicholas and to Almighty God, to whom be honour and glory forever and ever. |
Translation from Roger Pearse, Thoughts on Antiquity, Patristics, Information Access, and More, St. Nicholas of Myra — Translations, Ipswich, England, March 2023, placed in the public domain.