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E00003: Gregory of Tours writes a joint Life of *Lupicinus and Romanus (brothers and founders of the Jura monasteries, mid 5th c., S00003): it tells of their foundation of monasteries in the Jura mountains (eastern Gaul), presenting Lupicinus as strictly ascetic, Romanus as mild and forgiving. From Gregory's Life of the Fathers, written in Latin in Tours (north-west Gaul), 573/594. Overview of Gregory's Life of Lupicinus and Romanus.
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posted on 2020-02-13, 00:00 authored by dlambertGregory of Tours, Life of the Fathers, Book 1 (Life of Lupicinus and Romanus)
Summary:
Preface: The brothers Lupicinus and Romanus both used well the talents lent them by God.
§ 1: Both brothers shunned matrimony and withdrew from the world, into the wilderness of the Jura. There they were tormented by the attacks of demons, and eventually decided to give up and leave the wilderness. However they changed their minds when they were enjoined to persevere by a poor woman.
§ 2: On their return to the wilderness they attracted followers and founded monasteries, first at Condat (Condadisco) and then at two other places, with Lupicinus as abbot over them all. Lupicinus was a strict ascetic, often eating only once every three days, and able even to avoid drinking water by absorbing it through his hands. He was severe in punishing his monks. He avoided all contact with women. Romanus was much milder and blessed both men and women.
§ 3: God revealed to Lupicinus a place where a treasure was hidden, which he used to sustain his community. On one occasion he visited one of the monasteries and found a sumptuous meal being prepared. Disapproving of such luxury, he ordered the dishes to be thrown into a cauldron and mixed up together before they were served. Angered by this, twelve monks left the monastery. Romanus, at the main monastery, learned of this by a revelation. He reproached Lupicinus for driving the men out of the monastery; Lupicinus insisted he had separated the wheat from the chaff. Romanus prayed for God to forgive the twelve men, and in response to his prayers all twelve repented and went on to found their own monasteries.
§ 4: Once, when Romanus was travelling, he sheltered in a house inhabited by nine lepers. First washing their feet and then sharing their bed, by touching one of them, he transmitted healing progressively to them all.
§ 5: When an old man, Lupicinus visited King Chilperic [of the Burgundians] in Geneva. His arrival at the king's residence made the royal throne shake, so that Chilperic thought an earthquake had occurred. When Lupicinus requested assistance from the king to help feed and clothe his monks, Chilperic, shaken by the display of miraculous power, granted him an annual gift of wheat, wine, and money for clothing.
§ 6: When their death approached, the brothers chose where to be buried: Lupicinus in the church of his monastery, but Romanus outside the monastery, so that all, including women, could come to his tomb. Many are still cured there [see $E00004].
Text: Krusch 1969, 213-218. Summary: Marta Tycner.
Summary:
Preface: The brothers Lupicinus and Romanus both used well the talents lent them by God.
§ 1: Both brothers shunned matrimony and withdrew from the world, into the wilderness of the Jura. There they were tormented by the attacks of demons, and eventually decided to give up and leave the wilderness. However they changed their minds when they were enjoined to persevere by a poor woman.
§ 2: On their return to the wilderness they attracted followers and founded monasteries, first at Condat (Condadisco) and then at two other places, with Lupicinus as abbot over them all. Lupicinus was a strict ascetic, often eating only once every three days, and able even to avoid drinking water by absorbing it through his hands. He was severe in punishing his monks. He avoided all contact with women. Romanus was much milder and blessed both men and women.
§ 3: God revealed to Lupicinus a place where a treasure was hidden, which he used to sustain his community. On one occasion he visited one of the monasteries and found a sumptuous meal being prepared. Disapproving of such luxury, he ordered the dishes to be thrown into a cauldron and mixed up together before they were served. Angered by this, twelve monks left the monastery. Romanus, at the main monastery, learned of this by a revelation. He reproached Lupicinus for driving the men out of the monastery; Lupicinus insisted he had separated the wheat from the chaff. Romanus prayed for God to forgive the twelve men, and in response to his prayers all twelve repented and went on to found their own monasteries.
§ 4: Once, when Romanus was travelling, he sheltered in a house inhabited by nine lepers. First washing their feet and then sharing their bed, by touching one of them, he transmitted healing progressively to them all.
§ 5: When an old man, Lupicinus visited King Chilperic [of the Burgundians] in Geneva. His arrival at the king's residence made the royal throne shake, so that Chilperic thought an earthquake had occurred. When Lupicinus requested assistance from the king to help feed and clothe his monks, Chilperic, shaken by the display of miraculous power, granted him an annual gift of wheat, wine, and money for clothing.
§ 6: When their death approached, the brothers chose where to be buried: Lupicinus in the church of his monastery, but Romanus outside the monastery, so that all, including women, could come to his tomb. Many are still cured there [see $E00004].
Text: Krusch 1969, 213-218. Summary: Marta Tycner.