E03237: The Life of *Gaudentius (bishop of Novara, S01531) is written in Latin, presumably in Novara, at an uncertain date, perhaps in the late 7th or early 8th c., but by the 9th c. at the latest. It narrates Gaudentius’ association with *Laurentius (priest and martyr of Novara, S02438), *Martin (ascetic and bishop of Tours, S00050), *Eusebius (bishop of Vercelli, S01219) and *Ambrose (bishop of Milan, S00490); his miracles, appointment as bishop of Novara and incomplete building of a basilica; after his death, the miracles performed by his incorrupt body on display in the church of the mother of God (Mary, mother of Christ, S00033), then in a tomb in the finished basilica.

Life of Gaudentius (BHL 3278)

Summary:

§ 1: Prologue. Praise of Gaudentius referring to the martyr Laurentius and Ambrose as examples.

§ 2: Presentation of Gaudentius. He is from Ivrea (urbs Eporediensis) but later becomes bishop of Novara (urbs Novariae) for twenty years. He observes strict discipline and chastity in his youth through prayer and abstinence.

§§ 3-5: He converts many through his speech, including his parents. He cures the sick and chases demons. However, because of the Devil, people start to reject Gaudentius’ teaching. He therefore leaves and reaches Novara, where he learns that a priest named Laurentius had already been fighting pagans and promoting faith. Laurentius has built fonts, performed baptisms, and preached Christianity, but he has been killed by a mob. Many healing miracles happen at his body in Novara up to this day.

§§ 6-8: The narrator goes back to Gaudentius. After his arrival in the city, Gaudentius follows Laurentius’ guidance and teaching, but after his death he becomes the notary of the blessed confessor Martin in Milan. Gaudentius deserves praise since he then takes side with Eusebius of Vercelli, who under the emperor Constantius, at a time when Arianism flourishes, is condemned to exile at the instigation of Valens and Ursicinus. He represents Eusebius in Vercelli while he is absent; after Eusebius’ return, the two become close friends and their congregations are united.

§§ 9-13: Gaudentius seeks to live in isolation, keeping fasts and vigils in a place within the walls of Novara. One night, he miraculously stops a fire. Shortly later, as Ambrose is returning from a trip to Vercelli and decides not to stop in Novara, his horse stops on the road and refuses to continue. Ambrose understands God’s will and goes to Novara, where he tells Gaudentius that he will become a bishop. However, Gaudentius replies that he will be consecrated by another bishop. And indeed, shortly after returning to Milan Ambrose dies and is succeeded by Simplicianus. Gaudentius is elected the first bishop of Novara after the people send a petition to the emperor and he is appointed by the archbishop Simplicianus.

§§ 14-16: Account of the many wonders performed by Gaudentius. Those who had killed Laurentius repent and are baptised thanks to his preaching; he performs many healing miracles and water dripping from his hands has the power to heal the sick. He instructs his people to live modestly and himself chastises his body. Over the course of 20 years he builds churches, monasteries and sanctuaries, and ordains several clerics. His death nearing, he takes care of his succession, telling to the clergy and the people that Agabius has been designed to succeed him and that they should accept it.

§§ 17-19: At his death, all the people assemble and mourn him. The basilica that Gaudentius had started to build and where he is now buried, was still unfinished (it was completed by his successor Agabius). People then prostrate themselves there weeping, to the extent that liturgy cannot take place. Gaudentius reveals to the people that his body should not be placed in a tomb but simply on the ground in the church of the Mother of God waiting for completion of the basilica. His body thus remains unburied from the 11th day before the Calends of February [= 22 January] until the 3rd day before the Nones of August [= 3 August]. It is fragrant and intact, his hair and nails even continuing to grow. This demonstrated that he was living in heaven with the angels. Many come to be healed at his body and people gather there from distant places. When the basilica is completed and consecrated, sixth months and twelve days after Gaudentius’ death, his intact body is buried there in a tomb, where miracles continue to happen.

§ 20: Narrative of a miracle. A wealthy girl from Rome is possessed by demons and is taken, chained, to the tomb of the Apostle Peter, who tells her she should go to Novara. She is brought their by her relatives and the demons are expelled as soon as she enters the basilica. She is freed from her chains, reaches the tomb, bursts into tears and praises God, before returning safely home.

§§ 21-22: Epilogue. Further praise of Gaudentius quoting Ps. 65:9; 107:35; 118:15-16; unworthiness of the writer; reference to the papa Leo, the bishop of Novara at the time of writing; closing prayer.

Text: Gavinelli 2001, 70-86. Summary: M. Pignot.