E04437: Gregory the Great, in his Dialogues (1.9), describes six miracles effected by *Bonifatius (6th c. bishop of Ferentino, central Italy, S01715): two in childhood and two when he was a bishop; one of these took place in a church dedicated to *Mary (Mother of Christ, S00033). Written in Latin in Rome, c. 593.

Gregory the Great, Dialogues 1.9

Summary:

Following a poor harvest of grapes, Bonifatius ordered that a small amount of juice be placed in several wine jars. Two days later, each of the jars was filled to the brim. He then ordered that his followers keep this miracle secret.

One day, a travelling musician disturbed Bonifatius as he prayed before dining with a nobleman. Angrily, Bonifatius said that the musician would soon die, though they should give him food and drink. As soon as the musician crossed the threshold of the house, a stone fell from the roof, ultimately causing his death.

Bonifatius' nephew, Constantius, a priest, sold a house and obtained twelve solidi. When his nephew was away, Bonifatius gave this money to poor people who asked for alms. His nephew was angry. Bonifatius then prayed in the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Ferentino and found the twelve solidi in the folds of his clothes.

Bonifatius gave a group of Goths a cask of wine. This wine was enough for their journey to and from Ravenna and for the days they spent there.

As a child, Bonifatius gave away the year’s supply of his family’s grain to the poor. Bonifatius prayed and knelt by the wheat which remained. The grain was replenished.

As a child, Bonifatius tended to his mother’s hens. When one was taken by a fox. Bonifatius prayed to God. The fox returned, dropped the hen and dropped down dead.

Summary: Frances Trzeciak.