E05340: Gaudentius of Brescia composes a Latin sermon (Sermon 21) in Brescia, northern Italy, after 399, in praise of his predecessor, *Philastrius (bishop of Brescia, ob. 384/397, S02009). He uses hagiographic tropes to characterise the bishop and states that he preaches yearly on this day in honour of Philastrius.

Gaudentius of Brescia, Sermon 21

Summary:

On this day, the congregation should bestow honour on Philastrius, who is a companion of the biblical patriarchs, an imitator of them in life and similar to them in virtues. Gaudentius goes on to praise Philastrius’ virtues, focusing on his preaching, in which he imitated the Apostle *Paul (S00009). He battled with Jews, pagans and heretics, such as Auxentius, the (Homoian/Arian) bishop of Milan. He taught on the Christian faith in Brescia. He was humble, forgiving, patient, kind, and showed great purity of mind.

Pauca haec de virtutibus hominis dei (beatissimi videlicet Filastrii, egregii patroni nostri, cuius hodie festa celebrantur,) brevissimo sermone memoravi, ne dies iste celebritatis, quo ad superna migravit, tristi silentio inglorius praeteriret. Nam cum multa meritorum eius praeconia quattuordecim iam per annos solemnitatis huius cultum renovans auditui vestro intulerim, plura, quae praedicari adhuc oporteat, intacta perspicio. Quinto decimo autem Kalendarum Augustarum exuit hominem et migravit ad eum, quem dilexit.

‘In this very brief sermon I have recalled these few virtues of this man of God, (that most blessed Philastrius, our distinguished patron, whose feast is celebrated today), so that this day of glory, on which he departed for on high, might not pass by inglorious in sorrowful silence. Although, in repeating the cult of this solemnity now for fourteen years, I have brought to your hearing many proclamations of his merits, I perceive many yet untouched which ought to be proclaimed. On the fifteenth day before Kalends of August [18 July] he cast off the man and went to him whom he loved.’

If they venerate Philastrius they will more readily obtain what they ask for.

Text: Glück 1936. Translation: Boehrer 1965, lightly adapted.
Summary: Frances Trzeciak.