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E07233: In his Sermon 214, On the anniversary of the burial of St. Honoratus, Caesarius bishop of Arles (southern Gaul) explains how *Honoratus (founder of Lérins and bishop of Arles, ob. 429/430, S00438) has the status of a martyr; he enjoins his congregation to court the favour of Arles' patron martyrs and bishops. Written in Latin at Arles, 503/542.
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posted on 2018-12-30, 00:00 authored by kwojtalikCaesarius of Arles, Sermon 214, Homelia in depositione Sancti Honorati
1. Among many spiritual lamps given by the Lord, Honoratus was distinguished in Arles, and, without suffering the death of a martyr, achieved martyrdom:
Cuius dum recolimus inexpugnabilem in operibus fidem, mirabilem in contemtu mundi rigorem, singularem in misericordia caritatem, indubitanter credimus eum implesse etiam non impleta passione martyrium. Non enim martyrium sola sanguinis consummat effusione, nec sola dat palmam exustio illa flammarum: pervenitur, non solum occasu, se etiam contemptu corporis ad coronam.’
‘As we remember his unconquerable faith in good works, his extraordinary rigour in despising the world, his unique and loving compassion, we believe that he undoubtedly reached martyrdom, even though he did not experience its sufferings. For not only the shedding of blood effects martyrdom, and not only the burning of flames grants a martyr’s palm. That crown is reached, not only through death but even through contempt of the body.’
2. The Lord has provided this city with both martyrs and bishops as helpers and protectors. Therefore let us seek the favour of these patrons:
[…] quantum possumus cum dei adiutorio laboremus, peculiares apud deum patronos magis bonis operibus laetificare, quam de peccatis vel de negligentiis nostris contristare videamur. Tunc enim pro nobis sancti martyres et egregii pontifices fiducialiter apud dominum suis orationibus poterunt conmendare […]
’ … with God’s help let us strive as much as we can to give joy to our special patrons before God by our good deeds rather than sadden them through our sins and failings. Then the holy martyrs and distinguished bishops will be able to intercede for us with the Lord through their prayers and with confidence ...
3. If we act as good Christians should, at the Last Judgement our martyrs and bishops will be able to present us with confidence to the Lord.
Text: Morin, vol.2, 853-4. Trans: Mueller, vol. 3, 111-12. Summary: Katarzyna Wojtalik.
The next sermon in Morin's edition, Sermon 215, which is entitled as a sermon on the feast of a Saint Felix, in fact opens with almost the same words as Sermon 214, even naming Honoratus (and with no reference to Felix). Morin concludes, reasonably enough, that the attribution to Felix is an error.
1. Among many spiritual lamps given by the Lord, Honoratus was distinguished in Arles, and, without suffering the death of a martyr, achieved martyrdom:
Cuius dum recolimus inexpugnabilem in operibus fidem, mirabilem in contemtu mundi rigorem, singularem in misericordia caritatem, indubitanter credimus eum implesse etiam non impleta passione martyrium. Non enim martyrium sola sanguinis consummat effusione, nec sola dat palmam exustio illa flammarum: pervenitur, non solum occasu, se etiam contemptu corporis ad coronam.’
‘As we remember his unconquerable faith in good works, his extraordinary rigour in despising the world, his unique and loving compassion, we believe that he undoubtedly reached martyrdom, even though he did not experience its sufferings. For not only the shedding of blood effects martyrdom, and not only the burning of flames grants a martyr’s palm. That crown is reached, not only through death but even through contempt of the body.’
2. The Lord has provided this city with both martyrs and bishops as helpers and protectors. Therefore let us seek the favour of these patrons:
[…] quantum possumus cum dei adiutorio laboremus, peculiares apud deum patronos magis bonis operibus laetificare, quam de peccatis vel de negligentiis nostris contristare videamur. Tunc enim pro nobis sancti martyres et egregii pontifices fiducialiter apud dominum suis orationibus poterunt conmendare […]
’ … with God’s help let us strive as much as we can to give joy to our special patrons before God by our good deeds rather than sadden them through our sins and failings. Then the holy martyrs and distinguished bishops will be able to intercede for us with the Lord through their prayers and with confidence ...
3. If we act as good Christians should, at the Last Judgement our martyrs and bishops will be able to present us with confidence to the Lord.
Text: Morin, vol.2, 853-4. Trans: Mueller, vol. 3, 111-12. Summary: Katarzyna Wojtalik.
The next sermon in Morin's edition, Sermon 215, which is entitled as a sermon on the feast of a Saint Felix, in fact opens with almost the same words as Sermon 214, even naming Honoratus (and with no reference to Felix). Morin concludes, reasonably enough, that the attribution to Felix is an error.
History
Evidence ID
E07233Saint Name
Honoratus, founder of Lérins and bishop of Arles, ob. 429/30 : S00438Saint Name in Source
HonoratusRelated Saint Records
Type of Evidence
Literary - Sermons/HomiliesLanguage
- Latin
Evidence not before
503Evidence not after
543Activity not before
503Activity not after
543Place of Evidence - Region
Gaul and Frankish kingdomsPlace of Evidence - City, village, etc
ArlesPlace of evidence - City name in other Language(s)
Arles Tours Tours Toronica urbs Prisciniacensim vicus Pressigny Turonorum civitas Ceratensis vicus CéréMajor author/Major anonymous work
Caesarius of ArlesCult activities - Festivals
- Saint’s feast
