E03607: Sermon by Valerianus, bishop of Cimiez (southern Gaul), in praise of martyrdom and of the intercessory power of the saints, written in Latin at Cimiez in the mid 5th century. Inlcudes references to an unnamed local martyr, possibly *Pontius (martyr of Cimiez, S01486).
Creators: name: Dlambert
Publisher: name: University of Oxford
Year: 2017
Subjects: History

description: Valerianus of Cimiez, Sermon 16<br><br>Valerianus begins by stating that effective teaching needs examples; therefore Christianity could not have spread without the martyrs (§ 1):<br><br>Qui adhuc sine dubio iaceret in tenebrosis vinculis, si non inclytis sanctorum illuminaretur exemplis; et circa devia et incerta pugnaret, nisi incredulas hominum mentes diffusa per totum orbem martyrii corona confunderet. <br><br>'Without doubt, the world would still lie in darksome fetters if it were not illuminated by the shining examples of the saints. It would be struggling for obscure and uncertain objectives if the crown of martyrdom, shedding its light throughout the world, were not confounding the unbelieving minds of men.'<br><br>He cites the local martyr as an example to follow:<br><br>Nec enim longe nobis quaerendus quem sequamur. Ecce ante oculos nostros est, qui quotidie exemplis salutaribus provocat, et paterna affectione ad consortium sanctitatis invitat. Facile ergo, si vultis, ea quae sunt coelesti regno digna apprehenditis, cum habeatis quotidie quem possitis sequi, et quem debeatis imitari. Respicite, dilectissimi, ad aliarum regionum studia, quae videmus in amore sanctorum peregrinis latius florere commerciis; et intelligetis quantum nobis Dominus praestiterit, vel quantum circa nos sollicitudinis aut amoris impenderit, qui inter caeteras nationes quas salvandi studio respexit, etiam loca nostra martyrii cruore perfudit.<br><br>'We need not look far for one whom we can imitate. Look, here before our eyes is one who daily stimulates us by his salutary examples, and with fatherly affection invites us to share his sanctity. Hence, if you wish, you grasp with ease aids worthy of the kingdom of heaven. For you have someone whom you can follow every day, and whom you ought to imitate. Look about, dearly beloved, at other regions and the devotions of love toward the saints which we see flourishing quite extensively through the traffic of pilgrims. Then you will understand how much the Lord has given us, how much loving solicitude He has exercised upon us. He who has looked on the other nations with concern for their salvation has moistened your region, too, with the blood of martyrdom.'<br><br>(§ 2) The rewards which the martyrs receive from God are much greater than what they suffer. The victory of the martyrs is displayed every day in churches when their names overcome demons:<br><br>Non autem otiosa res est, dilectissimi, quod videmus frequenter in castigatione immundi spiritus corpora humana vexari, et invocatis sanctorum nominibus actus suos auctorem scelerum confiteri. <br><br>'Dearly beloved, the matter is not one to be taken lightly. For, we often observe that in the exorcism of an unclean spirit human bodies are harassed, and, after the names of the saints have been invoked, the activities of these bodies give testimony about the author of their crimes.'<br><br>Valerianus argues that this spectacle gives people a vivid understanding of the power of the saints, which could not be conveyed simply by reading about them. <br><br>(§ 3) It also allows people to gain a true sense of proportion between their fears or desires in the world and what God grants to the saints. Therefore people should use the saints as examples to follow, and if the occasion arises, should accept martyrdom. The example of the saints will strengthen them.<br><br>Sane quo facilius in acie positus securus incedas, ante oculos ponenda sunt semper facta sanctorum. Nam in maximis proeliis non desunt pugnatori solatia, si fortissimorum virorum requirantur exempla. <br><br>'Assuredly, that you may more easily advance with security in the battle line, you should keep the deeds of the saints always before your eyes. For in the greatest battles the fighter does not lack solace if he keeps the examples of the bravest men in mind.'<br><br>(§ 4) Valerianus then tells his congregation that they do not have to become martyrs to win victories: they can do so by resisting sins and the desires of the flesh. (§ 5) By learning to triumph over small tests, they will gain the ability to face greater ones.<br><br>Text: PL 52, 741-744. Translation: Ganss 1953, 403-409. Summary: David Lambert.