Codex Calixtinus Book II (Translation)

 It is of utmost importance to commit to writing and preserve for perpetual memory, in honor of our Lord Jesus Christ, the miracles of Saint James. For when the examples of the saints are narrated by experts, the hearts of the listeners are piously moved to love and long for the heavenly homeland. Mindful of this, while traveling through foreign lands, I learned of some of these miracles in Galicia, others in France, others in Germany, others in Italy, others in Hungary, others in Dacia, and some even beyond the three seas, written in various ways, as is natural, in different places. Others I learned in barbarian lands, where the holy apostle saw fit to perform them, from those who saw or heard them. Some I have seen with my own eyes, and all of them I diligently committed to writing for the glory of the Lord and the Apostle. And the more beautiful they are, the more I value them. But let no one think that I have written down all the miracles and examples I have heard of him, but only those I have considered true based on the most reliable statements of the most reliable men. For if I were to write down all the miracles I heard of him in many places from many people, my hands and my eagerness would lack more parchment than examples of his. Therefore, we order that this codex be read attentively in churches and refectories on the feast days of the holy apostle and on other days, if desired.

Book II Chapter I

Miracle of Saint James, written by Pope Callixtus

The blessed Apostle James, who in the fervor of obedience endured the pain of martyrdom first among the apostles, toiled to eradicate, through countless miraculous proofs, the harshness of the people, which he watered with the doctrine of his holy preaching. And he who, in the exile of this present life, was, with divine aid, the author of so many miracles, now, having washed the sweat of his labors with the cloth of reward in eternal happiness, abundantly bestows the manifestations of his virtue upon those who, making urgent petitions to him, do not cease to beseech him. For this reason, we will recount, for the instruction of future generations, a certain miracle of which we have learned with complete certainty. When, in the time of King Alfonso, the fury of the Saracens in Spain grew increasingly bitter, a certain count named Ermengol, seeing the Christian religion oppressed by the onslaught of the Moabites, launched himself, surrounded by the strength of his army, to subdue their cruelty, almost achieving a victorious battle; but, as our merits demanded, his troops were defeated and suffered the opposite of triumph. Thus, the enemy's ferocity, spurred on by the exaltation of pride to the heights of arrogance, carried off as a trophy to the city of Zaragoza, under the weight of captivity, twenty men reborn through the waters of faith, one of whom held the priestly dignity. There, bound with various ties in the unbearable darkness of a prison, like the perpetual darkness of hell, by divine inspiration of James and warning of the priest they began to implore thus: James, precious apostle of God, who with the work of your piety piously help the oppressed in their anguish, extending your hand to the groans of such unheard-of captivity, hasten to graciously release what inhumanly binds us.

James, hearing their almost desperate pleas, appeared radiant in the darkness of the prison, speaking to them thus: “Here I am, whom you called.” And compelled by the clarity of such unheard-of greatness, they raised their faces, which, through the force of their grief, had been fixed on their knees, and fell prostrate at his feet. But James, moved with compassion, broke their bonds, pouring forth the balm of his power. He also clasped the hands of the captives with the right hand of his might and miraculously led them out of such a perilous prison, and with this guidance they reached the city gates. In turn, the gates, having made the sign of the cross, offered passage in honor of the Apostle so spontaneously that, as soon as they had left, the strictures of their former confinement were restored. The Apostle James, long after the rooster crowed and almost at the first light of dawn, arrived with them, going ahead of them, at a certain castle guarded by Christians. There, commanding them to invoke him, he visibly ascended into heaven. And when they invoked him at his command with loud voices, the gates opened and they were received inside. The next day, leaving there, they tried to return to their homes. But a short time later, one of them, who came to the church of James on the feast of the Translation of the Apostle, which we celebrate annually on December 30th, told everyone that all this happened exactly as written. This was accomplished by the Lord and is wondrous in our sight. Therefore, to the Supreme King be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Book II Chapter II

EXAMPLE OF JAMES WRITTEN BY SAINT BEDE, PRIEST AND DOCTOR

Of the man whose sin was erased by divine decree on the altar of Santiago.

When the blessed Theodomir, Bishop of Compostela, vested in his episcopal robes, approached the altar mid-morning that same day to celebrate Mass, he found the penitent's note under the altar cloth and asked why or by whom it had been placed there. The penitent immediately appeared and, after tearfully recounting his misdeed and the command of his parish priest, for which he had come to kneel before him, the holy bishop opened the note, as if it had never been written, finding nothing in it. A wondrous thing, a source of great joy, praise and glory to God and the Apostle, which should be perpetually sung. This was accomplished by the Lord and is wondrous in our sight. The holy bishop, believing that the man had obtained God's forgiveness through the merits of the Apostle, and not wishing to impose any penance for the forgiven sin, but only ordering him to fast on Fridays from then on, sent him back to his country absolved of all his sins. This signifies that whoever truly repents and, from distant lands, wholeheartedly seeks the Lord's forgiveness and the intercession of Saint James, which must be sought in Galicia, will undoubtedly have the mark of their sins erased forever. May our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever, be pleased to fulfill this. Amen.

Book II Chapter III

Miracle of Saint James, written by Pope Callixtus

Of the child whom the Apostle raised from the dead in the Montes de Oca.

In the year 1108 of the Incarnation of the Lord, in the lands of France, a certain man, as was the custom, took a wife lawfully, hoping for offspring. But having lived with her for a long time, his hope was dashed because of his sins. Deeply grieved by this, because he lacked a natural heir, he resolved to go to Saint James and ask him aloud for a son. What else could he do? Without delay, he went to his tomb. And standing there in his presence, weeping, shedding tears, and beseeching him with all his heart, he obtained what he had invoked from the Apostle of God. Thus, as was the custom, he returned to his homeland safe and sound. After resting for three days and having prayed, he married his wife. And she, pregnant by this union, when the months were completed, bore him a son, whom he joyfully named after the Apostle.

After he had grown up, around the age of fifteen, he set out on the pilgrimage to the holy Apostle with his father, mother, and several relatives. Having arrived safely at the mountains called Oca, he was struck there by a grave illness and breathed his last. His parents, driven mad by his death, filled the entire mountain and the surrounding villages with their cries and wails, as if possessed. But his mother, bursting into even greater grief, as if she had already lost her mind, addressed these words to James: "Blessed James, to whom the Lord granted such power to give me a son, return him to me now. Return him to me, I say, because you can; for if you do not, I will kill myself at once or have myself buried alive with him." Then, when everyone was present, performing the funeral rites for the child and carrying him to his burial, through God's mercy and at the supplication of the blessed James, he awoke as from a deep sleep.

At such a great miracle, all those present praised God, rejoicing exceedingly. Then the child, brought back to life, began to tell everyone how Saint James received his soul, which had left his body from mid-morning on Friday until mid-afternoon on Saturday, into his bosom, that is, into eternal rest, and returned it to his body at the Lord's command. Lifting him from the tomb by the right arm, he instructed him to immediately take the Camino de Santiago with his parents to the tomb of Saint James. And what more? He offered himself at the venerable altar of the one through whose prayers he had been created. This was accomplished by the Lord and is wondrous in our eyes.

It is a new and unheard-of thing that one dead person should raise another dead person. Saint Martin, while still alive, and our Lord Jesus Christ raised three dead people; but James, though dead himself, brought one dead person back to life. Someone might object: If we read that our Lord and Saint Martin raised no one after death, but only three dead people beforehand, it follows, then, that one dead person cannot raise another dead person. But the living person who says this concludes thus: If one dead person cannot raise another dead person, it follows that the blessed James, who raised one dead person, certainly lives with God. And so it is evident that before and after death any saint, by the gift of God, can raise a dead person. Whoever believes in me, said the Lord, will do the works that I do, and will do greater works than these. And elsewhere: all things are possible for the believer, says the Lord, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

Book II Chapter IV

Miracle of Saint James, written by Pope Callixtus

Of the thirty Lorens and of the dead man whom the Apostle carried in one night from the ports of Cize to his monastery.

In the present miracle of the blessed James, son of Zebedee, apostle of Galicia, it is demonstrated that what Scripture testifies is true: It is better not to make a vow than to change your mind after making it. For it is said that thirty knights in the lands of Lorraine resolved, out of pious devotion, to visit the tomb of Saint James in the region of Galicia in the year 1080 of the Incarnation of the Lord. But as the human mind sometimes changes when much is promised, they gave each other their word of mutual support and made a common obligation to remain faithful. However, one of them did not wish to be bound by such an oath. Finally, having all undertaken the planned journey, they arrived safely at the city of Gascony called Porta Clusa. But there one of them fell ill and could walk in no way. His companions, by virtue of their vowed faith, carried him with great difficulty on horseback or with their own hands for fifteen days to the passes of Cize, when this journey is usually made in five days by those who are able.

Finally, tired and bored, postponing their agreed-upon faith, they abandoned the sick man. But only he who had not given his word proved loyalty and compassion by not abandoning him, and the following night he kept vigil beside him in the village of San Miguel at the foot of the aforementioned pass. In the morning, the sick man told his companion to try to climb the pass if he wished to benefit from his strength once healed. But he replied that he would never abandon him until death. Thus, having climbed together to the summit, the day ended, the blessed soul of the sick man departed this vain world and, through his merits, was placed in the rest of paradise, taken by Saint James. Seeing this, the living man, greatly frightened by the solitude of the place, the darkness of the night, the presence of the dead man, and the horror of the barbarous, impious Basque people who dwell near the passes, was filled with great fear.

Since he found no help in himself or in any other man, turning his thoughts to the Lord, he implored James for protection with a pleading heart. And the Lord, the fount of mercy, who does not abandon those who hope in Him, deigned to visit the destitute man through His Apostle. Indeed, James, as a soldier on horseback, appeared before him in the midst of his distress. And he said to him, “What are you doing here, brother?” “Lord,” he replied, “above all, I wish to bury this companion, but I have no means of burying him in this desert.” Then the Apostle replied, “Bring the dead man here to me, and you mount the horse behind me until we reach the place of burial.” And so it was done. The apostle diligently took the deceased in his arms before him and had the living man mount behind him. Marvelous power of God, marvelous mercy of Christ, marvelous help of James! Having traveled that night the distance of twelve days' journey, before sunrise, less than a mile from his cathedral on Monte del Gozo, the Apostle dismounted from his horse those he had brought and ordered the living man to invite the canons of said basilica to give burial to the pilgrim of Santiago.

Then he added: “When you have seen the funeral rites of your deceased duly performed, and after spending a night in complete prayer, as is customary, you will return to the city called León and meet your companions. And you will tell them: ‘Since you have acted disloyally toward your companion by abandoning him, the holy Apostle announces to you through me that your prayers and pilgrimage deeply displease him, and you will perform due penance.’” Upon hearing this, he finally understood that this was the Apostle of Christ and wanted to fall at his feet, but the soldier of God was no longer visible to him. Having thus accomplished all this, on his return he found his companions in the aforementioned city and told them exactly everything that had happened to him since his separation from them, and how many and how great the threats had been from the Apostle regarding their lack of fidelity to their companion. Having heard all this, they were more amazed than words can express and completed their pilgrimage. This was accomplished by the Lord and is admirable in our eyes. For these are things the Lord has done; let us rejoice and be glad in them. Indeed, this miracle demonstrates that everything offered to God should be done with joy, so that by making worthy vows we may obtain the Lord's forgiveness. May Jesus our Lord, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns as God forever and ever, deign to grant us this forgiveness. Amen.

Book II Chapter V

Miracle of Saint James, written by Pope Callixtus

Of the hanged pilgrim whom the holy Apostle saved from death, although he hung on the gallows for thirty-six days.  

In the year of Our Lord 1090, a group of German pilgrims on the Way of St. James arrived in the city of Toulouse, bringing with them abundant wealth. They stayed at the house of a rich man, who was as wicked as a wolf in sheep's clothing, pretending to be gentle. This rich man duly received the pilgrims, but, in the guise of a hospitaller, forced them to drink more wine than they wished. Oh, blind avarice! Oh, mean mind of the wicked man! Finally, as the pilgrims succumbed to the weight of their great weariness and their increased drinking, the cunning host, driven by the spirit of avarice, hid a silver cup in the satchel of one of the sleeping pilgrims, intending to accuse them of theft and, once they were tried, keep their great wealth for himself.

At cockcrow the next morning, the wicked host, with an armed band, pursued them, calling, "Give me back the money you stole from me!" When the pilgrims heard this, they replied, "You can condemn as you please anyone you find with any of your possessions."«

While searching the pilgrims' belongings, the rich man pointed out two of them—a man and his son—in whose bag he had found his cup, and brought them to justice. Unjustly, all their possessions were confiscated. The judge, however, moved by compassion, ordered that one of them be released and that the other suffer the death penalty. The father, longing for his son's freedom, designated the punishment for himself.

The son, on the other hand, said, «It is not right that a father should give himself up to death in place of his son; it is the son who should receive this punishment.» The son, therefore, according to his own wish, was hanged in exchange for the freedom of his beloved father; and the father, amid tears and lamentations, continued his journey to Compostela. Upon visiting the venerated apostolic altar, and after thirty-six days, the father returned from Compostela and made a detour to see the body of his son still hanging on the gallows.(1) He exclaimed amid sobs and pitiful lamentations, «Woe is me, son, would that I had never begotten you! Woe is me, that I have lived to see you hanged!»

How wonderful are your works, O Lord! The hanged son, comforting his father, said, «Do not weep, good father, for my sorrow; rather, give thanks, for it is sweeter to me now than it ever was in my former life. The most blessed James, holding me with his own hands, has sustained me with all gentleness.» When the father heard this, he ran to the city, calling the people to witness such a great miracle of God. The people, seeing that the one they had hanged so long ago was still alive, recognized that his accusation was due to the insatiable greed of the rich man and that the son had been saved by the grace of God.

This was accomplished by God and is miraculous in our sight. Then they took the son down from the gallows with great honor. But at once they hanged the wicked host, as he deserved, after having condemned him in a common trial. Therefore, those who call themselves Christians must be vigilant, lest they commit any such falsehood against their guests or their neighbors. Rather, they should strive to show compassion and charity to the pilgrim, so that they may merit the reward of the everlasting glory of Him who lives and reigns as God. World without end. Amen.

Book II Chapter VI

Miracle of Saint James, written by Pope Callixtus

From the Poitevin to whom the Apostle gave an angel in the form of a donkey as a helper.

In the year 1100 AD, in the principality of Count William of Poitou, under King Louis the Frank, a deadly plague struck the Poitou people, so devastating that sometimes entire families were carried to their graves. A certain knight, terrified by this mortality and wishing to escape this scourge, resolved to travel to Santiago de Compostela through Spain. With his wife and two children, mounted on his mare, he reached the city of Pamplona. But there his wife died, and his unjust host unjustly seized the resources the knight and his wife had brought with them. Devastated by her death and utterly deprived of his money and the mare on which he carried his children, he continued his journey with great difficulty, taking them by the hand. And, immersed in the greatest anguish and worry, he met on the road a man of honorable appearance leading a very strong donkey. This man, upon hearing how many and how great adversities had befallen him in his misfortune, said to him with compassion: "In view of your great anguish, I lend you this donkey of mine, which is very good for carrying your children to the city of Compostela, of which I am a neighbor, provided that you return it to me there.".

Having received the donkey and placed his children upon it, the pilgrim arrived at the tomb of Saint James. Finally, as he devoutly kept vigil at night in a secluded corner of the venerable basilica, the most glorious Apostle appeared to him in luminous robes and said simply, «Do you not recognize me, brother?» «Not at all,» he replied. «I am,» he answered, “the Apostle of Christ, who in the lands of Pamplona lent you my donkey in your time of distress. Now, therefore, I lend it to you again until you return home, and your wicked Pamplonan host, for having unjustly deprived you of what was yours, will fall from his seat and suffer misfortune; "I announce this to you, and also that all unjust innkeepers along my path, who wickedly keep the goods of their guests, living or dead, which should be given to the churches and the needy for the repose of the souls of the departed, will be condemned forever." And so, as the pilgrim, bending down, sought to embrace the feet of the one who spoke to him, the most reverend Apostle vanished from his human sight.

Then that pilgrim, overjoyed by the vision of the Apostle and so comforted by it, left the city of Compostela at dawn with the donkey and his children. Upon arriving in Pamplona, he found that his innkeeper had died, his neck broken, having fallen from his seat in his house, just as the Apostle had foretold. Having happily arrived in his homeland and helped the children down from the donkey at his doorstep, the animal vanished from his sight. Many who heard him recount this were more amazed than words can express and remarked that it was either a real donkey or an angel in the form of one, whom the Lord often sends to those who fear Him to help them. This was done by the Lord, and it is wondrous in our eyes. Thus, this miracle clearly demonstrates that all malicious innkeepers condemn themselves to eternal death by unjustly keeping the goods and giving alms to the churches and the poor of Christ for the dead. May He deign to remove all guilt and condemnation from all believers through the merits of James. Jesus Christ our Lord, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns as God forever and ever. Amen.

Book II Chapter VII

Miracle of Saint James, written by Pope Callixtus

 From the Frisian sailor, whom the Apostle brought out of the depths of the sea, dressed in his helmet and shield.

In the year 1101 of the Incarnation of the Lord, when a certain sailor named Frisonus was sailing across the sea with a ship laden with pilgrims bound for the Lord's tomb in Jerusalem, desiring to go there to pray, a certain Saracen named Avitus Maimon came against him and attacked him, intending to take all the pilgrims captive to the land of Moab. And when the two ships, the Saracen's and the Christians', clashed, and a fierce fight broke out, Frisonus, clad in iron armor, helmet, and shield, fell between them to the bottom of the sea. But, strengthened by the mercy of God, he began to invoke Saint James in his heart, saying: "Great and most glorious Saint James, apostle more pious than words can describe, whose altar I once kissed with my unworthy mouth, deign to deliver me and all these Christians entrusted to you.".

At once the holy Apostle appeared to him in the depths of the sea and, taking him by the hand, led him back to the ship safe and sound. Moreover, as everyone heard, the Apostle said to the Saracen: «If you do not leave that little ship of Christians, I will hand you over with your galley in his power.» And Avitus replied: «Tell me, illustrious knight, why do you oppose my people?» But the Apostle replied: «I am not the God of the sea, but a servant of the God of the sea, who helps those who call upon me in danger, both at sea and on land, according to God’s will.” And immediately, by the power of God and the help of Saint James, the strong ship of the Saracens began to be endangered in the midst of a storm, and the ship of the Christians, under the divine guidance of Saint James, reached the desired port; And Frisiono, having visited the Lord's tomb, went to Santiago de Galicia in the same year. This was accomplished by the Lord and is admirable in our sight. Honor and glory to the King of kings, Jesus Christ our Lord, forever and ever. Amen.

Book II Chapter VIII

Miracle of Saint James, written by Pope Callixtus

Of the bishop who, saved from the danger of the sea, composed a responsory to Saint James.

In the year 1102 of the Incarnation of the Lord, when a certain prelate was returning from Jerusalem, sitting on the ship by the side, singing with his open psaltery, a strong wave came from the sea and swept him and some other passengers away. And when they were almost sixty cubits from the ship, floating on the wave, they called out to Saint James, and the holy Apostle appeared to them at once. And standing with his feet flat on the waters of the sea, beside them as they cried out in danger, he said to them: «Do not be afraid, my children.» And at once he commanded the sea to return to the ship those whom it had unjustly taken from it, and the sailors, calling from afar, called out to stop the ship. And so it happened. The sailors stopped the ship, and the sea, thanks to the intervention of Saint James, returned to it all those it had so cruelly assaulted, completely dry and with the codex still open where the priest was reading, and the Apostle disappeared instantly. This was done by the Lord and is wondrous in our eyes.

Then that venerable prelate of the Lord, escaping the perils of the sea through the intercession of Saint James, went to the most glorious Apostle in the lands of Galicia, and in his honor recited this responsory, singing joyfully in the first key of musical art: «O ever-present helper, honor of the apostles, splendor of the Galicians, defender of pilgrims, Saint James, supplanter of vices, free us from the chains of sin and lead us to the port of salvation.» And he said thus in one verse: »You who help those who cry out to you in danger, both at sea and on land, succor us now and in danger of death.« And he repeated again: »Lead us to the port of salvation.” May Jesus Christ our Lord, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns as God forever and ever, deign to grant us this. Amen.

Book II Chapter IX

Miracle of Saint James, written by Pope Callixtus

Of the soldier of Tabaria to whom the Apostle gave power to defeat the Turks and freed him from illness and the danger of the sea.

In the year 1103 of the Incarnation of the Lord, a certain illustrious knight of French lineage, renowned in Tabaria, in the lands of Jerusalem, vowed to go to the tomb of the Apostle James if the latter would grant him the strength to conquer and destroy the Turks in war. And the Apostle bestowed such power upon him by divine grace that he vanquished all the Saracens who fought alongside him. But, as all men are said to be false, the knight forgot what he had promised the Apostle; for which reason he deservedly fell deathly ill. Thus, when his illness prevented him from speaking, James appeared to his squire in ecstasy, telling him that if his master fulfilled what the Apostle had promised, he would be immediately cured. Upon hearing this from his squire, the knight immediately signaled to the priests present to give him the pilgrim's staff and the blessed satchel. Having received this, he escaped the illness that dominated him and immediately set out on the journey to Santiago, once he was provided with what was necessary.

Having already embarked, a terrible storm came and endangered the ship, so much so that the waves of the sea were breaking upon it, and all the passengers were drowned. Immediately, all the pilgrims, crying out with one voice, "Saint James, help us," promised to go to his tomb, and others offered to give a coin each for the construction of his basilica. And having immediately collected these coins, the knight was at once confronted by the holy Apostle in human form on the ship, and in their anguish said to them, "Do not be afraid, my children, for here I am, whom you call upon. Have faith in Christ, and salvation will come to you now and forevermore." And immediately he himself lowered the sail ropes, dropped anchor, calmed the ship, and commanded the storm, and the sea being calmed at once, he disappeared. He had such a pleasing and distinguished appearance, such as none of them believed they had ever seen before or since. This was accomplished by the Lord and is admirable in our sight. Then, after a smooth voyage, the ship reached its desired port in Apulia, carrying the pilgrims to the Basilica of St. James in Galicia, and deposited the collected money into the saint's treasury for the work of his church. Honor and glory to the King of Kings forever and ever. Amen.

Book II Chapter X

Miracle of Saint James, written by Pope Callixtus

Of the pilgrim who fell into the sea, whom the Apostle, holding him by the neck, carried to the port for three days.

In the year 1104 of the Lord's Incarnation, a pilgrim returning from Jerusalem, while sitting on the ship's side to relieve himself, fell into the depths of the sea. He cried out for the help of Saint James, and another companion threw his shield into the water from the ship, saying, "May the most glorious Apostle James, whose help you invoke, come to your aid." Having retrieved the shield and been miraculously guided by the Apostle, swimming through the waters of the sea for three days and three nights, and following the ship's course, he arrived unharmed with the others at the desired port and told everyone how Saint James, from the moment he invoked him, had gone before him, continually supporting him by the nape of the neck. This was accomplished by the Lord and is wondrous in our sight. Honor and glory to the King of kings forever and ever. Amen.

Book II Chapter XI

Miracle of Saint James, written by Pope Callixtus

From Bernardo, whom the Apostle miraculously rescued from prison.

In the year 1105 of the Incarnation of the Lord, a man named Bernard was captured by his enemies in the castle of Corzano, in Italy, in the diocese of Modena. He was bound in chains and thrown into the depths of a tower. Day and night, he cried out for the help of Saint James, and the most glorious Apostle of Christ appeared to him and said, "Come and follow me to Galicia." His chains were broken, and he disappeared. Immediately, that pilgrim, with the chains still around his neck, climbed to the top of the tower without human assistance, but with the help of Saint James. And what more? From the top of the tower, he leaped down to the ground, and what was most remarkable was that he escaped death and fell safely from such a height. This was accomplished by the Lord and is wondrous in our eyes. Honor and glory to the King of Kings forever and ever. Amen.

Book II Chapter XII

Miracle of Saint James, written by Pope Callixtus

Of the knight whom the Apostle freed from an illness by the touch of a shell.

In the year 1106 AD, a certain gentleman in Apulia suffered a throat that swelled like a wineskin filled with air. Finding no remedy in any physician, he trusted in the Apostle Saint James and said that if he could find one of the scallop shells carried by pilgrims returning from Santiago and touch his ailing throat with it, he would find immediate relief. A neighboring pilgrim found him at home, touched his throat, and he was healed. He then went to the Apostle's tomb in Galicia. This was accomplished by the Lord and is wondrous in our eyes. Honor and glory to the Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.

Book II Chapter XIII

Miracle of Saint James, written by Pope Callixtus

Of the knight Dalmatius, whom the Apostle justified thanks to his pilgrim Raimberto.

In the year 1135, a certain knight of the Dauphiné named Dalmatius of Chavannes unjustly struck his tenant, Raimbert, on the cheek with his fist during a dispute with him. Raimbert, while being struck by the knight, cried out: "God and Saint James, help me!" And divine vengeance worked at once, and the knight, having writhed and even broken his arm, lay as if lifeless on the ground. Absolved by the priests, he begged forgiveness, saying: "Raimbert, a pilgrim of Saint James, at Raimbert's plea, was restored to his former health by the work of divine mercy." This was accomplished by the Lord and is wondrous in our sight. Honor and glory to the King of kings forever and ever. Amen.

Book II Chapter XIV

Miracle of Saint James, written by Pope Callixtus

The businessman whom the Apostle freed from prison.

In the year 1107 of the Incarnation of the Lord, a certain merchant, wishing to travel to a fair with his wares, approached the lord of the region he intended to visit. This lord, who happened to be in the city where the merchant lived, begged him to take him to the fair and bring him safely home. The lord, agreeing to his request, promised to do so and gave him his word of honor. Trusting in the word of such a distinguished man, the merchant set off with his goods to the land where the fair was being held. But as soon as the lord who had promised to keep him and his belongings safe saw them, instigated by the devil, he seized the merchant and his possessions and locked him in a prison, tightly bound.

But this man recalled countless miracles of Saint James, which he had heard many about, and called upon him for help, saying: “Saint James, deliver me from this prison, and I promise to give myself to you with all my possessions.” Saint James, having heard his groans and supplications, appeared to him one night in prison, while the guards were still awake, and commanded him to rise and led him to the top of a tower. The tower tilted so much that its summit touched the ground. And stepping away from it without injury or harm, the merchant walked free of his bonds. The guards came near him in pursuit, and not finding him, they turned back in confusion. But the chains with which he had been bound he took with him to the basilica of the holy Apostle Saint James, and to this day, as testimony of such a great deed, they hang before the altar of the most glorious Saint James. For this, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Book II Chapter XV

Miracle of Saint James, written by Pope Callixtus

Of the knight whom the holy Apostle saved in the war, his companions already dead or prisoners.

 In the year 1110, knights from two Italian cities, enemies of each other, engaged in combat. One side was defeated by the other, turned its back, and fled in disarray. But a certain knight among them, who was accustomed to visiting the tomb of Saint James, seeing as he fled that some of his fellow fugitives were captured and some killed, and doubting his own survival, began to call upon Saint James for help, his voice almost fading, but with deep groans. And at last, he said in a loud voice: "Saint James, if you deign to deliver me from the danger that threatens me, I will hasten to your sanctuary without delay, and on my horse, for I have nothing else I value, I will present myself to you.".

Having made his supplication, the most glorious Saint James, who does not refuse those who ask with a pure heart, but rather comes to their aid at once, appeared between him and the enemies who, pursuing him with even greater insistence, longed to overtake him, once all the others had been killed by the sword or captured. He delivered him, along the six leagues they pursued him, with the protection of his shield. And so that this miracle might not be attributed more to the strength of the horse than to the glory of Saint James, as is often done by those who hate good and attack the Church, and to dispel any objection from them, it was revealed that the horse was not worth twenty sous. The knight, so as not to remain indebted to his promise, rode his horse to the presence of the holy Apostle, and to fully fulfill what he had promised, despite the opposition of the guards, he presented himself before the doors of the altar. And with joy at this miracle, clergy and laity, going to church as was their custom, gave thanks to God with hymns and psalms. This was done by the Lord, and it is wondrous in our sight. To the same Lord be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Book II Chapter XVI

Miracle of Saint James, written by Pope Callixtus

Of the knight whom, in the throes of death, oppressed by demons, the Apostle freed by means of a beggar's staff and a little woman's sack.

Three knights from the diocese of Lyon and the town of Donzy vowed to visit the Apostle James in Galicia to pray and set out on their pilgrimage. Along the way, they encountered a woman carrying her necessities in a small sack. Seeing the knights, she begged them to take pity on her and carry her bundle on their mounts, for the love of the holy Apostle, thus easing her burden of the long journey. One of them, granting the pilgrim's request, picked up her bag and carried it away. Then, as night fell, the woman, following the knights, would take what she needed from the bundle and, at first cockcrow, return the sack to the knight, and thus, relieved of her burden, she continued her journey with greater joy. In this way, the knight, performing a service for the woman out of love for the Apostle, hastened toward the desired place of prayer.

But when they were twelve days' journey from the city of Santiago, he encountered a poor, sick man on the road, who begged him to lend him his horse so he could ride and reach Santiago. Otherwise, he would die on the way, as he could not walk. The knight agreed, dismounted, and helped the beggar onto his horse. He took the beggar's staff in his hand and carried the woman's bundle over his shoulder. But as they traveled on, overwhelmed by the excessive heat of the sun and the weariness of the long journey, he began to feel ill. Feeling this way, and considering how much he had failed in many things and on many occasions, he equably endured the hardship for the love of the Apostle, walking on foot to his tomb. There, after praying to him and finding lodging, he lay down with the ailment he had contracted on the road, and for some days his illness continued to worsen. And seeing this, the other knights, his companions, approached him and recommended that he confess his sins and try to ask for what is important to a Christian and hasten to prepare for his end.

Upon hearing this, he turned his face away and could not answer. And so he remained silent for three days, which greatly distressed his companions, firstly because they despaired of his salvation, and even more so because they could do nothing to save his soul. But one day, when they thought he was about to breathe his last, as they sat around him awaiting his death, he sighed deeply and began to speak, saying: “I give thanks to God and to Saint James, my Lord, for I have been set free.” And when those present asked what he meant, he added: “Since I felt my illness worsening, I began to think quietly to myself of confessing my sins, receiving the holy unction, and strengthening myself by receiving the Body of the Lord. But while I was silently contemplating this, a multitude of dark spirits suddenly came upon me and overpowered me to the point that from that moment on I could not indicate, either in words or by signs, what pertained to my salvation. I understood what you were saying, but I could in no way answer.” Well, the demons that had come, some squeezed my tongue, others closed my eyes, and some also turned my head and body this way and that at their whim, even though I didn't want them to.

But just before I began to speak, Saint James came in, carrying in his left hand the bundle I had taken from the woman on the road, and in his right, the beggar's staff I had brought with me while he was riding my horse on the very day the illness struck me. He used the staff as a lance and the bundle as a shield. Coming immediately toward me, as if indignant and furious, he tried to raise the staff and strike the demons who held me captive. But they fled in terror, and, pursuing them, he drove them out through that corner. And now, by the grace of God and Saint James, freed from them who oppressed and tormented me, I can speak. But send quickly for a priest to give me the viaticum of Holy Communion, for I am not permitted to remain in this life any longer.

And as they had sent, while waiting for him to arrive, he publicly advised one of his companions, saying: “Friend, do not serve your master Grinio Calvo any longer, whom you have followed thus far, for he is truly condemned and will soon die a cruel death.” And that this was indeed true proved the reality of the events. For after that pilgrim rested in a good death and was laid to rest, his companions having returned and recounted what had happened, the aforementioned Girino, called Calvo, who was a rich man, took their account for a dream and did not repent of his wickedness in any way. And not many days later it happened that, while killing a knight by attacking him with his weapons, he himself appeared to be pierced by the knight's lance. Therefore, be honor and glory to the King of kings, Our Lord Jesus Christ, forever and ever. Amen.

Book II Chapter XVII

Miracle of Saint James, written by Pope Callixtus

Of the pilgrim who, for love of the Apostle, killed himself at the instigation of the devil, and James, with the help of the holy mother of God, Mary, brought him back from death to life.

Near the city of Lyon there is a village where a certain young man named Giraldo lived, trained in the trade of furrier, who lived by the fair work of his hands and supported his mother, his father having already died.

He passionately loved Saint James, whose tomb he visited every year to make his offering. He had no wife, but lived a chaste life with his elderly mother. However, after some time of abstinence, finally overcome by carnal desires, he fornicated with a young woman. The following morning, his pilgrimage already arranged, he set out for Santiago de Compostela with two of his neighbors, taking a donkey with him. On their way, they encountered a beggar also traveling to Santiago, whom they took along for company and, even more so, out of love for the Apostle, providing him with food.

Thus they journeyed together, happy, for several days. But the devil, envious of their peaceful and pleasant company, secretly approached the young man who had committed fornication in his homeland, disguised as a fairly respectable human, and said to him, "Do you know who I am?" "No," he replied. And the devil added, "I am the Apostle James, whom you have long visited and honored every year with your offerings. You should know that I was very pleased with you, for I certainly expected great things from you. But recently, before leaving your home, you committed fornication with a woman, and since then you have neither repented nor confessed it. And so you set out on your journey with your sin, as if your pilgrimage were pleasing to God and to me. This is not how it should be. For whoever wishes to make a pilgrimage for my love must first confess their sins in a humble confession and then do penance for them by making the pilgrimage. And whoever acts otherwise will have their pilgrimage frowned upon."«

Having said this, he vanished from the young man's sight. The young man began to grieve over what he had heard and resolved to return home, confess to his priest, and then go back the way he came. But while he was thinking this to himself, the devil appeared in the same form as before and said to him: "What are you thinking, going back home and doing penance so that you can return to me more worthily? Do you believe that such a great sin can be erased by your fasting or your tears? You are very wrong. Believe my advice and you will be saved. For otherwise you cannot be saved.".

Even though you have sinned, I still love you, and that is why I have come to you, to give you advice that may save you if you believe me.» To this the pilgrim replied: «I thought so, as you say; but since you claim it will not help me to be saved, tell me what you will so that I may be saved, and I will gladly do it.» And he added: «If you wish to cleanse yourself completely of your guilt, cut off at once the parts of your genitals with which you sinned.» Terrified by this advice, the young man said: «If I do what you advise, I will not be able to live. And I will be a suicide, which I have often heard is condemned before God.»

Then the demon replied, laughing: «Oh fool, how little you know of what can benefit your salvation. If you were to die in this way, you would surely pass to me, for by punishing your sin you would become a martyr. Oh, if only I were wise enough not to hesitate to kill yourself, I would come at once with a multitude of my companions and gladly receive your soul to remain with me. I,» he added, “am the Apostle James who takes care of you; do as I have said if you wish to come and join me and find a remedy for your sin.” Having said this, the simple pilgrim was encouraged to carry out the deed, and at night, while his companions slept, he took out a knife and cut off his genitals. Then, turning his hand, he raised the knife and, pressing it against its point, pierced his abdomen.

As blood flowed freely and he made a noise as he struggled, his companions awoke and called to him, asking what was wrong. When he gave them no answer, for he was dying and breathing his last, they hurriedly got up in dismay, lit lamps, and found their comrade half-dead and unable to respond.

Astonished by this, and at the same time greatly frightened that they might be blamed for his death if they were found in the same place the next morning, they fled, leaving him lying in his own blood, along with the donkey and the poor man they had been feeding. In the morning, when the family awoke and found the dead man, not knowing for certain who was responsible, they called the neighbors and carried him to the church for burial. They laid him at the door while they prepared the grave, for he was still bleeding. But before long, the dead man revived and sat up on the funeral bier. Seeing this, those present fled in terror, screaming.

At the cries, alarmed people rushed forward, asking what was happening, and heard that a dead man had returned to life. Having approached him and begun to speak to him, he recounted before everyone, in clear and concise language, what had happened to him, saying: «I, whom you see resurrected from the dead, loved Saint James from childhood and was accustomed to serving him as much as I could. But now that I had decided to go to his tomb, having arrived at this place, the devil came and deceived me, saying that I was Saint James—and he explained everything publicly in the order in which it has been said, and added: After I took my own life and my soul was expelled from my body, the same evil spirit that had deceived me came to me, bringing with him a great horde of demons. And instantly they snatched me away without mercy, and weeping and crying out in pitiful voices, they took me to the torments.”.

On their journey, they headed towards Rome. But when we reached a forest situated between the city and the town called Labicano (3), James, who had been following us, came flying up and seizing the demons, said: Where do you come from and where are you going? And they answered: Hey, James, in truth, nothing here concerns you. For he believed us so much that he killed himself. We persuaded him, we deceived him, he doesn't belong to us. But he replied: You answer nothing to what I ask you, but you boast and rejoice in having deceived a Christian. But you will have a bad reward, for he is one of my pilgrims whose possession you boast of. At least you will not take him with impunity. And James seemed to me young and of a graceful appearance, thin and with a dark complexion, commonly called swarthy.

Thus, compelled by him, we arrived in Rome, where, beside the church of Saint Peter the Apostle, there was a green and spacious place in the open air, to which an innumerable multitude of saints had come for an assembly. It was presided over by the venerable Lord, Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, and many illustrious dignitaries were seated to her right and left. I began to contemplate her with a deeply moved heart, for never in my life had I seen such a beautiful creature.

She was not tall, but of medium height, with a most beautiful face, a delightful appearance. The holy Apostle, my most pious advocate, immediately appeared before her and, in front of everyone, proclaimed how I had been overcome by Satan's deceit. And she, turning at once to the demons, said: "Ah, wretched ones, what did you seek in a pilgrim of my Lord and Son and of Saint James, his faithful follower? Your punishment could suffice without needing to increase it through your wickedness.".

After speaking, the Blessed Virgin turned her eyes mercifully toward me. Then, overcome by great fear, the demons, upon hearing that all those presiding over the assembly had acted unjustly against the Apostle by deceiving me, commanded that my body be restored. Taking me, then, James immediately returned me to this place. In this way, I died and was resurrected.» Hearing this, the inhabitants of the place rejoiced greatly and immediately took him to their homes and kept him with them for three days, making him known and pointing him out as the one in whom God had worked such an unusual and wondrous thing through the intercession of James. For his wounds healed without delay, leaving only scars in their place. And on his genitals, flesh grew like a wart, from which he urinated.

When the days that the inhabitants of that place had kept him there for joy were over, they prepared his donkey, and with his companion, the poor man he had picked up along the way, he resumed his journey. But when he was nearing the tomb of Saint James, lo and behold, the companions he had left behind, who were already returning, met him.

And when they saw the two men leading the donkey from afar, they said to one another, «Those men look just like the companions we left behind, one dead and the other alive. And the animal they are leading is no different, as far as we can see, from the one that stayed with them.” But when they drew near and recognized each other, they were overjoyed to learn what had happened. And having returned to their land, they told everything that had occurred.

But the resurrected man, after returning from Santiago, confirmed what his companions had already recounted. For he spread the word everywhere, as has been explained, showing his scars and even revealing the most secret place to many who so desired. The most reverend Hugh, holy abbot of Cluny, saw this man and all the signs of his death, along with many others, and affirmed that he frequently saw him with awe, as has been related. And we, for the love of the Apostle, so that the memory might not be erased, entrust it to writing, ordering all to celebrate with worthy services in every church the feast of this great miracle and of the other miracles of Saint James on the third of October. Therefore, to the King of kings, who deigned to perform such great deeds for his beloved Saint James, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Book II Chapter XVIII

Miracle of Saint James, written by Pope Callixtus

Of the Count of San Gil, to whom the Apostle opened the iron doors of his oratory.

Recently, a Count of San Gil, named Poncio, came to Santiago on pilgrimage with his brother. Having entered the church and being unable to enter the oratory where the Apostle's body lies, they begged the sacristan to open it so they could say their night prayers before the tomb. But seeing that their pleas had been unsuccessful, for it was customary for the doors of the oratory to be closed from sunset until dawn, they sadly withdrew to their lodgings. Upon arriving there, they summoned all the pilgrims present to join them. Once they were all present, the Count told them that he wished to enter the tomb of Saint James if they would accompany him with the same intention and if he himself might deign to open it for them.

They unanimously and willingly agreed, prepared torches for the vigil, and as night fell, nearly two hundred of them entered the church with their torches lit. Arriving before the oratory of the holy Apostle, they pleaded with him in a loud voice: “Most glorious James, apostle of God, if it pleases you that we have come to you on pilgrimage, open your oratory to us so that we may keep our vigil before you.” And a wondrous thing happened! They had not finished speaking when the doors of the oratory crashed with such a loud noise that all those present thought they had been shattered.

But upon examination, it was seen that the bolts, locks, and chains with which they were closed had been broken and torn away. And so the doors, opened by an invisible force and not by human hand, offered access to the pilgrims. They entered with great joy and rejoiced all the more at this miracle, for it more clearly demonstrated that the holy Apostle, soldier of the most invincible Emperor, was indeed alive, as they saw him so readily answer their request. And here one can consider how readily a pious supplication is granted by one who so graciously acquiesced to this one of his servants. Therefore, may your mercy help us, most gracious Apostle of God, James, so that we may be freed from the deceptions of Satan in the course of this present life and dedicate ourselves to the good desire of our heavenly homeland, so that with your help we may attain it through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns as God forever and ever. Amen.

Book II Chapter XIX

Miracle of Saint James, written by Pope Callixtus

Of Stephen, a Greek bishop, to whom the holy Apostle appeared and revealed unknown future things.

All who dwell in Compostela, both clergy and laity, know that a man named Stephen, endowed with divine virtues, having resigned his bishopric and dignity for the love of Saint James, came from the lands of Greece to the tomb of this apostle. For he renounced the allurements of this world so that he might devote himself to divine precepts. Refusing, therefore, to return to his homeland, he approached the guardians of the temple where the most precious treasure, the honor of Spain, that is, the body of Saint James, is kept, and prostrating himself at their feet, he begged them that, for the most precious love of the Apostle, for whom he had postponed the pleasures of this world and earthly delights, they grant him within the church a hidden place where he might assiduously devote himself to prayer. And not showing him contempt, even though he wore a humble habit and did not look like a bishop, but a poor pilgrim, but on the contrary, consenting to his just request, they prepared for him a small cell, a hut built of reeds inside the basilica of the holy Apostle, from where he could see the altar in front: and there, with fasting, vigils, and prayers day and night, he led a celibate and most holy life.

One day, as he was absorbed in prayer as usual, a group of villagers who had come to a special feast of the most precious Saint James stood before the altar next to the holy man's cell and began to pray to the Apostle of God with these words: "Saint James, good knight, deliver us from present and future evils." And the holy man of God, displeased that the villagers called the Apostle a knight, rebuked them, saying: "Foolish villagers, senseless people! You should call Saint James a fisherman, not a knight." And he remembered that at the Lord's call he had followed Him, leaving his trade as a fisherman, and that he had been made a fisher of men. But on the night of the very day the holy man had remembered this about Saint James, the saint himself appeared to him, dressed in purest white robes and wearing armor that outshone the sun, like a perfect knight, and holding two keys in his hand. And having called him three times, he spoke thus: – Stephen, servant of God, who commanded that I should not be called a knight, but a fisherman; therefore I appear to you in this form so that you may no longer doubt that I serve God and am his champion, and in the fight against the Saracens I precede the Christians and emerge victorious for them.

I have obtained from the Lord the privilege of being protector and helper of all who love me and invoke me with all their heart in every danger. And so that you may believe this more firmly, with these keys that I hold in my hand, I will open tomorrow at nine o'clock the gates of the city of Coimbra, which has been besieged for seven years by Ferdinand, King of the Christians, and by bringing them into it, I will return it to their power. Having said this, he vanished before their eyes.

The next day, after Matins, he summoned the most reputable members of both the clergy and the laity and told them exactly what he had seen with his own eyes and heard with his own ears. Its truth was later demonstrated by ample evidence; they recorded the day and hour, the veracity of which was confirmed by the messengers sent by the king after the city's capture, who affirmed that it had indeed been taken on that date and at that hour. Once the truth was known, the aforementioned servant of God, Stephen, affirmed that James granted victory to all who invoked him in the army and recommended that all who strive for truth should invoke him. For his part, in order to become worthy of James's patronage, he spent the rest of his life there in the service of God; and finally, in the basilica of the holy Apostle, he received an honorable burial. Therefore, to the supreme King be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Book II Chapter XX

Miracle of Saint James, written by Pope Callixtus

Of William, a captive knight whom a count struck with his sword on the bare neck and could not wound.

After a long time had passed, and when in our time the glorious Saint James, through his many miracles, shone throughout the world in every direction, it happened that a fierce dispute arose between the Counts of Fuente Calcaria and one of their vassal knights named William. William rode out resolutely to fight the Count, and both, with their soldiers, met and engaged in combat. But when the knight's troops failed, he turned his sword and, taken prisoner, was brought before the Count. And when the Count ordered that he be beheaded, the knight cried out in a loud voice: "Saint James, help me and deliver me from the executioner's sword!" And three times he endured the blow to his bowed neck, raising his hands to heaven, without any wound appearing.

The executioner, unable to wound him with the edge of his sword, aimed the point at his belly to pierce him. But Saint James so blunted it that he didn't even feel its impact. Amazed by these events, the count and all his companions ordered that he be buried alive, bound, in a castle. But at dawn the next day, amidst his groans, he invoked Saint James, and behold, the Apostle himself appeared before him and said: "Here I am, whom you called." The house was then filled with fragrance and brilliant light, so much so that all the soldiers and others present felt as if they were in the bliss of paradise. And in the midst of such radiance, Saint James preceded him, leading him by the hand, in the presence of all, and the guards having been left as if blind, the knight reached the back gate of the castle. Once it was opened, they continued together for a mile beyond the walls. Thus it happened that this gentleman, instantly inflamed with love for Saint James, came to visit his body and church on the day of his Translation and recounted exactly everything as we have said. This was accomplished by the Lord and is admirable in our sight. Therefore, to the supreme King be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Book II Chapter XXI

Miracle of Saint James, written by Pope Callixtus

Of the crippled man, to whom the holy Apostle appeared in his basilica and immediately restored him to a healthy state

 In our times, a certain distinguished man of Burgundy named Guibert, who from the age of fourteen had been so crippled that he could not take a step, journeyed to Santiago de Compostela on his two horses with his wife and servants. Having lodged in the hospital of the Apostle himself, near the church, since he did not wish to stay elsewhere, he was advised in a dream to remain in prayer there until James would stretch out his crippled limbs. He spent two nights keeping vigil in the basilica of the Apostle, and while he was praying on the third night, James appeared and, taking him by the hand, helped him to his feet. And when asked who he was, he replied: "I am James, apostle of God." Then the man, restored to his health, kept vigil in the church for thirteen days and told this story to everyone with his own mouth. This was accomplished by the Lord and is wondrous in our sight. Therefore, to the supreme King be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Book II Chapter XXII

Miracle of Saint James, written by Pope Callixtus

Of the man who was sold thirteen times and freed as many times by the Apostle.

In the year 1100 AD, it is said that a certain citizen of Barcelona came on pilgrimage to the Basilica of Saint James in Galicia. Having asked only the Apostle to deliver him from the captivity of his enemies, should he happen to fall into it, he returned home and traveled to Sicily on business, where he was captured at sea by Saracens. What more happened? He was bought and sold thirteen times at fairs and markets. But those who bought him could not keep him captive, for Saint James broke his chains and bonds. The first time he was sold in Corociana, the second in the city of Iazera in Slavonia, the third in Blasia, the fourth in Turcoplia, the fifth in Persia, the sixth in India, the seventh in Ethiopia, the eighth in Alexandria, the ninth in Africa, the tenth in Barbary, the eleventh in Bizerte, the twelfth in Bougie, the thirteenth in the city of Almería, where, having been tied up by a Saracen with two chains around his legs, when he cried out for the help of Saint James, the saint himself appeared to him, saying: “Because when in my basilica you only asked me for the release of your body and not the salvation of your soul, you have fallen into these dangers. But since the Lord has taken pity on you, he has sent me to free you from these chains.”.

The chains were instantly broken, and the holy Apostle vanished from their sight. Then that man, freed from captivity, began his return to Christian lands, passing through the cities and castles of the Saracens openly, carrying in his hands a piece of chain as proof of such a sublime miracle. And when any infidel came to meet him and tried to seize him, he showed him the piece of chain, and the enemy fled at once. Even packs of lions, bears, leopards, and dragons tried to attack him as he crossed deserted fields, but seeing the chain that the Apostle had touched, they turned away from him. I myself found this man, between Estella and Logroño, when he was returning to the shrine of Saint James, carrying the chain in his hands and with his feet bare and skinned, and he told me all these things. In this example, then, we must understand those who ask the Lord for saints, wives, earthly happiness, honors, wealth, the death of enemies, or other similar things, which only benefit the body and not the salvation of the soul. If one may ask for what is necessary for the body, one should ask even more for the life of the soul, that is, for virtues such as faith, hope, charity, chastity, patience, temperance, hospitality, generosity, humility, obedience, peace, perseverance, and others like them, so that with them the soul may be crowned in the heavenly mansions. May He, whose kingdom and dominion endure without end, deign to grant us this, world without end. Amen.