Notable Chronicle of the Hirsau Abbey of the Order of Saint Benedict

THE CHRONICLE OF JOHANNES TRITEMIUS.

A 3

Once everything necessary for the journey was prepared, Bishop Notting chose the most faithful members of his household to accompany him on such a long pilgrimage. He placed the small bundle containing the holy relics of Aurelius upon a pack animal. Accompanied by the best guide for the journey, he set out upon the intended way.
Notting sets out for Germany.

He entered Germany safely and reached his fatherland after several days. He was received with great joy by his family. Both through his letters while he was away and his words and actions now that he was present, he demonstrated to his father and all the inhabitants of the land what a great treasure he was bringing to the region. However, there was no nearby place already consecrated with a blessing that was worthy of such a noble guest. They did not want such venerable relics to remain among sinful men for more than three days. Therefore, they began to consult together to decide where they should prepare a dwelling for this confessor a title for a saint who lived a holy life and suffered for the faith without being martyred of Christ. At that time, not far from the castle of Count Erlafrid, there was a chapel consecrated in honor of Saint Nazarius. This chapel gave its name to the
The Chapel of Saint Nazarius the Martyr.

mountain where it stood, a name it keeps to this day. It pleased everyone involved in the council to place the body of the holy father Aurelius there until a more suitable location could be provided. Early the next morning, Bishop Notting rose with his household. His father, Erlafrid, and his brother Ermefrid (the bishop’s other brother) joined him.
Bishop Notting of Vercelli. Erlafrid. Ermefrid, the brother of the bishop.

Many others from among the nobility and common people were also present, for the Count had gathered them to honor such important guests. After arranging the necessary things for the reverence of the saint, they began to carry the holy body along the slope of the mountain toward the aforementioned chapel of Saint Nazarius. When they came to the place where the monastery of Saint Aurelius is built today, a certain blind man appeared in the middle of the crowd.
A blind man is healed in the presence of the people.

Meeting the holy relics, he began to cry out in a loud voice, saying: "Give me sight, most holy servant of God Aurelius, through your prayers, just as you promised." The Bishop said to him: "Where did Saint Aurelius promise that he would give you sight?" The man replied: "Lord, last night while I was sleeping in my mental distress, this saint appeared to me. He said, 'Tomorrow you shall receive your sight in the name of Jesus Christ.' I asked, 'Lord, who are you?' He said, 'I am Aurelius the bishop, a new
Aurelius appeared to the blind man.

guest in Germany, whom the son of your lord Count Erlafrid has recently brought here.'" After saying this, the man cried out again: "Saint Aurelius, help me so that I may see you!" Immediately his eyes were opened, and he saw perfectly. Everyone who was there saw this unusual miracle and glorified God, saying: "Praise be to you, Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God." Each person said to the neighbor at his side: "Oh, how great is this saint, who is even able to give sight to the blind!"
Notting the bishop then said to his father Erlafrid: "Father, Saint Aurelius has chosen this place for his home."
The relics are placed in the chapel.

They quickly ascended the mountain. The bishop offered the sacrifice of our redemption the celebration of the Mass or Eucharist and placed the holy relics in the prepared spot. A few days later, Bishop Notting explained a vow to his father Erlafrid and his brother Ermefrid. He had conceived this plan in his mind some time ago at the urging of Saint Aurelius in a dream. He advised, prayed, and urged them, for the love of Almighty God, to build a monastery for the servants of God in honor of Saint Peter, the prince of the Apostles, and Saint Aurelius the bishop. He wanted it built in the place where the blind man had been healed. He promised that he would not fail to help this business with all his strength. He persuaded them easily, not only with his encouragements, but especially because they had seen the miracle. The father was a devout man who feared God and served the poor. He had long ago preferred heavenly things over earthly ones. Therefore, he did not hesitate. He promised the bishop without delay that he, along with his son Ermefrid, would do everything. Thus, after Bishop Notting returned to his church in Vercelli...
Notting returns to Vercelli.