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ANNOTATIONS

About 28 miles from Naples, on the way to Puglia and not far from Avellino, there is a mountain of remarkable height. It is connected to the base of the Apennines but is entirely separate in its other parts. At the summit, eight miles up, there is a church dedicated to the Virgin, which gives the mountain its name Monte Vergine. She is kindly present to those who call upon her. Religious men live there who trace their institution to a certain William of Vercelli Saint William, founder of the Williamites, a man of exceptional holiness. They have served God there for over two hundred years under the rule of Saint Augustine, wearing white garments. Just as they boast many convents in the Kingdom, they have also flourished with many men distinguished by their character and holiness of life. Among these, Iudocus Judoc Palmerio must be counted in a prominent place. He shone with virtues while he held the highest office of his religious order.

Near Naples, about twenty-eight miles away, on the road to Puglia and not far from Avellino, a very high mountain is found. It touches the Apennines only at its roots; otherwise, it is separate, with a climb of about eight miles. At the top of it, there is a monastery and a church of the Blessed Virgin, from whom the mountain takes its name. Many graces are granted there by that blessed Mother. Here live friars established more than two hundred years ago by William of Vercelli, a most holy man. Dressed in white, they live under the rule of St. Augustine. They have many convents in the kingdom, and have also had many notable men of goodness and holiness of life. Among these was this Judoc, who was General of that Order, and a father of most honorable quality and virtue.

EXPLANATIONS

After the gates were opened according to the custom of the ancestors for the celebration of the sacred Jubilee of the year of salvation 1550, Julius III began it and closed it as the year turned. He did not live many years after the solemnity. He had as his successor Marcellus II, who is called the Cervus Stag because of his lineage from the Cervini family. Since this family lived in Montepulciano Mount Politian, mention is likewise made of a mountain. Because of the sins of men, he was quickly removed from human affairs, having served in his office for only twenty-two days.

Sixtus V suddenly bore a Lion on his insignia, and not without merit. For like another Lion he pursued those who felt wrongly about the Catholic faith. He firmly and boldly suppressed, punished, and entirely eliminated the outrages of assassins and the crimes of wicked men. Therefore, the places under his jurisdiction, which were previously miserably agitated by the boldness of prowling villains, achieved safety and security. He was a rigid protector of justice and a most severe avenger of those who harassed others. By the name of the stella crinita crested or hairy star which he holds in that same insignia, and which is said to be eclipsed, he suggests he would bear cares and anxieties of no small importance. During his reign, France, Poland, and Germany were agitated by significant hardships. The flooding of the Tiber and a shortage of grain brought grave destruction to the City Rome. Indeed, I have seen letters written by him while he lived as a young man among his Friars Minor, in which he signed himself Felix Crinitus Felix the Crested and not Perrettus Peretti. Why then should he not be hinted at under the name of a star?

Without falsehood, the Cardinals can be called Doves, since they are the foremost members of the Church, which Solomon calls a Dove. From these, this new pastor was raised to the Pontifical office...