Course 3, Chapter 41

Christianity preserved and propagated, — Founding of the Cellite Friars and the Order of St Bridget — Fourteenth Century,

"Q- What do you remark on the fourteenth century? A. I remark that the war of hell against the church

322 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

was both violent and obstinate. A schism of forty years, and heresies afflicted the church, which God defended and consoled by new religious orders, saints, martyrs, and the conversion of new nations.

1. What were some of the religious orders of the fourteenth century?

The first was the order of the Cellites, that is, brothers of (he tomb, or burying brothers; whose duty it was to nurse the sick, dress the dead, give them burial, and recite for them each day the office of the dead.

2. What particular vow did they make?

Besides the three usual religious vows, they made a vow never to desert the couch of pestilence: thus proving the charity and holiness of the true church; for heretics have never done any thing of the kind.

3. What is the order of St. Bridget?

The order of St. Bridget was established to drawdown upon the Christian world the special protection of the Blessed Virgin, and secure her all-powerful aid against heresy. It was founded by St. Bridget, princess of Sweden, whose revelations may piously be believed.

4. Who were the other defenders of the church?

The other defenders of the church during the fourteenth century were the great saints, whom God raised up to prove by the splendor of their virtues the holiness of the Catholic Church; among others, was St. Elzear, and St. Delphina his wife.

5. Who was St. Elzear?

St. Elzear was count of Arian. Pious, modest, amiable in conversation; truly brave in war; he was a father to the poor and to domestics. St. IXlphina imitated the good example of her husband, and they lived thus perfectly united, and in the practice of every virtue.