Le bienheureux Sadoc et ses compagnons dominicains.
Égliset des dominicains de Sandomierz en Pologne
Bienheureux Sadoc et ses compagnons
Martyrs
en Pologne (✝ 1259)
Sadoc était
peut-être originaire d'Hongrie et amené à l'ordre des dominicains par saint Dominique qui l'aurait envoyé en Hongrie avec un groupe de
missionnaires dominicains puis il serait allé en Pologne où il fonda une maison
dominicaine à Sadomir en 1260 et en fut le prieur. La ville fut pillée par les
mongols qui l'envahirent et Sadoc et plusieurs autres frères furent assassinés
chantant le Salve Regina. Culte confirmé par Pie VII en 1807.
Commémoraison des bienheureux martyrs Sadoc, prêtre, et ses
quarante-huit compagnons, de l’Ordre des Prêcheurs, qui, dit-on, furent
massacrés par les Tartares à Sandomir sur la Vistule, en Pologne, l’an 1259,
alors qu’ils chantaient le Salve Regina.
Martyrologe
romain
Sadoc et ses Compagnons
Martyrs,
Saints
† 1260
Cette notice n’est pas à proprement parler une biographie,
même succincte, du bienheureux Sadoc, religieux dominicain des tout premiers
débuts de cet Ordre. A notre époque de diffusion vertigineuse de l’Islam, il
est bon que les Chrétiens sachent ce qui pourrait les attendre de la part de
ces peuplades païennes qui n’ont cessé depuis des siècles de combattre
vainement les rangs chrétiens de toutes régions.
Ce que ne savent pas ces peuplades, en revanche, c’est
que tous ces martyrs sont en réalité la source de nombreux fidèles qui viennent
ainsi renforcer les rangs de l’Eglise pour évangéliser avec une vigueur
nouvelle les hommes qui ne connaissent pas encore Jésus-Christ, notre Sauveur.
Sanguis Martyrum semen Christianorum : le
Sang des Martyrs est une semence de Chrétiens.
Sadoc, donc, était un des premiers compagnons de saint Dominique qui, au chapitre général de l’ordre, tenu à Bologne en 1221, le désigna pour aller prêcher en Hongrie. Il était peut-être lui-même hongrois.
Sadoc, donc, était un des premiers compagnons de saint Dominique qui, au chapitre général de l’ordre, tenu à Bologne en 1221, le désigna pour aller prêcher en Hongrie. Il était peut-être lui-même hongrois.
A son arrivée dans ce pays, il vit, la nuit, une foule
de démons qui lui criaient avec rage : “Tu viens ici pour nous chasser !” Et
comme Sadoc avait pour tout bataillon trois novices fort jeunes : “C’est avec
ces gamins que tu nous rosses !”
Il passa plusieurs années en Hongrie, puis fut placé à
la tête du couvent fondé depuis peu par saint Hyacinthe1 à Sandomierz, ville du palatinat de Kielce, entre Cracovie
et Varsovie, au sud-est de la Pologne. Au moment de l’invasion des Tartares,
Sadoc est prieur de quarante-huit religieux. La veille de l’irruption des
Tartares, le lecteur du Martyrologe annonça : “A Sandomierz, la passion de
quarante-neuf martyrs.” Ces mots étaient calligraphiés en lettres d’or sur ce
livre par une main inconnue.
Les frères prêcheurs se préparèrent à mourir. Les
Tartares envahirent leur couvent le soir; c’était l’heure paisible où, à la fin
du chant de l’office, les moines élèvent une ultime salutation à Notre Dame, le
Salve Regina.
Tandis qu’on les égorgeait, les frères chantaient le
Salve Regina. Ils chantèrent véritablement jusqu’à leur dernier souffle.
Les envahisseurs avaient déjà sévi dans cette région de
Sandomierz vingt ans auparavant ; leurs forces étaient certainement nombreuses
et victorieuses, mais la vraie victoire était celle des fidèles religieux qui
sont maintenant dans la gloire de Dieu.
Le pape Alexandre IV autorisa immédiatement le culte de
ces martyrs pour Sandomierz, lequel culte fut étendu à tout l’ordre dominicain
au XIXe siècle.
Le Martyrologe les commémore le 2 juin.
1 fêté
le 15 août.
Blessed Sadoc and
Companions MM (AC)
Died 1260; second feast day on May 5. Saint Dominic's dreams of converting the
Tartars found realization in his sons. Missionaries did, in fact, go to the
North during his lifetime, and many more were sent out by Blessed Jordan of Saxony.
The more settled tribes of Poland and Hungary readily accepted the Gospel, and
the North was not long in blooming with Dominican convents. But, in the 13th
century, the restless millions of the East were riding down upon the fertile
plains of Central Europe. Wild Tartar tribes soon destroyed what had been done
for their more peaceful relatives, and scarcely a missionary survived to preach
his message of peace to them.
Paul of Hungary and his
band of 90 died as martyrs, probably in 1241. They were popularly honored as
saints early. Soon to follow was the group headed by Blessed Sadoc, which had
its headquarters at Sandomir, Poland. So tragic was the early history of the
Dominicans in Poland that, even in that martyred country, it is remembered:
Polish Dominicans today wear a red cincture to recall the martyred hundreds who
shed their blood that Poland might receive the light of faith.
Blessed Sadoc was a student
at the University of Bologna when he met Saint Dominic and was received into
the order. Being a Slav himself, he was eager to go to the North to preach the
word of God. This he was given a chance to do when he and Paul of Hungary were
placed in charge of the northern mission band.
Sadoc soon accumulated a
number of eager young students and novices, and proceeded to Poland with them.
On his first night in the mission field, the devil appeared to Sadoc and
reproached him for disturbing his work: "And with such children as
these," he said bitterly, pointing to the young novices. With such as
these, Sadoc did make havoc with the kingdom of evil: He won many souls to God,
and, in the monastery of Sandomir which he founded, Sadoc soon had the
satisfaction of seeing a large community working for the glory of God.
In 1260, the Tartars made a
fresh invasion into Poland and attacked Sandomir. Blessed Sadoc and his
community had assembled for midnight Matins when they received warning of their
approaching death. A novice reading the martyrology for the following day, was
amazed to see, lettered in gold across the pages of the martyrology, the words:
"At Sandomir, the passion of 49 martyrs." On investigation, it was
discovered that it was not merely a novice's mistake, but an actual warning
that they understood came from heaven.
They spent the day in
preparation for death. During the singing of the "Salve Regina,"
after Compline, the Tartars broke into the church and the slaughter began. One
novice, terrified at the thought of death, fled to the choir loft to hide, but,
hearing his brothers singing, he realized that they were going off to heaven
without him, and he returned to the choir to die with the others.
From this martyrdom came
the custom of singing the "Salve Regina" at the deathbed of a
Dominican--priest, sister, or brother. It is fitting that a life dedicated to
God and Our Lady should end thus, with the battle-cry "Hail, Holy
Queen!" echoing up from this valley of tears to be joined by the voices of
Dominicans in heaven, who can now see forever the clement, loving, and sweet
Virgin Mary (Benedictines, Dorcy).
Blessed Sadoc &
Companions, MM.O.P.
Memorial Day: June 2nd
Profile
Saint Dominic's dreams of converting the Tartars
found realization in his sons. Missionaries did, in fact, go to the North
during his lifetime, and many more were sent out by Blessed Jordan of Saxony.
The more settles tribes of Poland and Hungary readily accepted the Gospel, and
the North was not long in blooming with Dominican convents. But, in the
thirteenth century, the restless millions of the East were riding down upon the
fertile plains of Central Europe. Wild Tartar tribes soon destroyed what has
been done for their more peaceful relatives, and scarcely a missionary survived
to preach his message of peace to them.
Paul of Hungary and his band of ninety died as
martyrs, probably in 1241. They were popularly honored as saints from earliest
times. Soon to follow was the group headed by Blessed Sadoc, which had its
headquarters at Sandomir, in Poland. So tragic was the early history of the
Dominicans in Poland that, even in that martyred country, it is remembered.
Polish Dominicans today wear a red cincture to recall the martyred hundreds who
shed their blood that Poland might receive the light of truth.
Blessed Sadoc was a student at the university of
Bologna when he met Saint Dominic and was received unto the Order. Being
himself a Slav, he was eager to go to the North to preach the word of God. This
he was given a chance to do when he and Paul of Hungary were given charge of
the northern mission band. He soon accumulated a number of eager young students
and novices, and proceeded to Poland with them. On his first night in the
mission field, so say the old chronicles, the devil appeared to Sadoc and
reproached him for disturbing his works: "And with such children as
these," he said bitterly, pointing to the young novices. With such as
these, Sadoc did make havoc with the kingdom of evil: he won many souls to God,
and, in Sandomir, he soon had the satisfaction of seeing a large community
working for the glory of God.
In 1260, the Tartars made a fresh invasion into
Poland and attacked Sandomir. Blessed Sadoc and his community had assembled for
midnight Matins when they received warning of their approaching deaths. A novice,
reading the martyrology for the following day, was amazed to see, lettered in
gold across the pages of the martyrology, the words: " At Sandomir, the
passion of forty-nine martyrs." On investigation, it was discovered that
it was not merely a novice's mistake, but an actual warning which they
understood to be from heaven.
They spent the day in preparation for death. During
the singing of the "Salve Regina," after Compline, the Tarttars broke
into the church and the slaughter began. One novice, terrified at the thought
of death, fled to the choir loft to hide, but hearing his brothers singing, he
realized that they were going off to heaven without him, and he returned to the
choir to die with the others.
From this martyrdom came the customs of singing the
"Salve Regina" at the deathbed of a Dominican-priest, sister, or
brother. It is fitting that a life dedicated to God and Our Lady should end
thus, with the battle cry "HAIL HOLY QUEEN!" echoing up from this
valley of tears to be joined by the voices of Dominicans in heaven, who can now
see forever the clement, loving, and sweet Virgin Mary.
Born: Various years within the Thirteenth century
Died: died 1260
Beatified: Their cult was confirmed in
1807 by Pope Pius VI
Prayers/Commemorations
First Vespers:
Ant. The souls of the Saints who followed in the footsteps of Christ
rejoice in heaven: and because for love of Him they poured out their blood,
therefore shall they reign forever with Christ.
V. Pray for us, Blessed Sadoc with thy companions.
R. That we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.
Lauds:
Ant. These are the Saints, who for love of God despised the threats of
men: the holy Martyrs triumph with the angels in the kingdom of heaven. O how
precious is the death of the Saints, who constantly assist before the Lord and
are not separated one from another!
V. Wonderful is God
R. In His Saints
Second Vespers:
Ant. God will wipe every tear from the eyes of the Saints: and mourning
there will be no more, neither weeping nor any sorrow because the former things
have passed away.
V. Pray for us, Blessed Sadoc with thy companions.
R. That we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.
Prayer
Let us Pray: May the clement and loving
Virgin Mary, Thy Mother, O Lord Jesus, show Thee unto us after this our exile,
she whom Blessed Sadoc and his companions, unceasingly hailing amidst the
hostile, assaults of infidels, merited from Thee the longed-for palm of
martyrdom. Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
Pascal Time
First Vespers:
Ant. Come, O daughters of Jerusalem, and behold a Martyr with a
crown wherewith the Lord crowned him on the day of solemnity and rejoicing,
alleluia, alleluia
V. Pray for us, Blessed Sadoc with thy companions, alleluia
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ, alleluia.
Lauds:
Ant. Perpetual light will shine upon Thy Saints, O Lord, alleluia, and
an eternity of ages, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia
V. The just man shall blossom like the lily, alleluia.
R. And shall flourish forever before the Lord, alleluia
Second Vespers:
Ant. In the city of the Lord the music of the Saints incessantly
resounds: there the angels and archangels sing a canticle before the throne of
God, alleluia.
V. Pray for us, Blessed Sadoc with thy companions, alleluia
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. alleluia
Prayer
Let us Pray: May the clement and loving
Virgin Mary, Thy Mother, O Lord Jesus, show Thee unto us after this our exile,
she whom Blessed Sadoc and his companions, unceasingly hailing amidst the
hostile, assaults of infidels, merited from Thee the longed-for palm of
martyrdom. Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
SOURCE : http://www.willingshepherds.org/Dominican%20Saints%20May.html#Sadoc
Companions
Beato Sadoc e 48 compagni
Martiri domenicani
† Sandomierz, Polonia, 2 giugno 1260
Nel
Capitolo Generale del 1221, il Santo Patriarca Domenico inviò in Ungheria il
Beato Paolo, per fondarvi quella Provincia, dandogli quattro compagni, uno dei
quali fu Sadoc. Una notte Sadoc udì i lugubri ululati del demonio che prevedeva
quante anime gli avrebbero strappate quei nuovi apostoli, i quali, a quel grido
d’inferno, si sentirono animati da più generoso ardore. Dopo aver percorsa
l’Ungheria predicando e fondando Conventi, Sadoc fu chiamato a reggere quello
di Sandomierz, in Polonia, sua patria. Nel 1260 la città fu invasa dai Tartari.
Una notte i padri, dopo aver cantato Mattutino, si disposero ad ascoltare il
Martirologio. Un novizio lesse a voce alta: “Sandomiriae Passio quadraginta
novem Martyrum”. Un trepido stupore si dipinge su tutti i volti: Sadoc, il
santo Priore, compreso l’avviso celeste, preparò i fratelli al sacrificio. Alla
sera di quel giorno, dopo Compieta, i frati, mentre cantavano la Salve Regina,
furono assaliti dai Tartari e trucidati. Uno solo era fuggito spaventato, ma
sentendo i compagni terminare in cielo il canto incominciato in terra,
commosso, tornò in chiesa per ricevere la stessa palma. Di questo avvenimento
glorioso ha avuto origine la bellissima consuetudine di cantare la Salve Regina
al letto dell’agonia degli appartenenti all’Ordine Domenicano, per chiedere a
Maria che mostri loro finalmente il frutto del suo seno, Gesù. Papa Pio VII il
18 ottobre 1807 ha permesso il loro culto, già ampiamente diffuso. Infatti, dal
1295, se ne celebrava la memoria nella locale chiesa di Santa Maria.
Martirologio
Romano: A Sandomierz sulla Vistola in Polonia, beati Sadoc, sacerdote, e
compagni dell’Ordine dei Predicatori, martiri, che, come si tramanda, furono
uccisi dai Tartari, mentre cantavano l’antifona ‘Salve Regina’, salutando così
in punto di morte la Madre della Vita.
Esistono
tuttora delle perplessita da parte degli storici circa l’identificazione del
Beato Sadoc. Molti lo ritengono ungherese anziché polacco, presumibilmente uno
dei novanta martiri domenicani in Ungheria che per mano dei Tartari “furono
uccisi o con la spada o trafitti da frecce o trapassati da lancia; altri
volarono al Cielo bruciati”, come asseriscono le “Vitae Fratrum”. In esse è
citato fra Sadoc, in seguito priore a Zagabria, inviato da San Domenico in
Ungheria dopo il secondo capitolo generale dell’ordine del 1221 insieme a fra
Paolo ed altri tre confratelli, tacendo però circa le sue presunte origini
polacche ed il suo martirio. Il Taegio nel “De insigniis” include tra i martiri
della provincia ungherese anche il piore Sadoc, messo a morte con altri
quarantotto frati: “Frater Sadoc, vir devotus et sanctus, quum in prenominatis
provinciis Christi fidem verbo et exemplo predicaret, cum quadraginta octo
fratribus cum martyrii palma celos gloriosus ascendit”.
Il Loenertz asserisce che forse si tratterebbe del medesimo personaggio cui
talvolta vengono associati ben 93 o 94 compagni di martirio. L’Alberti invece
conferma i numeri forniti nel “De insigniis”. Bisogna notare come né il Taegio,
né l’Alberti considerino Sadoc polacco, ma solo nel 1556 il catalogo di
Ususmaris censisce “Sadoc Polonus”. Il Loenertz non sa spiegarsi ciò ed
ipotizza che alcuni autori abbiano arbitrariamente messi in rapporto Sadoc ed i
suoi compagni con i martiri domenicani di Sandomierz in Polonia. Le antiche
fonti relative a questi ultimi ignorano i loro nomi ed il loro numero.
A smentire tali perplessità concorrono, però, non solo l’ininterrotta
tradizione domenicana, ma anche l’indulgenza che Papa Alessandro IV concesse a
tutti coloro che il 2 giugno di ogni anno avessero visitato la chiesa
domenicana di Sandomierz, nonché l’indulgenza plenaria che Bonifacio VIII nel
1295 accordò per la festa di questi martiri celebrata in Roma presso la chiesa
di Santa Maria “ad Martyres”. Inoltre nel 1959 l’antropologo Sarama intraprese
degli scavisotto il convento di San Giacomo a Sandomierz, rinvenendo così
parecchi scheletri, alcuni dei quali riportanti evidenti tracce di armi
taglienti e frammenti di giavellotti. Il regime comunista polacco interruppe
però la sua opera. Infine è doveroso sottolineare come sia ambigua
l’interpretazione del termine Ungheria utilizzato nelle “Vitae Fratrum” nel
1260, anno del martirio di Sadoc e compagni. A quel tempo l’Ungheria non era il
piccolo staterello di oggi, ma comprendeva anche alcune zone limitrofe, poi
passate alle vicine nazioni, e ciò potrebbe spiegare la non corcondanza fra le
varie indicazioni geografiche.
La tradizione dell’Ordine Domenicano vuole che durante l’invasione tartara del
1259-60 Sadoc fosse priore del convento domenicano di Sandomierz e, la vigilia
dell’espugnazione della città, il novizio addetto alla lettura del martirologio
avrebbe esclamato fra lo stupore generale: “Sandomiriae, passio quadraginta
novem martyrum”. Così avvenne: l’indomani, 2 giugno 1260, i Tartari irruppero
nella chiesa di San Giacomo per sterminare Sadoc ed i suoi confratelli, intenti
a cantare la Salve Regina. Proprio parafrasando tale antifona maria l’orazione
liturgica nella festa dei martiri recita infatti: “Ti mostri a noi, Signore
Gesù, dopo questo esilio la clemente e misericordiosa Vergine Maria, tua Madre,
che il beato Sadoc e i suoi compagni non cessarono d’invocare mentre
l’aggressione dei nemici meritava loro la sospirata palma del martirio”. Da ciò
nacque l’uso per i domenicani di cantare la Salve Regina al capezzale dei frati
moribondi.
Papa Pio VII il 18 ottobre 1807 confermò il culto che da tempo immemorabile era
tributato a questi gloriosi martiri.
Ecco l’elenco completo dei 48 presunti compagni di martirio del Beato Sadoc:
- Paolo, vicario
- Malachia, predicatore del convento
- Andrea, elemosiniere
- Pietro, custode dell’orto
- Giacomo, maestro dei novizi
- Abele, sindaco
- Simone, penitenziere
- Clemente
- Barnaba
- Elia
- Bartolomeo
- Luca
- Matteo
- Giovanni
- Filippo
i diaconi:
- Gioacchino
- Giuseppe
- Stefano
i suddiaconi:
- Taddeo,
- Mosè
- Abramo
- Basilio
i chierici:
- David
- Aronne
- Benedetto
- Onofrio
- Dominico
- Michele
- Mattia
- Mauro
- Timoteo
i professi studenti:
- Gordiano
- Feliciano
- Marco
- Giovanni
- Gervasio
- Cristoforo
- Donato
- Medardo
- Valentino
i novizi:
- Daniele
- Tobia
- Macario
- Raffaele
- Isaia
i frati conversi:
- Cirillo, sarto
- Geremia, calzolaio
- Tommaso, organista
Autore: Fabio
Arduino
