In the year 1220, Father Hyacinth, a young priest, ordained two years
earlier, and his elder brother, Ceslaus, likewise a priest, accompanied their
uncle, Ivo Odrowitz, to Rome. Bishop Odrowitz was to be consecrated
in Rome as Bishop of Crakow, Poland. With them on the journey were
Herman and Henry, two of the Bishop’s attendants. Upon arriving in Rome
they found the city to be buzzing with great excitement and joy.
A miracle, yes a miracle many cried out. A young man fell from his
horse and was pronounced dead. Father Dominic (later raised to sainthood),
the head of the Order of Dominican Friars, came and comforted the relatives
of the boy and they offered the sacrifice of the Mass. He then went and
prayed over the body of the deceased, made the sign of the cross and said
that in the name of Jesus Christ arise. The young man was restored to
life. Hyacinth met with Dominic and remained with Father Dominic in the
monastery and were personally trained by him for several months.
After several months of training Bishop Ivo came to the monastery
and indicated it was time to return to Poland. All now dressed in their white
habits and black cloaks began their journey back to Poland which was about
750 miles distant. Finally, the group crossed the border of Italy and entered
Southern Austria.
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