PART I Ch. 13: A Light in the Darkness

Historical Context Fall of Rome – AD 476 Easily fell when pagan tribes invaded “died of its own weight”  Decaying morals “Soft lifestyle” lead to an undisciplined society which could not withstand the invasion  bankrupt economy  could no longer support large military borders

The Dark Ages AD 500 – 1,000 “The Dark Ages” Tribal living produced chaos and bloodshed What was lost?  Organized government  No more education for math, science, reading, writing  No culture – visual and fine arts  Knowledge of Agriculture – did not know how to farm the land  No longer safe to travel (Roman soldiers used to patrol/guard the roads built by Rome).  All communication between Roman providences shut down

The Church responds No government structure or leadership Bishops acted as governors – protected the innocent, negotiated with tribes Monks preserved the culture and the faith Preserved all ancient and sacred writings, including the BIBLE Monks educated and evangelized the invading tribes  Christianity spread throughout Europe

A Beacon of Light Church brought God’s Word and the peace of Jesus Christ! Protected innocent people Preached the Gospel to invaders Built a new society Dispelled the fear

The Light of Missionaries Pope St. Gregory the Great AD Organized Rome – tremendous Church leader! Lead by Gospel values – helped poor, promoted peace 900 of his letters to Catholics are preserved Reformed the liturgy -Gregorian Chant Sent monks to every land to evangelize Bible and ancient manuscripts hand-copied throughout the land by monks Taught people farming techniques

Western Monasteries St. Benedict Monte Cassino, Italy 520 Founded a way of life that brought stability Values of work and prayer Sent monks to establish Benedictine communities throughout Europe – to nomadic tribes SAVED WESTERN CIVILIZATION

Abbey of Monte Cassino The abbey was attacked During WW II The abbey as it appears today, in restored state

Conquering the world with virtue! Virtues were practiced by early Church and monks which preserved Christianity when it was under attack. How will you preserve the Church in the world today? Virtue:  A good spiritual habit  Deepen our relationship with Jesus  Lost if neglected  Must be practice

Theological Virtues Faith – We believe in one God, and the salvation through Jesus Christ Hope - we expect the coming of God’s kingdom and eternal life Charity – (love) – we love God above all else and love our neighbors as ourselves What prayer asks for grace to grow in these 3 virtues?

4 Cardinal Virtues “hinge” – all else depends on these! Prudence – in our decisions Justice – in our dealings with others Fortitude – strong in determination to do what is right Temperance – moderation in behavior, action, and material possessions

Homework: Look up the following bible passages and write them in your notebook for tomorrow’s class: Isaiah 40:11 Isaiah 41:10 Isaiah 49:6 Psalm 62:8 Pslam 100:5 Pslam 117:2

Giants of the Age Charlemagne (means “Charles the Great) Crowned emperor by the pope in 800 AD Many Europeans became Christian under his rule Made laws that supported the Church Established schools Protected the pope and the Church Developed “courts” – counties ruled by a bishop and a Royal agent

Negative effects of Charlemagne’s policies Differences between Church and state became unclear Church leaders became more involved in government Some clergy became rich and powerful and ruled like powerful kings Not acting as spiritual, servant leaders – WWJD?

Pope Gregory VII Tried to reform the Church/state relationship Told rulers that the pope – not king – should appoint bishops Wanted kings to see true authority of the Church comes from THE HOLY SPIRIT This struggle of power lasted over 300 years!

Holy Men and Women God’s providence – rises up spiritual leaders of every age. Cyril and Methodius:  Brother missionaries  Mission to Russia and Slavic nations.  Translated the Gospels into every Slavic language.

Holy Men and Women Augustine of Canterbury  A monk  Sent by Pope Gregory the Great to evangelize England.  Frightening journey; wanted to turn back  Continued (fortitude) and converted King Ethelbert  Stayed to help the people become strong Christians

Holy Men and Women Benedict – The Rule of St. Benedict included:  Prayer  Community Living  Fasting  Manual work (including farming)  Pope Gregory spread Benedictine Monasteries beyond the Alps  They became centers of prayer and learning  Cultivated the land

Holy Men and Women St. Boniface Name was Winifred; changed by Pope Gregory II Boniface = “one who does good.” Sent to Germany to preach Pagans were hostile; he risked his life and converted them Christmas Tree

Holy Women of the Church Many princesses who married kings became powerful spiritual leaders and had influence over their husbands Charity toward the poor and suffering Strived to live holy lives and encourage others to do the same – VIRTUOUS! Every member of the Church is called to be holy The Holy Spirit gives us the fruits of grace

Holy Women of the Church Margaret of Scotland  Converted her husband, the king  Studied the scriptures with other women  Gave food to the poor  Built hospitals

Holy Women of the Church Elizabeth of Hungary  Queen  Generous  Kind to her family

Holy Women of the Church Scholastica  Twin sister of Benedict  Founded a religious community for women  They prayed and studied scripture

The message is spread Education was lacking during the Dark Ages  Books were rare – no printing press yet  Books were hand copied and bound by hand  People could not read Catholic Teachings and the Gospel spread by:  Word of mouth (preaching)  Memorization of Scripture  Scriptures read at daily mass  Religious art – stained glass windows, sculptures, paintings