Lecture 18 The Church and Monasteries Dr. Ann T. Orlando 16 October

Introduction Review of Monasticism Cluny Monastic Reforms 2

Early European Monasticism 5 th C Patrick (and Brigid) establish Irish monasticism 6 th C Benedict (and Scholastica) founder of ‘Western’ monasticism By end of 7 th C fusion of Irish and Benedictine monasticism 3

Vital Social Role of Monasteries Agricultural advances Economic developments Medicinal (hospitals) Education Support for pilgrims ‘Democratic’ advancement 4

Benedictine Organization Once a monastery became ‘too’ large, another was established ‘Daughter’ monastery only loosely associated with ‘mother’ house All monasteries follow the Rule, but Rule leaves many decisions under local control of individual abbot and communities 5

Monasticism: Cluny Charter for Foundation of Cluny, 910 Return to Benedict’s Rule; especially reading of Divine Office But encouraged prayer and study over physical work Established a series of daughter monasteries under the direction of the abbot of Cluny While monks were poor, monasteries became wealthy Encouraged development of visual arts in service of religion Abbot Suger: ‘Man rises to God through beauty’ 6

Romanesque Art: 10, 11 th C Impact of Cluny Example: Vezelay (where Bernard preached 2 nd Crusade) rch/vezelay.html rch/vezelay.html 7

St. Peter Damian ( ) Entered a Cluniac Monastery near Gubbio, Italy Deeply concerned about sexual license among clergy and corruption of papacy Through tireless preaching and teaching brought about some reforms Close friends of Hildebrand (soon to be Pope Gregory VII) Doctor of Church 8

Monasticism: Anchorites Peter Damian suggested that a more hermetic life might be appropriate to get back to ‘the desert’ and spirituality Several new orders founded to encourage this, most famous Carthusians Founded by St. Bruno ( ) in 1084 Named for motherhouse in Chartreuse Each monk lives alone in silence following a new Rule written by St. Bruno 9

Monasticism: Citeaux Reform of Cluny: Cistercians Founded by Robert Molesme at Citeaux 1099 Return to strict adherence to Benedict’s Rule; work equal with prayer and study Each monastery independent; that is, each had its own abbot More severe artistic style Bernard of Clairvaux most famous Cistercian ( ) Modern day Trappists; Spencer, MA. 10SJS

Bernard of Clairvaux ( ) Established Cistercian monastery at Clairvaux Opposed Peter Abelard ( ): I must understand in order that I might believe Opposed Cluny-type monasticism as being too interested in worldly beauty and pleasure Preached the Second Crusade (1144) Wrote very length commentary on Song of Songs in which he refers to both Gregory of Nyssa and Origen; highly allegorical Special devotion to Mary Encouraged mysticism that moved away from physical; apophatic 11SJS

Mary subject of many homilies Author of famous Marian prayer REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen. St. Bernard’s Devotion to Mary

Assignments Charter of Cluny, /chart-cluny.html /chart-cluny.html 13