1. Cambridge University Press © Peta Goldburg 2015 Chapter 3 Christian Spiritual Writings and Wisdom Chapter Summary

2. Cambridge University Press © Peta Goldburg 2015 Summary In addition to the scriptures, Christianity draws upon a rich and varied library of texts written by people who are considered role models or saints. Known as Spiritual Writings, these texts are the personal reflections of the individual’s search to understand God and the message of the scriptures in their own lives.

3. Cambridge University Press © Peta Goldburg 2015 Summary Three major reformers of the Church are Catherine of Siena, Claire of Assisi and Thomas Aquinas. Catherine lived in Sienna, Italy in the 1300s. Against the wishes of her parents, who wanted her to marry, she devoted her early life to serving the poor as a member of the Mantellate order of laywomen.

4. Cambridge University Press © Peta Goldburg 2015 Summary Catherine was a devout person who spent many hours fasting and in prayer. People would seek her opinion and spiritual advice. Her skills in mediation were called upon when some states in Italy were going to war with the Papal states. She is well known for mediating between the city of Florence and the Pope.

5. Cambridge University Press © Peta Goldburg 2015 Summary Catherine is best known for her writings. In 1970, she was declared a Doctor of the Church and in is one of only three women to share this title. Her writings include The Dialogue (an extensive work on the Providence of God) over 400 letters, and prayers.

6. Cambridge University Press © Peta Goldburg 2015 Summary Claire of Assisi lived in the 1200s in Italy. When she was 18, she listened to Francis of Assisi preach and was deeply affected. She left behind her family and life of privilege to follow Francis. Along with her sister Agnes, she established a community of women known as the ‘Poor Ladies’ in San Damiano.

7. Cambridge University Press © Peta Goldburg 2015 Summary They lived an austere life, wearing simple clothing with no shoes, fasting and abstaining from meat, and spending most of the day in silence. Claire had a deep devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, and religious iconography throughout time often depicts her praying in front of a monstrance. After her death, the order was renamed the Order of St Claire, also commonly known as the Poor Claire Sisters.

8. Cambridge University Press © Peta Goldburg 2015 Summary Letters are in existence from Claire that contain her distinct themes of feminine spirituality with a focus on living simply, with fasting and devotion to Christ.

9. Cambridge University Press © Peta Goldburg 2015 Summary Thomas Aquinas lived in the 1200s in Italy. To the surprise of his family, he decided to join the Dominican order of friars. His family were not happy with this decision and on his journey to join the friars, his brothers captured him and kept him imprisoned in the family castle for nearly two years. Eventually, with the help of his mother, he escaped and joined the Dominicans.

10. Cambridge University Press © Peta Goldburg 2015 Summary He studied in Paris and Cologne and was awarded a Doctor of Theology. He spent the rest of his life in prayer, study and writing. His famous work is titled the Summa Theologicia, his attempt to present the findings of scholasticism. Thomas Aquinas’ writings are still influential in Catholic theology and philosophy today.

11. Cambridge University Press © Peta Goldburg 2015 Activities 1.Catherine of Sienna is considered one of three women to be given the title Doctor of the Church. Conduct some research to find out the names of the two women who also share this title. 2.Using the prayers from St Catherine of Sienna in the chapter, write your own prayer calling for peace.

12. Cambridge University Press © Peta Goldburg 2015 Revision Quiz 1. Catherine of Sienna joined a group of women known as the Mantellate. What was different about this order of women? They were not an enclosed order, but lived at home serving the poor and needy. 2. Name two cities that were prevented from going to war through the intervention of Catherine of Sienna? Pisa and Lucca

13. Cambridge University Press © Peta Goldburg 2015 Revision Quiz 3. Name the three types of writing, considered Italian classics, that were composed by Catherine of Sienna. The Dialogue, letters and prayers 4. Catherine of Sienna was given which title for her dedication to the Church? Doctor of the Church

14. Cambridge University Press © Peta Goldburg 2015 Revision Quiz 5. Which male saint had a strong impact on the life of Claire of Assisi? St Francis of Assisi 6. What was Claire’s order of women originally called? Poor Ladies 7. List three components of living that were unique to Claire’s community. Simple clothing, no shoes, fasting, not eating meat, simple living in a poor house, devotion to prayer, periods of silence

15. Cambridge University Press © Peta Goldburg 2015 Revision Quiz 8. How did Claire prevent an army of men invading her convent? She was carried to the wall of the convent and knelt in prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament, asking God to protect the sisters. 9. How did one of Thomas Aquinas’ teachers describe him as a young scholar? ‘… in his teaching he will one day produce such a bellowing that it will be heard throughout the world’ 10. What is the famous work by Thomas Aquinas that is influential to Catholic philosophy and theology? Summa Theologicia

16. Cambridge University Press © Peta Goldburg 2015 Assignment St Claire of Assisi started an order of nuns to help serve the poor of her area. Other women and men have also founded religious orders to serve God and those in need. Many Catholic schools and hospitals find their origins with religious orders who saw a need in the community and did something about it. Conduct some research to discover the names of the religious orders in your local community. Choosing one and write a report on this religious order’s history in your area, noting the following: Who founded the order? When did they arrive in your community? What did the found? Consider the impact of this religious order on the community and what their legacy is for the future.