> From: Frank Morgret [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
>
> Was the practice Duffy describes common on the continent as well as in
> England? If so, where may I read more concerning it as practiced in late
> medieval Germany?
>
I don't know about the Continent or England, but promising to do
something for a saint--or God--in exchange for a favor was the normal mode
of interaction with saints in Ireland from the beginning (in fact, it seems
to be a carry-over from folk interaction with the pre-Christian deities).
It's still common practice among the "faithful" in Ireland and among those
of Irish descent in the States. For example, a couple of weeks ago, my
mother promised "God" she would do a certain thing if her favor were
granted. What she wanted came to pass and she duly completed the promised
devotion the following day.
Francine Nicholson
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