medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (12. December) is the feast day of:
Finian (Finnian) of Clonard (d. 549) Finian is called the "tutor of the
saints of Ireland." After founding his first three monasteries
(Rossacurra, Drumfea, and Kilmaglush), Finnian went to Wales to study
monastic practice under David, Gildas, and Cadoc (an all-star lineup that
seems imiprobable). Upon his return, the saint in 520 founded the
monastery of Clonard, near Boyne (Co. Westmeath), a site apparently chosen
for its central location. Finnian attracted many disciples, according to
the Irish vita 3000 of them, all of whom he sent to found churches and
monasteries. Among these many disciples, Finnian is credited with teaching
the twelve apostles of Ireland, the greatest creators of the Irish monastic
life. To judge from the Penitential of Finnian, which probably is the
authentic work of the saint (and the earliest known penitential), the saint
created an austere form of monasticism, stressing the ascetic practices of
eastern monasticism. Finnian died in the great plague of 549.
Vicelin (d. 1154) Vicelin is known as the apostle of the Wends. He was
born in c. 1086 to a wealthy family in Hameln, studied at Paderborn, becme
a canon at Bremen, then began his mission to the Wends in 1126 after being
ordained by Norbert of Magdeburg. Vicelin was an energetic preacher and
also founded a house of Augustinian canons at Neumunster to support
missionary work in the area. In 1149 Vicelin became bishop of Oldenburg.
Bartolus Bompedoni (blessed) (d. 1300) Bartolus was born in Tuscany in
1228. He became a Franciscan tertiary in c. 1250 in Pisa and later a
priest. At the age of 52 he contracted leprosy, which he bore humbly until
his death two decades later. Bartolus' cult was approved by the Church in
1480 and 1910.
Conrad of Offida (blessed) (d. 1306) Conrad was born in 1237 in Offida
(Italy) At the age of fourteen he became a Franciscan tertiary in the
convent of Ascoli Piceno. Conrad performed the lowest services of the
community at his own request, including collecting alms on the streets. A
highly charismatic man, crowds came to hear him preach, and named Conrad
"the second Francis." His relics were removed to Perugia in 1320, and he
was beatified in 1817.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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