medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Having been a silent member of the list for some time, I really couldn't
resist contributing in order to correct some of the details given for the
two Carmelite saints listed for 6th January.
Peter Thomas was described as a Discalced Carmelite which must be a slip
of the "electronic pen" as the Reformed or Discalced Carmelites, inspired by
Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross, did not come into existence until the
late 16th century. He was born near Bergerac in Perigord where he joined the
Carmelite convent. He studied at Paris and then was appointed procurator
general in Avignon where his friendship with Cardinal Elias Talleyrand
brought him to papal attention.
A number of early sources mistakenly claim that he died of wounds
received during the ill-fated crusade to Alexandria in 1365 but this is
untrue. He died, in fact, on 6th January in the Carmelite house in
Famagusta from a fever caught whilst celebrating the Christmas ceremonies.
His feastday is nowadays celebrated on 8th January.
The standard work on his life remains:-
"The Life of Saint Peter Thomas by Philippe de Mézières", ed. Joachim
Smet, O.Carm., (Rome: Institutum Carmelitanum, 1954).
Andrew Corsini became a Carmelite in Florence and was later elected
prior provincial (the term "provincial general" does not exist). He was a
well loved bishop of Fiesole (a village on the outskirts of Florence) but it
was the miraculous interventions after his death which gave rise to a
popular cult in the city. He is credited with ensuring the victory of
Anghiari in 1440 when the city defeated the army of Piccinino after making a
procession to his tomb.
Also, he is credited with curing John Keninghale, the English
provincial, of "a great pain in the head" when he prayed at the tomb whilst
in the city attending the Council of Florence in 1438-39.
Andrew Corsini's body rests now in the Corsini chapel in the Carmelite
church at Florence although another chapel in his honour was constructed in
St. John Lateran by Clement XII (another Corsini) and contains scenes from
his life. His feastday is nowadays celebrated on 9th January.
Concise histories of all Carmelite saints, blessed, etc. can be found at the
Carmelite website www.ocarm.org
Richard Copsey
Richard Copsey, O.Carm.
7 High Street,
Old Aberdeen,
Scotland AB24 3EE
Tel: 01224 482444
Mobile: 0770 348 3889
e-mail address: [log in to unmask]
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