medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
> i remember reading about a woman who mutilated her face to join the
> beguines because they refused her because she was too beautiful.
I am wondering if this is one of those folk tales ....
The story I heard was set during the Elizabethan period (does this count as
"Mediaeval ?" ) when members of recusant (= Roman Catholic) wishing to go
abroad to study or to enter Religious Houses had to apply to their local
Justice of the Peace for permission. A certain young woman who believed she
had a vocation duly made application with her family's approval. The JP took
one look at her, said no, you are far too pretty. You should marry and have
children. To which the girl replied, if it is only my looks that stand
between me and my vocation, then I will pray God to take them away.
A year later the girl returned and repeated her request. This time the JP
had no hesitation in granting her permission. During the intervening year
she had contracted smallpox and her face was hideously disfigured with
pockmarks.
Anyone else know this one ? Is it true ?
Brenda M.C.
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