medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
On 03/07/2010 21:56, Ms B M Cook wrote:
>
> I have always understood that one of the reforms insituted by Bernard of
> Clairvaux was that Cistercian novices were obliged (unlike the
> Benedictines) to complete a novitiate of a full 12 months before taking
> their vows.
>
> (1) Were there any (known) exceptions to this ? I am asking about the
> period of Bernard's life time (to 1153) and the decade or so after, say
> c.1130-1170.
>
> In particular, was any indulgence given to older novices - what we might
> call "mature entrants", ie someone who had come to the Cistercian Order
> late in life (ad succurendum) or from a senior secular position such as
> a bishop or a Cathedral Canon ?
>
> (2) Secondly, are there any known instances of a Cistercian novice
> serving his novitiate in two different Houses ? ie the year being
> divided between, say, a monastery close to his home and the other where
> he eventually took his vows and became a member of the Community.
>
> Obviously I have a specific situation in mind, but I would rather not
> clog a general question with distracting details.
>
> I know we have one or two Cistercians on the List, so perhaps they could
> answer me from the "inside" as it were.
If they are Trappists, might that present a problem? :-)
More seriously, there is some suggestion that 12th-century Cistercian
history has been subject to 'revision' (after the death of Bernard.)
John Briggs
**********************************************************************
To join the list, send the message: join medieval-religion YOUR NAME
to: [log in to unmask]
To send a message to the list, address it to:
[log in to unmask]
To leave the list, send the message: leave medieval-religion
to: [log in to unmask]
In order to report problems or to contact the list's owners, write to:
[log in to unmask]
For further information, visit our web site:
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/medieval-religion.html
|