On Fri, 6 Mar 1998, Stephen A. Allen wrote:
> I have recently been translating some sermons by St. Thomas
> of Villanova (1486-1555), and have come across a problem
> which I hope someone on this list can help me solve. In
> several of the sermons, there are sections that carry the
> label "postilla." I have been racking my brains trying to
> come up with an adequate translation of this word. I have
> toyed with the idea of leaving it in the Latin, or using a
> literal translation (i.e., "afterword," or such), but none
> of these solutions seems satisfactory. The translation is
> for a general audience, and I cannot assume knowledge of
> medieval sermon forms. Any suggestions? Feel free to
> reply off-list.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Stephen A. Allen
> The Medieval Institute
> University of Notre Dame
> Notre Dame, IN 46556-5692
>
> [log in to unmask]
>
Hi, Stephen!
I think it might help your readers were you to give them the (very!)
short course in the use of pericopes, i.e. the lessons appointed for
the day. I was taught postilla is the short form for "post illa verba
textus" and designates what follows as the homily or sermon on the
(epistle or gospel) lesson read previously. If postilla is used this
way in your document. you probably do not have room to provide any
serious account of liturgical usages, but if your readers understand
that texts were appointed to be read for each Sunday and holy day of
the ecclesiastical year, they should be able to understand your use
of postilla without the need to translate it.
I do hope this helps.
Cheers!
Frank
Frank Morgret
15 Towering Hts -- #1206
St Catharines, Ontario
CANADA
L2T 3G7
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