 |
 |
medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture Today (11. July) is the feast day of: Benedict (d. c. 547) Benedict of Nursia, known as the "father of western monasticism," is a rather elusive figure. The main sources for his life are Gregory the Great's dialogue dedicated to him, and his own rule for monks (not very trustworthy as a guide to character, since it is largely excerpted from the anonymous Rule of the Master). Ben. studied at Rome, but decided to become a hermit at Subiaco. But his fame spread, and a group of monks asked him to be their abbot. He agreed, but the monks decided they'd made a mistake and tried to poison him. Back at Subiaco, disciples soon joined B. and he is credited with founding 12 monasteries, most notably Monte Cassino. Drostan (d. c. 610) The Irish Drostan became a monk under ColumCille, and went on to be first abbot of Deer Monastery in Aberdeenshire. He finished his life as a hermit. John of Bergamo (d. c. 690) John was elected bishop of Bergamo in c. 656. He was well known for his learning and piety, and especially for his efforts to eliminate Arianism from his diocese. Olga (d. 969) Olga married Prince Igor of Kiev in 903. After he was assassinated in 945, O. wreaked a bloody revenge and proceeded to rule Kiev very firmly as regent for her son Svyatoslav. She became a Christian at Constantinople in c. 957 and set out to convert her people to Christianity (even requesting missionaries from Otto I in 959). She didn't have much success (she couldn't even convert her son), but may have prepared the ground for her grandson Vladimir to evangelize the region. A modern saint: Anne An (Xin) and companions (d. 1900) This was a family group of four Chinese women, all converts to Christianity. During the Boxer Rebellion they were seized by a gang of Boxers at their village. When they refused to foreswear their religion they were killed. ********************************************************************** 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