medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (30. May) is the feast day of:
Hubert (d. 727) Hubert was bishop of Maastricht and Liege, an active
evangelizer in the Ardennes district. Thanks to a bit of discrete
hagiographical borrowing, Hubert later had a piece of the St. Eustace
legend attached to him---that while out hunting one day on a Good Friday he
saw a crucifix between the antlers of a stag---which helps account for his
popularity.
Ferdinand III (d. 1252) Ferdinand III of Castile and Leon was an extremely
successful leader of the reconquista in Spain, winning a long series of
victories over 27 years. F. crowned his territorial achievements by being
a just ruler whom even the conquered Moors appreciated. A popular cult
spread soon after F's death, although he wasn't formally canonized until
1671.
Joan of Arc (d. 1431) Farmer's opening summary of Joan as "virgin" just
doesn't seem to do her justice. Perhaps something more on the line of
"witch of Orleans," mystic, French nationalist leader would be more
appropriate. Joan was the visionary child of prosperous peasants of
Lorraine. Her "voices" told her to go save France, largely by arranging
the coronation of the dauphin Charles as Charles VI. Whether from motives
of sheer desperation or Joan's charisma, she was accepted as a talisman by
the army, raised the siege of Orleans, and led a series of actions that led
in Charles' coronation at Rheims. After that, her voices failed her, and
before long she was captured by the Burgundians and sold to the English.
Who at first tried to try her as a witch, but changed the charge to heresy.
J. weakened and disavowed her voices; whether by trickery or whatever she
soon broke the conditions of her penance, so the English authorities were
free to burn her. (By the way, the tackiest souvenir I've ever seen was 20
years ago when I visited Rouen---every gift shop had little molded plastic
ashtrays with Joan tied up in one corner, so the smoke would swirl around
her. Although I loathe tobacco, I've often regretted not buying one.)
Joan was canonized in 1920.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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