A SAINT AS A MEDIATOR BETWEEN A BISHOP AND HIS FLOCK: THE CULT OF SAINT BONONIUS IN THE DIOCESE OF VERCELLI UNDER BISHOP ARDERIC (1026/7–1044)
Teemu Immonen
This article concentrates on the relation between writing of hagiographical texts about Saint Bononius (d. 1026) and their actual political, social, religious contexts in diocese Vercelli. Bononius's cult came into existence at one crucial turning points history medieval Italy, when structures central government handed down from Carolingian age were breaking new local centers power taking place. Vercelli had traditionally held a privileged position German emperors' Italian policy, but as consequence agitation connected to remodeling society was more violent here than many other regions regnum Italiae. In this situation Arderic, bishop Vercelli, seems have sought reconciliation with anti-imperial aristocracy, it appears that played major role bishop's conciliatory politics. The author argues Arderic used heal wounds resulting tumultuous recent two ways. First, references painful events history, which also been involved, omitted attention directed less inflammatory aspects saint's life. Second, saint represented an arbitrator adversaries, protector powerless, who appeased anger arrogance powerful. Thus, is directly discussion literacy ways societies West contemplated past, thus shaping identity perception present.
Viator