Intercessory prayer and the Carolingian monastic ideal, c. 750-820
Renie S. Choy
The establishment of a new concept intercessory prayer, from an activity sought the individual holy man to occupation characterizing entire monastic community, has recently received much attention; historians have shown that function intercession had become, by Carolingian period, pre-eminent feature early medieval monasticism. role monasteries as powerhouses prayer encouraged scholarly attention along two particular areas interest: within system patronage and gift exchange, ritual elaboration. Missing in main historiographical approaches is discussion concerning place ideal. This study therefore asks central question, ‘What was relationship between monasticism ascetic concern for moral conversion time reforms Benedict Aniane, c. 750-820?’ writings reformers demonstrate chief monk seek find perfection God; it argument this elaborate liturgical which characterized coherent with goal. Introduction sets out establish continuity pursuit ideal earlier We then order our investigation by: i) proposing organization meant address fundamental problem human sin impedes fruitful additions liturgy made Aniane should be seen part his pastoral holiness monks (Chapter 1); ii) situating specific performances communities – namely, Mass Divine Office theology (Chapters 2 3); iii) examining how directed toward groups beneficiaries fellow rulers grounded on goals pilgrimage celestial kingdom 4 5); iv) addressing question what monastics their prayers play society at large, extent general social priority 6). provides detailed description required understanding formalized patronized its proper sphere spirituality. I conclude increasing importance related heightened emphasis spiritual thought teleological theme transformation both cosmic. suggests incorporation wider world into monk’s own discipline, tied ascesis larger story God.