Bonds of Wool: The Pallium and Papal Power in the Middle Ages by Steven A. Schoenig, SJ.
Fabrice Délivré
Reviewed by: Bonds of Wool: The Pallium and Papal Power in the Middle Ages by Steven A. Schoenig, SJ. Fabrice Delivré Ages. By [Studies Medieval Early Modern Canon Law, Volume 15.] (Washington, DC: Catholic University America Press. 2016. Pp. xiii, 545. $75.00. ISBN 978-0-8132-2922-5.) This book traces long-term history pallium. Dealing with a liturgical vestment—a band white wool encircling shoulders—the author sheds new [End Page 760] light on growth papal power changing relationship between pope bishops Ages, from eighth to twelfth century. First granted apostolical vicars missionaries, pallium was exclusively conferred, since Carolingian era, metropolitans/archbishops very few privileged bishops. work relies heavily letters, long citations translated Latin into English, same material is often reconsidered along book, according topic. In an anthropological perspective, gifts, transactions, networks, ties, bonds are taken account. One major achievements show at what point textual basis medieval tradition anchored letters Popes Gregory Great (590–604) John VIII (872–882), such as instructions sent Augustine Canterbury (601) legislation promulgated synods Rome (875) Ravenna (877). also captures transition pallium, always demonstration special link Roman Church, sign distinction badge metropolitan office. From mid-ninth century onwards, more clearly Gregorian age, bestowal can be seen tool for ecclesiastical reform means control episcopal hierarchy. Deep insights offered rules that concerned amount time allowed request insigne (within three months), way receive it (in person or through envoys legates) conditions its use (inside churches during pallium-days, i.e., feasts when garment could publicly worn). For metropolitans, needed consecrate hold councils. Becoming necessary reach plenitudo officii, possession had counterparts— denial deprivation—and woolen stole created permanent tension charge church honored or, another level, privilege routine. attention paid formulas related old Liber diurnus until innovations chancellor Gaeta, later Gelasius II (1118–1119), exegesis (shape, color, decoration). Rituals not neglected. pallium’s stay altar located near tomb St. Peter, crypt Vatican basilica, prayers transcribed ordines pontificals burial holder submitted careful analysis. Divided chronological parts (741–882, 882–1046, 1046–1119), does go beyond death II. Even though period (eighth centuries) has own logic, this option leaves aside, instance, case Calixtus (1119–1124), mentioned page 278, series false privileges associated his former (epistolae Viennenses). reason, twelfth- thirteenth-century liturgists stand rather unconfortable situation. Moreover, seems reviewer thirteenth “pallium-stories” tell, many them documented registers. It would have been useful include « golden age election (1100–1300) » (Kenneth Pennington), eventually regards concession step “making highest churchmen” (p. 55). reader will find too much diplomatics grants (solemn privileges), except 761] formulas, iconography required further examination. If canon law conveniently gathered the...
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