Bishops, Monks and Priests: Defining Religious Institutions by Writing and Rewriting Saints’ Lives (Francia, 6th–11th Centuries)
Charles Mériaux
AbstractIn Late Antiquity hagiographical literature aimed to memorialize the martyrs’ heroic actions and chronicle manner in which they endured persecution met their demise name of Christ. In early Middle Ages lives saints emphasized instead deeds individuals involved own society, particularly those active within clergy. Thus hagiography proves an invaluable resource understand establishment, functioning, transformation ecclesiastical institutions: monastic communities, bishoprics, sanctuaries, rural churches, missions. The various rewritings updatings some vitae offer a precious vantage point capture stages reform under Franks, starting with great Carolingian reform. To be sure, did not merely reflect Church’s organization: it also contributed its way institutions by introducing new norms.
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