The Friars Go to War: Mendicant Military Chaplains, 1216-c. 1300
David S. Bachrach
The Friars Go to War: Mendicant Military Chaplains, 1216–c. 1300 David S. Bachrach (bio) mendicant orders, particularly the Franciscans and Dominicans, have received enormous scholarly attention, virtually from their inception in 1210 1216, respectively, regarding a wide range of topics, but activities as preachers, teachers, advisors, missionaries.1 Somewhat less attention has been paid role mendicants confessors, confessors non-aristocratic or royal lay people.2 This lacuna scholarship orders is evident consideration Franciscan Dominican friars military chaplains. study sheds light on an important [End Page 617] yet insufficiently appreciated aspect pastoral activity during first century orders.3 Background care, that is, religious support provided soldiers by priests, played exceptionally conduct warfare both Late Antiquity Middle Ages, for maintenance morale discipline.4 In late Roman Empire its western successor states, duties largely fell bishops small cadre priests who celebrated Mass, carried relics, interceded with God behalf army, preached troops.5 By mid-eighth century, however, new practices West imposed commanders need recruit far larger numbers serve chaplains armies. old rite penance, which permitted Christians confess sins only once lifetime, gradually was superseded practice repeatable confession. development church teaching, can be traced over three-century period, culminated acceptance confession acceptable rite.6 establishment this institutionalized interpretation marked British Isles then continent seventh early eighth extensive production diffusion penitential manuals, sometimes described scholars tariff books. These handbooks many were produced expressly parish clergy, set out long lists appropriate penances each, thereby emphasizing renewable nature rite.7 It now possible before every battle face enemy clear conscience clean 618] soul.8 But responsibility brought it army than had case previously. A bishop few sufficient armies Ages celebrate preach, even pray. To hear confessions thousands, tens thousands soldiers, beyond capabilities clerics attached fourth through century. necessity recruiting enunciated clearly 742 Carloman, Carolingian Mayor Palace. At synodal assembly, called Concilium Germanum scholars, acting concert Boniface, papal legate Frankish court, instituted requirement unit commander staff capellanus capable hearing assigning penances.9 From point onward, including up present, Christian recruited large chaplains.10 one noteworthy aspects medieval history Carloman's leading requirements provision care recapitulated throughout high secular rather ecclesiastical figures. Even periods strength, Rome remained silent about provide context crusades.11 changed, under Pope Innocent III (1199-1216), specifically Ad liberandum, final canon issued Fourth Lateran Council 1215.12 Following failure Crusade (1204...
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