Liturgical Renewal in Two Eleventh-Century Royal Spanish Prayerbooks
Lucy K. Pick
Liturgical Renewal in Two Eleventh-Century Royal Spanish Prayerbooks Lucy K. Pick In recent decades, transformations medieval Christian liturgical practices have been explored for what they can tell scholars about cultural change.1 Shifts ritual indicate changing values and beliefs as well mark the power of external influences. One relatively momentous shift practice was decision Alfonso VI, king Castilla-León at Burgos 1076, after years pressure from Pope Gregory VII, to begin transition use Old liturgy (also called Mozarabic, Visigothic, or Hispanic rite) within his domain favor Roman used rest Latin Christendom.2 This innovation is viewed but one manifestation a much broader “Europeanization” Spain that took place eleventh century, movement began other Iberian kingdoms, reached its culmination reign with French brides, Cluniac monks, receptivity papal influence.3 seen traditionally submissive partner this moment political exchange, passively accepting liturgy, [End Page 27] Romanesque art, Carolingian script, monasticism, knights, townsmen, influence went them whole cloth without modifications adaptations fit local situation.4 Concentrating on evidence transformation nuances view, however, uncovering creative adaptation part those exposed new rituals north. Roger Reynolds’s examination ordination peninsula revealed high degree Catalan forms before Council Burgos, hybrid Roman-Catalan rite be found Castilian pontifical manuscripts dated long supposed complete.5 royal prayerbooks contain unmistakable traces processes adoption bear further witness prehistory saw an openness context. Both books were created impetus Queen Sancha León (d. 1067), her husband Fernando I Castilla (1037–65), own use.6 Fernando’s prayerbook has received copious frequent attention, including complete transcription contents, due art-historical 28] interest decoration, while Sancha’s little-decorated largely ignored. Where studied their textual especially text nocturnal office which share, interested window onto Visigothic origins liturgy.7 quest fails explain genesis these two very particular contents does not answer couple would diverse texts contain. The are unquestionably heart, also reflect strong Romano-Frankish and, case book, influences added death by daughter. prayerbook, now library University Santiago de Compostela (BU MS 609 [Res. 1]), contains original core built around psalter canticles dates 1055, expanded additional prayers shortly thereafter. collection Salamanca 2668), 1059 comprises mainly canticles, addendum reflective spirituality Urraca Fernández, daughter, during period when VI inviting into peninsula. Influence beyond Pyrenees affected both structure content manuscripts. Normally appear either alone each manuscripts, texts, add litany, office, Athanasian Creed, penitential prayers...
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