Realities of Reformist Leadership in Early Eleventh-Century Flanders: The Case of Leduin, Abbot of Saint-Vaast
Steven Vanderputten|Brigitte Meijns
The reform movement of the later tenth and early eleventh centuries distinguishes itself from other such episodes in monastic history not so much by its impact on existence ecclesiastical communities throughout western Europe as diversity. Whereas Cluny, Gorze, movements initiated or inspired William Volpiano, Romuald Camaldoli, Johannes Vallombrosa, Peter Damian have rightly attracted most interest scholars, there existed a number regional led individuals with reformist agenda, carried out determination, results significant their international counterparts. One example is that so-called Lotharingian reforms Richard, abbot Saint-Vanne (d. 1046), which, over course first half century, spread across large parts archbishoprics Reims, Metz, Cologne. exact nature has long been subject debate, Kassius Hallinger proposing controversially to designate it Mischobservanz , mixed observance, based primarily customs observed at Cluny Gorze. current consensus, however, seems be “Richardian” understanding life was indeed original that, like time, originated genuine reflection ways return more authentic experience vita regularis. To achieve this goal, Richard his principal collaborator Poppo, Stavelot 1048), introduced groups monks former canons interpretation Rule Saint Benedict, fostered creation collective identities around figure patron saints, intervened production scriptoria libraries, rationalized economy, generally attempted create favorable legal political situation for coming under care.
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