From Scandal to Monastic Penance: A Reconciliatory Manuscript from the Early Twelfth-Century Abbey of St. Laurent in Liège
Tjamke Snijders|Steven Vanderputten
An important element of monastic penance and conflict resolution was its repetitive, almost cyclical nature. The manuscripts that were used during these performances often proceed implicitly, which makes them difficult to contextualize understand. This article considers a possible example such “hidden” reconciliatory discourse in manuscript produced for the congregation St. Laurent Liège around turn eleventh century: Brussels, Royal Library 9361–9367. It examines sin pride dignitaries, discusses best way atone it, provides tools penitent start living more virtuous life future. surviving evidence suggests this reaction deeds abbot Berenger, whose actions 1095 considered scandalous by contemporaries because he had led his monks into confusion sin. shows how combination texts takes on different meaning politically charged circumstances, argues discreet but methodical end resulting estrangement between Berenger monks. In interpretation, Brussels RL 9361–9367 is rare highly relevant testimony ways early twelfth century dealt with psychological social tensions wake an intra-group conflict.
Church History|Ghent University Academic Bibliography (Ghent University)|Ghent University Academic Bibliography (Ghent University)