&lt;i&gt;Vita Communis: The Common Life of the Secular Clergy&lt;/i&gt; (review)
Helen Parish
Reviewed by: Vita Communis: The Common Life of the Secular Clergy Helen Parish Clergy. By Jerome Bertram. (Leominster, UK: Gracewing. 2009. Pp. x, 316. £15.99 paperback. ISBN 978-0-852-44201-2.) Bertram presents an analysis common life secular clergy from early Christian centuries into modern era. Conceding that it often has been argued unmarried Catholic Church would be better served if they lived in communities rather than isolation, proposes simply revive ancient models, contemporary advised to reflect on precedents and reasons such were abandoned. discussion is informed by his own practical personal experience as a priest Oxford Oratory detailed investigation history communal life, theory practice, over best part two millennia. What emerges pages Communis convincingly articulated argument diocesan bishops need ponder way which priests twenty-first-century live are called serve faithful. Although seeking address some problems challenges facing today, almost half Bertram's study devoted first thousand years Church. broader reflections nature faith apostolic era, early-medieval period Carolingian reforms, significant debates Gregorian primary focus historical function living clergy, due consideration also given parallel developments monasticism, particularly its prioritization poverty. In this length, covering substantial chronology, is, necessity, general tone, but punctuated number valuable perceptive case studies, including relationship between St. Chrodegang Metz's authentic Rule Benedict. highlights continuities tenth eleventh centuries; representation [End Page 747] eleventh-century reforms revolutionary moment rejected favor more sympathetic approach what can learned models past. Chapter 7 provides methodical helpful commentary emergence evolution canonical foundations England Continent, increasing prominence canons regular, whereas subsequent chapters examine cathedral other collegiate churches high Middle Ages. A concern outline principal laid out conciliar decrees episcopal demands balanced useful local impact examples. Many illustrations drawn English context, there instructive comparisons made with continental Europe; section dealing laymen ranges widely well-documented lay foundation Astley College Warwickshire role Quiriace Champagne. Surprisingly, perhaps, Protestant Reformations receives less attention. reflects detail context Henrician suppression monasteries, potential evangelicalism understanding priesthood priestly left margins. "Glorious Reformation" (chapter 12) focuses substantially outside includes Philip Neri well new congregations France. Some significant, related topics discussed alongside central theme. opening chapter differences laity, shifting cultic pastoral. question clerical celibacy woven through narrative, and, perhaps unusually, good deal attention paid minor clergy. Throughout analysis, author...
Catholic Historical Review