Meditations on the Life of Christ became a medieval best-seller toward the end of the thirteenth century. Interestingly, scholars are still uncertain as to who is the author of this influential work. It was formerly believed that St. Bonaventure was the author, but now, many believe it may have been Giovanni de’ Cauli. Giovanni was… Continue reading →
The Burgundian house of Cluny became the mother house of a great monastic empire in the early eleventh century. Founded by Duke William I of Aquitaine, these institutions sought to offer a sanctuary for individuals seeking a pious life. These Cluniac monks were active participants in monastic reform, as they were “vociferous in their opposition… Continue reading →
Due to the unusual structuring of Irish society, early Celtic Christianity’s basic unit of ecclesiastical organization became monasteries. Each tribe had its own monastery, and an abbot was placed in charge of the communities. Though some priests were often present to perform sacraments, the abbots had the ultimate authority. Essentially, the most “distinctive feature of… Continue reading →
