Published: 2020-10-31

Examples of Violation of the Religious Rule by Regular Canons from Żagań in the Middle Ages from the Perspective of the Monastery Chronicle

Zbigniew Krzysztof Witczak
Studia Teologiczno-Historyczne Śląska Opolskiego
Section: Articles
DOI https://doi.org/10.25167/sth.1863

How Bad would Lead to the Right Path

Abstract

Life in medieval monasteries was not always in line with accepted principles, which, by definition, should be strictly observed. This concerned both brothers and senior officials, and even the abbots themselves. The chronicle of the monastery of regular canons in Żagań provides us with many examples of breaking the religious rules. The problem of alcohol abuse, too frequently in contact with women, or disobedience to
superiors are just some of the problems that canons faced. It seems that in such a monument of medieval historiography as a monastery chronicle that positive examples should be shown which are pleasant in order to encourage virtuous behavior, rather than negative deeds or even crimes. However, it turns out that the presentation of what was bad was didactic. It showed readers what to do and what to avoid. Information about sins and offenses also had a contrasting function, highlighting how the reforms of the internal life by good abbots influenced the way the congregation behaved and the effect on their whole life. By presenting positive and negative examples, we see the first as even better, more dignified to imitate and to remember.

Keywords:

Żagań, regular canons, monastery chronicle, monastery life, reforms

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Citation rules

Witczak, Z. K. (2020). Examples of Violation of the Religious Rule by Regular Canons from Żagań in the Middle Ages from the Perspective of the Monastery Chronicle: How Bad would Lead to the Right Path. Studia Teologiczno-Historyczne Śląska Opolskiego, 40(2), 127–149. https://doi.org/10.25167/sth.1863

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