Medieval Piety

1. St. Francis of Assisi

2. Passion mysticism3. Struggle with

heresy (film)4. Black Death (film)5. Julian of Norwich

Is it possible to prove the existence of God?

• First Mover• First Cause• Necessary Being• Cause of Perfection• Intelligent Designer

• Ontological Argument (St. Anselm)

St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)

The renunciation of wealth

St Francis preaching to birds

The confirmation of the Rule

St. Francis receiving the stigmata

5th century

14th century

Stabat Mater

At the cross her station keeping, Stood the mournful Mother weeping,

Close to Jesus to the last.

Through her heart, His sorrow sharing, All His bitter anguish bearing,

Now at length the sword had pass'd.

Can the human heart refrain From partaking in her pain,

In that Mother's pain untold?

O thou Mother! fount of love! Touch my spirit from above;

Make my heart with thine accord.

Let me, to my latest breath, In my body bear the deathOf that dying Son of thine.

Christ, when Thou shalt call me hence, Be Thy Mother my defense,

Be Thy cross my victory.

Basilica of San Francesco, Assisi, Italy

Film questions

• HERESY– Beliefs of Cathars– Methods used against the heretics

• BLACK DEATH– Extent & impact upon Europe– Explanations (natural & supernatural)– Changes in piety

Julian of Norwich (1342-1416)

• Anchoress• 16 Visions

Julian’s shrine

Showings

• Chap. 58. Properties of the Trinity• Chap 59. Problem of evil.• Christ as mother.

Medieval ideals of chivalry