Medieval Catalan & Valencian Literary Figures: Faith, Crisis, and Social Commentary
Isabel de Villena (1430-1490)
Biography and Works
- Abbess of the Convent of the Trinity, Valencia.
- Work: Vita Christi (published posthumously by a successor).
- Genre: A spiritual treatise, sung in prose, presenting the life of Christ from a unique perspective.
- Purpose: Intended to educate and enlighten the nuns of her convent.
- Scope: While ostensibly a biography of Christ, it is, in reality, a life of Mary, beginning with her birth and concluding with her death and ascent to heaven.
- Literary Resources:
- Villena
Mester de Clerecía: Medieval Spanish Poetic Tradition
The Mester de Clerecía: Characteristics and Purpose
The Mester de Clerecía emerged in the 13th century and encompasses a series of works with common characteristics:
- They are narrative, religious, or heroic, although some minor pieces offer a lyrical tone, often with a prevailing moral or didactic intent.
- The authors express their erudition, alluding to written sources from the outset.
- They are written in verse and use a regular meter, typically the cuaderna vía: an Alexandrine stanza of four monorhyme
Catholic Teaching on Capital Punishment and Self-Defense
The Death Penalty in Catholic Teaching
Pope John Paul II addresses the issue of the death penalty in his encyclical Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), specifically in Chapter III, number 56, paragraph 52. In light of the question asked by the young man and the importance of keeping all the commandments, the Pope writes:
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Ramon Llull: Medieval Mystic, Philosopher, and Literary Pioneer
Ramon Llull: Life and Spiritual Journey
Ramon Llull, born on Mallorca in 1232, lived until 1316. His lifespan of 84 years was remarkable for his era, as most people lived only until around 50. His father was a nobleman, and Ramon Llull himself experienced a profound spiritual awakening, often described as being ‘born again’. He was educated at the court, where, to become a knight, one had to learn and be an Occitan troubadour.
At age 31, he was married and had two children. He was known to have written
Read MoreEarly Christian Art & Architecture: Origins in the Roman Empire
Early Christian Art: Origins and Development
Early Christian art marks the genesis of a distinct typology of buildings and decorative arts within Western art history.
Historical Context of Early Christianity
Initially, Christianity had very few adherents and was prohibited within the Roman Empire. Originating in Palestine, particularly Bethlehem, the faith gradually expanded and gained followers. Despite severe persecutions against Christians during the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, their numbers continued
Read MoreFoundations of Catholic Morality: Law, Conscience, Dignity
The Moral Law in Catholic Teaching
The moral law is the work of divine Wisdom. It prescribes for humanity the ways and rules of conduct that lead to promised beatitude, and it proscribes the ways of evil which turn us away from God and His love. It is universal, extending to all people insofar as it is established by reason.
Natural Law and Divine Wisdom
The natural law expresses the dignity of the person and lays the foundations of fundamental duties. The moral law presupposes the rational order,
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