Episode 599: The Horrible Lives and Deaths of the Saints - The Middle Ages
Last Podcast On The Left
Deep Dive
Why did the Catholic Church centralize the canonization process during the Middle Ages?
The Church centralized canonization to control the selection of saints, ensuring they aligned with Church doctrine and to maintain power structures in Europe. This also allowed the Church to tailor saints to stay relevant with the times, similar to how modern media reboots storylines.
How did the concept of sainthood evolve as Christianity became more dominant?
Initially, only martyrs were considered for sainthood. As Christianity spread and martyrdom became less common, the criteria expanded to include virtuous individuals who performed two miracles. This change was driven by both the need for more saints and the popular demand for local heroes to be recognized.
What role did relics play in the veneration of saints during the Middle Ages?
Relics, including bones, clothes, and bodily secretions of saints, were highly valued as they were believed to contain mystical powers called Virtus. These relics were used in worship, traded between communities, and even mixed with oils to create potions believed to have healing properties.
Why were some saints not officially canonized by the Church but still venerated by local communities?
Local communities often venerated saints who were not officially canonized because they were well-loved figures who performed miracles or had extraordinary deaths. The Church's centralized canonization process sometimes overlooked these popular saints, leading to their continued local veneration.
How did the canonization of nobility and royalty impact the perception of sainthood?
The canonization of nobility and royalty reinforced the idea that the ruling class was favored by God. This practice helped legitimize the power of kings and nobles, suggesting their rule was divinely ordained. It also shifted the focus from common saints to those of higher social status.
What was the significance of the odor of sanctity in the context of sainthood?
The odor of sanctity was a distinctive, pleasant smell believed to emanate from saints, both in life and after death. This smell was often artificially created with garlic if the saint was already deceased. For living saints, the odor was likely due to ketosis from fasting, producing a distinct acetone smell.
How did the Church respond to the rise of folk saints like Vilgefortis?
The Church often suppressed the veneration of folk saints like Vilgefortis, who challenged traditional gender roles and marital norms. Vilgefortis, for example, was rejected for canonization because her story supported women escaping abusive marriages, contrary to Church teachings on marital fidelity.
What challenges did the Church face in maintaining the sanctity of relics?
The Church faced challenges such as theft and disputes over the authenticity and ownership of relics. Incidents like the theft of St. Faith's bones led to legal battles and physical conflicts. The Church also had to manage the relocation of saints' remains to maintain their popularity and relevance.
How did the canonization process change with the advent of the Church of England?
With the creation of the Church of England by Henry VIII, the relationship with the Catholic Church became acrimonious. This led to the persecution of Catholic priests and the rise of contemporary martyrs. The Church of England declared Catholic priests guilty of high treason, leading to new saints like Margaret Clithrow, who were martyred for their faith.
What unique characteristics made Joseph of Cupertino a notable saint?
Joseph of Cupertino was known for his involuntary levitations and ecstatic visions, which were both a blessing and a disruption. Despite his remarkable abilities, he was deemed remarkably unclever and was confined to a cell to prevent public disturbances. His story suggests a mix of divine intervention and potential physical agility.
- Two paths to sainthood: martyr (one miracle needed) or virtuous life (two miracles needed)
- Canonization became centralized in the Church, controlling narratives and relevance
- Stories of saints were often rewritten or embellished to suit the Church's agenda
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