Topic 3- Monasticism

THEME 3

MONASTICISM

CONTENTS

1.   Origins

2.   Intro to Ireland

3.   Nature

4.   Role within the monastery

5.   Monastic sites

6.   Buildings

7.   Features

8.   Nature and discipline

9.   Relationship between monasteries and lay people

10.               Role and importance of lay community

11.               Types of monasticism

12.               Monastic founders

Rebecca Gorman

Theme 3- Monasticism

The Beginnings of Monasticism

1.Origins of Monasticism:

·         Monasticism is derived from the teachings of Jesus on renunciation, suffering and charity (The Rich Young Man).  St. Paul also emphasises the importance of self-denial or asceticism in order to purify the soul by purifying the body.

·         Early monastic ideals are outlined in the Acts of the apostles and were developed by Church Fathers like Ignatius, Clement and Origen. The main Characteristics were poverty, fasting, prayer, compassion and charity.

(a)    Desert Fathers-

·         the Egyptian Model: Monasticism as was practised in Ireland owes its origin to the ascetic practices of hermits like St. Anthony who retired from normal life to lead a life of solitude in the Egyptian desert.

·         This eremitical life of solitude was replaced a community lifestyle (cenobitical) in which monks came together and lived and worshipped under a common rule.

·         Pachomius is credited with first introducing this system.

·          This practice seems to have spread gradually across the continent and into Gaul and Britain from where it ultimately reached Ireland.

2.Introduction to Ireland : Several possible routes.

·         Patrick himself speaks of converting “monks and virgins” for Christ though Hanson doubts if he actually founded monastic houses as such.

·         In Tirechan’s 7th century “Brief Account” of Patrick’s life three supposed “sayings” of Patrick are preserved, one of which suggests he spent time in southern Gaul. 

·         Ryan argues that he spent time at the Monastery of Lerins under Honoratus.  Bieler accepts that Muirchu is accurate in saying Patrick trained under Germanus in Gaul and so would have been familiar with monastic practice there.

·         Nora Chadwick, Stokes and others argue that Ireland was directly influenced by the writings and teachings of the Desert Fathers hence place names with the word “desert” eg Desertmartin.  Francois Henry points to Eastern influences on Celtic art as furter evidence of direct contact.

1.       British sources: There is no doubting the influence British monasteries had on the development of monasticism in Ireland. 

·         Two main centres dominate, one in Scotland seeding northern Irish monasticism and the other in Wales seeding the south.

1.       Candida Casa was St. Ninnian’s foundation in Galloway in Scotland and was a training ground for monks from Ireland like Enda , Eoghan and Finnian who would establish important monastic centres in Ireland itself.

2.       In Wales Illtud’s monastery at Caldey Island was important. There monks like Cadoc were…