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IMC 2023: Sessions

Session 1020: Birgittine Texts and Networks, I

Wednesday 5 July 2023, 09.00-10.30

Sponsor:Syon Abbey Society / ReVision Project
Organiser:Laura Saetveit Miles, Institutt for Fremmedspråk, Universitet i Bergen
Moderator/Chair:Brandon Alakas, Department of Fine Arts & Humanities, University of Alberta, Augustana
Paper 1020-aSyon Abbey Psalters and The Hours of the Holy Spirit
(Language: English)
Kathleen E. Kennedy, Centre for Medieval Studies, University of Bristol
Index terms: Monasticism, Religious Life
Paper 1020-bThe Influence of Birgitta of Sweden on a Previously Unknown Work by the Author of A Revelation of Purgatory
(Language: English)
Clarck Drieshen, British Library, London
Index terms: Manuscripts and Palaeography, Monasticism, Religious Life
Paper 1020-cFrom Parish Priests to Birgittine Brethren: Pastoral Manuals at Syon and the Case of New Haven, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, MS 317
(Language: English)
Antje Elisa Chan, Lincoln College, University of Oxford
Index terms: Manuscripts and Palaeography, Religious Life
Abstract

St Birgitta's Revelations circulated widely and exercised significant influence in England until the Reformation. Reflecting and complementing the popularity of the Swedish saint, Syon Abbey, the sole Birgittine foundation in the country, promoted a comprehensive programme of pastoral outreach rooted in vernacular preaching and printing. The reputation of the abbey reached its zenith in the 16th century as a popular pilgrimage destination, site for obtaining pastoral direction, and centre for the production of devotional literature. The renown of the abbey, however, was anchored in a distinctive spirituality that was promoted in Birgitta's visions and in the priest-brothers' literary output - all of which enjoyed a broad readership through diverse networks of circulation and exchange.

As a thematic strand within this year's IMC 2023 theme of 'Networks and Entanglements', our sessions gather papers which focus on topics that explore issues related to the influence, transmission, and circulation of texts by Birgitta and the Birgittines of Syon Abbey which promoted the popularity of the Swedish Saint, her community, and Birgittine spirituality.