Abbot as Guardian and Cultivator of Virtues

Two Perspectives on the cura monialium in Practice

Julie Hotchin

Abstract

Histories of the cura monialium, or the pastoral care of nuns, have tended to be written within the context of the history of the different monastic orders, and consequently form a predominantly male perspective. The obligation for abbots and their monks to provide spiritual services to religious women has been presented as an onerous responsibility that distracted them from their primary contemplative role. The female perspective on this relationship is less readily discerned. The correspondence from the Benedictine Abbey of Reinhardsbrunn contains letters that offer an opportunity to explore the different concerns of both men and women as participants in the cura monialum.

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Material for Our Medieval Heritage, published by Merton Priory Press ©2002. Web site from the Arts Faculty of the Australian National University.