Máire Johnson

The Vita I S Brigitae and De Duodecim Abusiuis Saeculi

Introduction

The vita i s brigitae and de duodecim abusiuis saeculi. Uncover parallels in lessons between the Vita I S Brigitae and the Hiberno-Latin De Duodecim Abusivis Saeculi. Insights into Saint Brigit's hagiography and textual evolution.

Abstract

‘The Vita I S Brigitae and De Duodecim Abusivis Saeculi’ considers several similarities in the lessons offered by the anonymous vita of Ireland’s famed Saint Brigit of Kildare and the sermons of De Duodecim Abusivis, an Hiberno-Latin work of the seventh century generally fathered on Cyprian. Of particular importance here is the discourse that De Duodecim proffers concerning the dives sine eleemosyna, the Christianus contentiosus and the pauper superbus, which appears to be echoed in the interactions between Saint Brigit and her followers in the Vita I. These parallels provide clues to the evolution of the hagiographical dossier of Ireland’s chief female saint, and permit the proposal of a modest stemma for several of its constituents. In addition, it is hoped that the apparently-shared messages of vita and homily may also suggest potential avenues for additional future analyses.

Review

This paper, "The Vita I S Brigitae and De Duodecim Abusivis Saeculi," presents an insightful comparative analysis between two significant texts from early Irish Christianity: the anonymous *Vita I S Brigitae* and the Hiberno-Latin *De Duodecim Abusivis Saeculi*. The core of the argument revolves around striking thematic parallels, particularly focusing on the moral lessons concerning figures such as the *dives sine eleemosyna*, the *Christianus contentiosus*, and the *pauper superbus* as articulated in *De Duodecim* and subsequently reflected in the narrative interactions between Saint Brigit and her followers within *Vita I*. This careful juxtaposition highlights a compelling shared ethical and theological framework informing both works. The strength of this study lies in its ability to illuminate previously under-explored connections, offering valuable clues to the complex evolutionary trajectory of the hagiographical tradition surrounding Ireland's principal female saint. By identifying these echoes, the author is able to propose a "modest stemma" for several constituents of Brigit’s extensive dossier, thereby contributing significantly to our understanding of textual transmission and intertextual relationships in early medieval Ireland. This methodology not only enriches Brigitine scholarship but also provides a fresh perspective on the reception and adaptation of influential Hiberno-Latin sermons within vernacular hagiography. Beyond its immediate contributions to hagiography and Hiberno-Latin studies, the paper thoughtfully suggests broader implications for future research. The apparently shared messages between the vita and homily open up promising avenues for exploring wider cultural and theological exchanges within early medieval Ireland, inviting further analysis into the practical application of didactic literature in shaping hagiographical narratives and spiritual leadership. Overall, this work offers a meticulously argued and valuable contribution to the field, prompting renewed scholarly attention to the intricate textual relationships that characterize early Irish religious literature.

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