Disposiciones sobre la cultura del clero parroquial en la literatura destinada a la cura de almas (siglos XIII-XV)

Abstract

The analysis of the literature intented for the healing of souls, which means the treaties of practical theology and norms of the synods, of the low Spanish Middle Ages, related to the religious culture of the parochial clergy, reveals that the ecclesiastical authorities demand a minimum level of requirement as far as the three facets of knowledge are concerned: knowledge of the Holy Scriptures and ecclesiastical discipline, knowledge of profane sciences and knowledge of society people affairs. More concretely, this minimum level of demand means for the whole of the clergy to be able to read, sing (plainsong, religious music) and to mastergrammar. It is often resumed in sentences like «to be able to speak latin» and «to be a grammarian». Moreover, prepared priests had to know, at least in its most elemental formulation, the christian doctrine to administrate sacraments and teach faith to the population entrusted to them. On the other hand, this analysis allows us to get nearer to the situation of fulfilment and non-fulfilment of this minimum requirement in the different dioceses, according to socio-politi­cal and religious circumstances. The basic sources of reference of literature analy­sed here are, with the ecclesiastical tradition (holy canon law), the IV Letrano Council (1215), the councils of legates in Valladolid (1228 and 1322) and in Lérida ( 1229), and province and diocese constitutions dating from before the mentioned synod.