The Eucharist in Medieval Canon Law

Thomas Izbicki presents a new analysis of the medieval Church's teaching about and disciplined practice of the Eucharist.

Thomas M. Izbicki (Author)

9781107124417, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 14 October 2015

286 pages
23.5 x 15.8 x 1.9 cm, 0.54 kg

'Izbicki begins with an indispensible guide to the canon lawyers themselves. The reader will find herself drawn back to this useful reference often as she gets lost among the thicket of references necessary to the field. … The material that Izbicki brings to light in this book offers a host of valuable information on the everyday devotional life of medieval Christians as they celebrated the central ritual of their religion. Any scholar of the great medieval drama will find this book an invaluable source for uncovering the rich religious life of a millennium of western civilisation.' Gary Macy, Journal of Ecclesiastical History

Thomas Izbicki presents a new examination of the relationship between the adoration of the sacrament and canon law from the twelfth to fifteenth centuries. The medieval Church believed Christ's glorified body was present in the Eucharist, the most central of the seven sacraments, and the Real Presence became explained as transubstantiation by university-trained theologians. Expressions of this belief included the drama of the elevated host and chalice, as well as processions with a host in an elaborate monstrance on the Feast of Corpus Christi. These affirmations of doctrine were governed by canon law, promulgated by popes and councils; and liturgical regulations were enforced by popes, bishops, archdeacons and inquisitors. Drawing on canon law collections and commentaries, synodal enactments, legal manuals and books about ecclesiastical offices, Izbicki presents the first systematic analysis of the Church's teaching about the regulation of the practice of the Eucharist.

Introduction: the sacraments in medieval canon law
1. The real presence of Christ, the minister and the materials of the sacrament
2. The form of the sacrament and the elevation of the host
3. Communion: union with Christ and unity in the sacrament
4. Custody of the Eucharist and communion of the sick
5. Corpus Christi and wonder hosts
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Legal history [LAZ], Church history [HRCC2], Early history: c 500 to c 1450/1500 [HBLC], European history [HBJD]