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Bataillon and Canavaggio have shown Cervantes' interest in hagiography, and it is refected in his dramatized saint's life, El rufán dichoso, whose plot features a choice between a life as a highwayman or as a saint. Since Don Quixote and Sancho have in fact often acted as highwaymen, it is not surprising that in II, 58 the errant hidalgo finally realizes the error of his ways and resolves to take Sancho's advice, to follow the example of the saints, with special emphasis on St Paul. To make this ancient model more accessible to contemporary Spanish readers Cervantes imitated in his protagonists' actions a good number of specific behaviours taken from the 1588 biography of St Thomas of Villanueva, of the Campo de Montiel where much of the novel is set, who was much admired by Quevedo as a moral example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the life (vita) of Saint Margaret of Scotland "Vita Margaretae," written by prior Turgot of Durham Cathedral, in relation to the Norman Conquest, Margaret's purportedly conspicuous consumption, and her genealogy. It is said that Margaret's ancestry was significant due to issues related to Anglo-Norman relations after the conquest.

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The article presents a fifteenth-century French biography of St. Jean Baptiste in verse from the collection of the Bibliothèque de l'Arsenal in France, named the "Vie de saint Jean-Baptiste." The article includes a summary of the contents of the manuscript aside from the poem, an overview of the transcription changes from the Arsenal manuscript to the printed version, and a lexicon of words appearing in the text, in addition to the actual poem. A list of the various extant versions of the poem is included.

The article presents an examination into the depictions of Heaven and Hell seen within the 12th-century hagiographic life of Saint Peter of Avranches. Introductory details are given discussing the didactic purposes of narratives of saints' lives during the period. An overview of the account of Saint Peter is then provided. Focus is then given to the vivid depictions of the nine torments of Hell juxtaposed with the joys of Heaven, introduced by a vision of Saint Peter. Commentary is then offered noting how this combination of visions was used to spiritually encourage Christians when the work was written.

A biography of medieval Benedictine monk Saint Benedict of Aniane is presented, with focus given to his work collecting Rules, or guidelines for Christian monastic living. The author explains the impact of the Rule of Benedict, or a set of guidelines for Benedictines, on the standardization of monastic life in Carolingian Europe. Aspects of Aniane's life discussed include the construction of his monastery, military service with Frankish King Pepin the Short, and his "Concordia Regularum."

An essay is presented analyzing the asceticism and public life of St. Wulfstan, as portrayed in the 12th-century "Vita Wolfstani," or "Life of Wulfstan," written by the church historian William of Malmesbury. The author highlights how St. Wulfstan viewed public service as a means to live the Christian life in addition to the more reclusive asceticism upheld by others during his lifetime. The portrayal of this choice in the narrative of the saint's life is then discussed in detail.

The article focuses on the requirement of heroic virtue in the process of canonization during the fourteenth century, which is seen in the biography "Life of Saint Catherine of Siena," by Blessed Raymond of Capua. Topics discussed include the criticism from feminist scholars and modern historians on "Life of Saint Catherine," Catherine's personality and her mission according to the view of Raymond and the reasons the final chapter of the work attracts attention.

This paper sets out to illustrate how Catholic literature of this period attempted to perpetuate medieval attitudes towards suffering, and demonstrate the tensions caused by translations of such literature into English. Catholic translations (such as the 1611 edition of Vicenzo Puccini's biography of Magdalena de Pazzi) contained representations of exemplary suffering, albeit with a certain sense of unease and defensiveness, while for Protestant translators (such as Paul Rycaut, translator of Baltasar Gracián's El Criticón) Catholic portrayals of suffering could not function, in English, as in any way morally edifying and are presented as simply perverse, if not actually perverted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vita, or saintly biography, of Christina of Markyate is a remarkable piece of medieval hagiography because its protagonist was still alive during, and contributed material to, its composition. It was written to meet a complex mix of agenda at a transitional moment in the history of spirituality and sanctity. By looking at the different ways that saintly models were used to recast Christina's past and present it is possible to see something of the process of 'saint-making' in action. In particular this vita shows how authoritative examples could be adapted and re-used by different generations to meet changing expectations of holy behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article argues that in the Vita Antonii Athanasius's realistic colouring of some commonplaces indicates that more justice has been done to Anthony's personality, as Athanasius experienced it, than the emphasis on his indebtedness to classical literature suggests. The central question in this article is: how does Athanasius show himself to be a mystagogue in his Vita Antonii? It is shown that the monastic formation process, by which Athanasius represents Anthony's life, comprehends five stages. At the first two stages the fear of God's judgement is the driving and purifying force in the ordo vitae. In the third and fourth stages, Athanasius formulates the first aim of his mystagogy: the restoration of Adam's original state of the soul, marked by imperturbability and serenity. During the fifth and last stage, however, the teacher is faithful to the directives that were taught to him at the very beginning of his monastic life. Now, however, ascesis is not inspired by the fear of the Lord but merely by the love of Christ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information about the life and work of 18th century French religious figure Deacon Paris. It is noted that Paris was a notable figure in the 18th century Roman Catholic sect of Jansenism. Descriptions are given of hagiographic accounts of miracles associated with Paris. The article discusses Paris and his work in the hosiery industry, focusing particularly on the ways in which different social classes interpreted the meaning of his work. Further comments are given concerning Paris' impact on trade union relations in France.

Interactions between saints and animals have been the focus of modern scholarship, yet an important aspect has been neglected, namely that of the saint as healer of animals, when a third party has requested help on behalf of the animal. This article therefore examines, through examples drawn from saints' Vitae and other sources, the types of animals for which saintly intervention was sought, the ailments from which they suffered, and the form which their cure took, in order to understand why medieval people turned to the saints when their animals were ill. An examination of this relationship between saint and animal will not only elucidate the role of saint as thaumaturge, but will also shed light on the veterinary aspect of animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the association of Saint Augustine of Hippo with the book of Psalms, particularly in relation to biblical interpretation. The importance of the Psalms to the life of Saint Augustine is discussed. Description is offered of the manner in which the book of Psalms influenced the early days after his conversion. Major elements of Augustine's theological thought as expressed in his views of the Psalms are also discussed.

Analyzes the arguments presented by historian Lynn White in favor of St. Francis of Assisi as ecology's patron saint. Sources of knowledge of the saint's life and works; Description of the writings of St. Francis; Traditional image of St. Francis.

English- and Spanish-language abstracts are presented for the article "San Benito de Palermo en España," by Bernard Vincent.

The article reports on the discovery of a text about the life of Saint Francis of Assisi titled "Umbrian Legend" by biographer Thomas of Celano.