Description

Book Synopsis
''I wish to remain single, for I have made a vow of virginity.''This is the remarkable story of the twelfth-century recluse Christina, who became prioress of Markyate, near St Albans in Hertfordshire. Determined to devote her life to God and to remain a virgin, Christina repulses the sexual advances of the bishop of Durham. In revenge he arranges her betrothal to a young nobleman but Christina steadfastly refuses to consummate the marriage and defies her parents'' cruel coercion. Sustained by visions, she finds refuge with the hermit Roger, and lives concealed at Markyate for four years, enduring terrible physical and emotional torment. Although Christina is supported by the abbot of St Albans, she never achieves the recognition that he intended for her.Written with striking candour by Christina''s anonymous biographer, the vividness and compelling detail of this account make it a social document as much as a religious one. Christina''s trials of the flesh and spirit exist against a ba

The Life of Christina of Markyate

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    A Paperback / softback by Samuel Fanous, Henrietta Leyser, C.H. Talbot

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      Publisher: Oxford University Press
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 27/08/2009
      ISBN13: 9780199556052, 978-0199556052
      ISBN10: 0199556059
      Also in:
      Biography Biography: religious and spiritual Religion Spirituality and religious experience Theology

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      ''I wish to remain single, for I have made a vow of virginity.''This is the remarkable story of the twelfth-century recluse Christina, who became prioress of Markyate, near St Albans in Hertfordshire. Determined to devote her life to God and to remain a virgin, Christina repulses the sexual advances of the bishop of Durham. In revenge he arranges her betrothal to a young nobleman but Christina steadfastly refuses to consummate the marriage and defies her parents'' cruel coercion. Sustained by visions, she finds refuge with the hermit Roger, and lives concealed at Markyate for four years, enduring terrible physical and emotional torment. Although Christina is supported by the abbot of St Albans, she never achieves the recognition that he intended for her.Written with striking candour by Christina''s anonymous biographer, the vividness and compelling detail of this account make it a social document as much as a religious one. Christina''s trials of the flesh and spirit exist against a ba

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