this issue
previous article in this issuenext article in this issue

Document Details :

Title: A Theology of Transformative Healing in the Monastic Teaching of William of St. Thierry
Author(s): O'BRIEN, MaryEllen
Journal: Studies in Spirituality
Volume: 15    Date: 2005   
Pages: 71-89
DOI: 10.2143/SIS.15.0.2003469

Abstract :
The twelfth century monk and mystic William of St. Thierry has bequeathed to us a wealth of writings on monastic life. Within these texts we find a prominent theme of spiritual healing along with instructions on achieving a state of health worthy of religious life. Metaphors of physical health abound, as do rumors of William’s own fragile constitution. This leads us to question whether William’s preoccupation with spiritual healing issued from his own long experience with physicians, medicine and the patience needed for full recuperation. The devoted disciple of Bernard of Clairvaux proves remarkable in his own right as a spiritual director intent on leading contemplatives toward spiritual wholeness where their lives can be a witness of the fruits of the Spirit in the monastic vocation.

Download article