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Document Details :

Title: L'Épithalame of Jean de Saint-Samson (1571-1636)
Author(s): SCICLUNA, Ivan
Journal: Studies in Spirituality
Volume: 18    Date: 2008   
Pages: 289-311
DOI: 10.2143/SIS.18.0.2033294

Abstract :
L’Épithalame, of the blind Carmelite brother Jean de Saint-Samson (1571-1636), is a direct written record of an intense mystical experience of union with Christ. The aim of this article is to present this remarkable example of bridal mysticism in the hope of arousing further interest in the figure of Jean de Saint-Samson and his writings. First, a sketch of the author’s personality is provided, followed by some considerations about the composition, the literary genre and linguistic style of the text. Then, the development of the experience the text communicates is presented in its various stages which reach their highpoint in the reiteration of union with Christ and mystical death.

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