WOMEN AND MENDICANT ORDERS IN LATE MEDIEVAL TRANSYLVANIA
WOMEN AND MENDICANT ORDERS IN LATE MEDIEVAL TRANSYLVANIA

Summary/Abstract: The religious experience of the Transylvanian laity has received increased attention in the research of the last two decades. As a result of these studies, it has been observed, that the religious aspirations and practices of the lay people were framed not only within the parochial boundaries, but also within those provided by the Mendicant Orders. However, the religious experience of the women and the ways in which this experience was organized and supervised by the friars has been only marginally discussed. Thus, this study wishes to explore the institutionalization of women’s religious life inside the houses belonging to the Franciscan and Dominican Order respectively. The rhythm of Mendicant female establishments will be observed in close relation to the general and local histories of the friars. This would allow for a deeper understanding of both the peculiar features of the religious integration of women with the Mendicants and the specific devotional practices they were encouraged to follow.

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