In modern times, the medieval stories of the saints have been either simply ignored or have been interpreted as colorful examples of cultural history, all the while ignoring their central character and initial purpose: Christ. But the legends and stories of the saints were always told within and around the sacramental and liturgical life of the Church. In other words, the saints were tools in preaching and promoting the Gospel of Christ. This clearly written book is a search for a way to read the medieval legends of the saints-- all saints--through the stories of the Virgin Martyrs, so that that their original and powerful stories speak to us once again. The stories of all the saints were written by people who were immersed in the Scriptures and who lived and breathed the words, images, ideas, symbols, poetry.… (more) |