Heortology

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

70963

Title

Heortology

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A scholarly history of Christian festivals from their origins to the present, focusing on Roman Catholic liturgy. This work systematically collects historical data on ecclesiastical feasts, analyzing their development, theological significance, and evolution from local customs to universal observance.

Summary up to 500 words

Dr. K. A. Heinrich Kellner's *Heortology* stands as a definitive historical study of the Christian liturgical year, specifically within the Roman Catholic tradition. Kellner argues that while earlier works treated festivals as isolated components of a larger whole, and modern articles focused on fragmented questions, a dedicated, systematic study of the festival cycle is now essential. By synthesizing results from both earlier and later investigations, Kellner incorporates newly accessible documents, such as the *Peregrinatio Silviae* and critical editions of the *Martyrologium Hieronymianum*, to provide a comprehensive view. The text is designed for theological students and clergy, aiming to offer clear historical context for sermons and catechesis while steering a middle course between uncritical credulity and skeptical unbelief. The book meticulously traces the origins and evolution of major feasts. It details the development of Pentecost and Whitsunday, noting that while the feast originally marked the fiftieth day after Easter, the octave was a later addition debated by figures like Berno of Reichenau. Kellner explains the gradual introduction of Trinity Sunday, which was initially viewed by Pope Alexander II as superfluous but gained popularity through the efforts of monasteries like Cluny and Cistercians before being universally adopted by Pope John XXII in 1334. Similarly, the text explores the history of Corpus Christi, linking it to the Eucharistic institution and the visions of St. Juliana of Retinne. Special attention is given to the Feast of the Holy Cross, where Kellner distinguishes between the Eastern celebration of its discovery on September 14 and the Western feast commemorating its recovery by Emperor Heraclius on May 3. He clarifies that while the discovery was a local Jerusalem festival, the recovery became a solemn commemoration in the West, eventually spreading to the entire Church. By examining service-books, council decrees, and papal constitutions, Kellner demonstrates how the Church's calendar was shaped by historical events, theological debates, and ecclesiastical authority. Ultimately, *Heortology* provides a solid foundation for understanding how the ecclesiastical year developed from ancient practices to the standardized rites of the modern era.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Religion
• History