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6 wonder women of the ancient church 2
- 1. Wonder Women of the Ancient Church Part Two O Sister, Where Art Thou? Part Six
- 2. Church Fathers Church Mothers
- 3. Thecla The Christian Paul, Evangelist, Teacher, Ascetic... (1st Century)
- 4. Perpetua and Felicity Mother, Dreamer, Author, Martyr… (d. 202)
- 5. Helena Pilgrim, Archeologist, Antique Dealer, Mother of Constantine…(244-330)
- 6. Macrina The Younger The Christian Socrates, Philosopher, Teacher, Scholar, Elder… (d. 379)
- 7. Monica Prayer Warrior, Devoted Mother... (d. 387)
- 8. Marcella of Rome Seminary Dean, Biblical Scholar, Advisor to the Pope, Philanthropist…(d. 410)
- 9. Marcella of Rome Aventine Hill, Rome Athanasius of Alexandria visits The Life of Saint Anthony Death of her husband Refusal to remarry
- 10. Marcella of Rome Aventine Hill, Rome Athanasius of Alexandria visits The Life of Saint Anthony Death of her husband Refusal to remarry “…had I a wish to marry and not rather to dedicate myself to perpetual chastity, I should look for a husband and not for an inheritance…”
- 11. Marcella of Rome Why Embrace Celibacy?
- 12. Marcella of Rome Why Embrace Celibacy? 1. Dichotomy between Flesh and Spirit? 2. Celibacy meant Freedom.
- 13. Marcella of Rome The Brown Dress Society A Monastery in her Home Investing in the Poor Educating Women (female seminary) Studying Hebrew and Greek
- 14. Marcella of Rome Then Along Came Jerome...
- 15. Marcella of Rome Then Along Came Jerome... Helping Jerome Theological Controversies Advisor to the Pope Introduced Jerome to Paula Restrained Jerome
- 16. Marcella of Rome Dealing with Jerome “I know that as you (Marcella) read these words you will knit your brows, and fear that my freedom of speech is sowing the seeds of fresh quarrels; and that, if you could, you would gladly put your finger on my mouth to prevent me from even speaking…” (Jerome)
- 17. Marcella of Rome “...she never came to see me without asking me some questions about them (Scriptures), nor would she rest content at once, but on the contrary would dispute them; this, however, was not for the sake of argument, but to learn by questioning the answers to such objections might, as she saw, be raised. How much virtue and intellect, how much holiness and purity I found in her I am afraid to say, both lest I may exceed the bounds of men’s belief and lest I may increase your sorrow by reminding you of the blessings you have lost.”
- 18. Marcella of Rome Gender Limitations Jerome wrote, “…when she answered questions she gave her own opinion not as her own but as from me or someone else, thus admitting that what she taught she had herself learned from others.”
- 19. Marcella of Rome Final Days The Sack of Rome, 410 She had given it all away.
- 20. Marcella of Rome Issues Female Teacher A Seminary for Women Participation in Controversies An Independent Woman
- 21. Marcella of Rome “Her delight in the divine scriptures was incredible. She was forever singing, ‘Thy words have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee…’”
- 22. Paula Biblical Scholar, Linguist, Model of Christian Widows... (d. 404)
- 23. Paula Early Life Wealthy family, 5 children. Age 32 she widowed, became religious. Marcella’s Brown Dress Society
- 24. Paula Early Life Wealthy family, 5 children. Age 32 she widowed, became religious. Marcella’s Brown Dress Society The Kids Eustochium Paulina Blesilla Rufina Toxotius
- 25. Paula Scholar 1. Disciple of Marcella, then of Jerome 2. Teamed with Jerome, headed to Bethlehem. 3. Toured the Holy Land 4. Toured Egyptian monasteries 5. Established Monasteries in Palestine
- 26. Paula Scholar 6. Bethlehem as coworker on the Vulgate 7. The Attempt to persuade Marcella 8. Controversies 9. Real poverty 10. Death
- 27. Paula “Do you see this tomb, hollowed from the rock? It is Paula's resting place as she takes up her celestial kingdom. She left brother, family, her home in Rome, wealth and progeny for a cave in Bethlehem. Here was the manger and here the magi bore mystical gifts to Christ, both man and God.” Jerome
- 28. Paula Palladius wrote that Paula was, “hindered by a certain Jerome. For though she was able to surpass all, having great abilities, he hindered her by his jealousy, having induced her to serve his own plan.” “Without Paula’s help, Jerome would not have had the money or leisure to complete his biblical translations and commentaries.” (Mary Malone)
- 29. Melania the Elder Pilgrim, Desert Mother Philanthropist... (d. 417)
- 30. Melania the Elder Early Life Spain, Nobility Married age 14 Moved to Rome Husband’s death The Brown Dress Society Moved to Alexandria (Nitria)
- 31. Melania the Elder Travels Moved to Alexandria (Nitria) Used wealth to help those in need Assisted those being persecuted Headed to Jerusalem
- 32. Melania the Elder Jerusalem Pilgrimage to Jerusalem Monastery on Mount Olives Rufinus of Aquileia Controversies Jerome’s Criticisms
- 33. Melania the Elder Later Travels Return to Rome The Sacking of Rome Thagaste (N. Africa) Returning to Jerusalem
- 34. Melania the Younger World Traveler, Desert Mother, Philanthropist, Teacher... (d. 439)
- 35. Melania the Younger Early Life Wealthy Parents Married to Apinianus at age 14 She wanted celibacy, He wanted children. Both embraced celibacy.
- 36. Melania the Younger Why celibacy?
- 37. Melania the Younger Why celibacy? 1. Dichotomy of Spirit and Flesh. 2. Birth control was frowned upon, some considered it sinful. 3. Children limit opportunities.
- 38. Melania the Younger Travels Sold their estates (Spain & Italy) Visiting impoverished areas. A Ransomed Island?
- 39. Melania the Younger Travels Sold their estates (Spain & Italy) Visiting impoverished areas. A Ransomed Island? Carthage Egypt Jerusalem: Good bye Apinianus
- 40. Melania the Younger More Travels Grandma’s Convent Constantinople Teaching & Confronting Heresy The Return to Jerusalem
- 42. Melania the Younger “Do you not realize you are a woman and cannot go anywhere?”
- 43. Olympias Deaconess, Builder of Churches, Philanthropist, An Independent Woman... (d. 408)
- 44. Olympias Deaconess, Builder of Churches, Philanthropist, An Independent Woman... (d. 408)
- 45. Olympias Deaconess, Builder of Churches, Philanthropist, An Independent Woman... (d. 408) Early Life Orphaned Gregory the Theologian A Short Marriage Wealth and Celibacy
- 46. Olympias Deaconess, Builder of Churches, Philanthropist, An Independent Woman... (d. 408) Deaconess The Mansion is a Monastery Freeing slaves Monastery Hospital Orphans Shelter for travelers Giving too much
- 47. Olympias Deaconess, Builder of Churches, Philanthropist, An Independent Woman... (d. 408) Enter John Chrysostom
- 48. Olympias Deaconess, Builder of Churches, Philanthropist, An Independent Woman... (d. 408) Enter John Chrysostom Burning Sophia Exile Letters to Olympias
- 49. Mary of Egypt Desert Solitaire, Ascetic, Repentant Sinner...(5th Century)
- 50. Mary of Egypt Early Life “Mary the Prostitute” Business Trip to Jerusalem Church of the Holy Sepulcher Conversion
- 51. Mary of Egypt The Desert A Monastic Period Saint Zosimos Crossing the Jordon Communion
- 52. Mary of Egypt A Year Later
- 53. Mary of Egypt Issues Thecla in the Desert? History, Fiction, Embellishment? Patron Saint of Penitents.
- 54. Theodora Empress, Actress, Comedian, Women’s Rights Activist… (d. 548)
- 55. Summary
- 56. Summary 1. There were many early “Church Mothers”. 2. They did not write much (by choice, culture, manipulation). 3. There were numerous scholars among them. 4. Many came from big money. 5. They found ways around the “Boy’s Club”. 6. There was Freedom in Celibacy!
Editor's Notes
- Fathers: Pastors, bishops, leaders whose writings have help shape and defend the early faith. Mothers: Women generally did not write. This is why “O Sister, Where Art Thou?” Their voice is missing. BUT, there were many women that built and preserved the Ancient Church.
- Acts dated before 190, Tertullian commented on them at that date. T considered her story a fiction. Basil, Gregory of Nyssa, Jerome, & Ambrose held she is historic.
- Marcella 325-410 (85 yr old) Jerome 347-420 (73 yr, 22 yr younger) Paula (347-404)
- 13 years old when Athanasius visits. Married, after 7 months widowed, refusing suitors.
- 13 years old when Athanasius visits. Married, widowed, refusing suitors. She would rather “marry a man than an inheritance”. The guy interested in her was wealthy and old.
- 1. Live as the Angels rather than the Animals? Though, Jerome had not arrived yet. 2. Freedom to serve more. Freedom from the constraints of marriage. Even a good marriage is limiting.
- Brown Dress-her monastic community in her home. A refuge for the poor and needy. Treasure in the stomachs of the poor. Education of women! She could recite the Psalms in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. Recite not just read!
- J was in Rome about 3 years (382-385). M was 57 yr old, J was 35. He was secretary to the pope. He often taught at M’s house. Much of what we know of Marcella comes from Jerome. Note: her studies began before he came. Colleague, not student of Jerome. Theological Issues, controversy over Origen?
- J was in Rome about 3 years (382-385). M was 57 yr old, J was 35. He was secretary to the pope. He often taught at M’s house. Much of what we know of Marcella comes from Jerome. Note: her studies began before he came. Colleague, not student of Jerome. Theological Issues, controversy over Origen? She was writing letters.
- J also complained that M was a slave driver, she pushed him.
- From letter 127 (to Principia, Marcella’s student) J and M appear to view themselves as equals.
- She learned, like many Medieval women would, to teach humbly so not to offend idiots.
- Aleric and the Goths sacked Rome they found M in a mansion without wealth. She died the next day in Principia’s arms. 85 years old.
- It appears that she did write letters, but none have survived.
- Another of Marcella’s gang. Main source of her life is Jerome.
- J writes that she had been wealthy carried about Rome on a chair by eunuchs. Married to a pagan.
- E: Coworker with P & J, Mastered Hebrew and other studies. P: Married to a senator, stayed in Rome. B: Live a vain life, widowed, turned to religion, overdid it and died of asceticism. When B died J rebuked P for her grief. R: Died shortly after P left Rome. T: (A boy), became a Christian & married the daughter of a pagan priest (sounds like she converted as well).
- J claims she spoke Hebrew without an accent. 5. For both male and female. P stayed in one, J in the other.
- 7. M stayed in Rome. 8. Probably over Origen, this issue was dividing churches. 10. 404 (6 yrs before Marcella), She was buried in the Church of the Nativity in Jerusalem
- J writes of Paula. He sat with her in illness, and as she died.
- Maybe P would have started a school like Marcella did? Without P we might not have had a Jerome. Without Marcella, would Jerome have gone anywhere?
- One of the first to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
- Widowed (2 sons died) at age 22. She left the third with friends in Rome. Used her wealth to feed and help those in need and those in persecutions (Arian controversy).
- Widowed (2 sons died) at age 22. She left the third with friends in Rome. Arian controversy.
- A monastery (for Rufinus of Aquileia) on Mt Olives. She was pro-Athanasius & pro-Origen. Assisted Rufinus in translations. Due to this Jerome turned on her, instead of former praise he abused her name, “black in name, black in nature”.
- In 400 traveled to Rome, took her grandchild under her wing, 410 sacking moved to N Africa (Thagaste). As a refugee? before returning to Jerusalem.
- The Granddaughter
- She wanted to live with A in celibacy (he agreed if they had children first) 2 children both died young. They lived and traveled together as brother and sister.
- Was it preference for living like Angels rather than Animals? Let Nature take its course = let God take his course.
- They lived and traveled together as brother and sister. After selling their estates in Spain & Italy traveled visiting sick, poor, prisons, miners, destitute, Refugees… The couple ransomed an entire city from pirates.
- Carthage (befriended Augustine of hippo), to Egypt, to Jerusalem where A died
- M lived many years in (Grandma’s) convent before traveling to Constantinople. Confronted Nestorian teachings (yes, she taught) before returning to Jerusalem.
- Her tomb (relics) in Jerusalem.
- Quote: Arsenius 28, a desert hermit upon her visit to him.
- Statue at St Peter’s basilica
- Celibacy: One historian claims her marriage was bad and thus she didn’t remarry, another that her marriage was good, and thus she didn’t remarry. Probably, she wanted to devote herself to God, religious reasons, not romantic. Gregory-one of the Cappadocian's, friend of Basil, Greg, & Macrina!
- Deaconess at 30 (?) years of age (an exception was made). She supported many church leaders. Orphanage, hospital, guestrooms, monastery for women. Freed her slaves. Similar to Marcella in Rome, but without the seminary. Sarcastic response to Emperor, J would eventually help in distribution of charity. She gave to all in needs, even to enemies, it was God’s money.
- Deaconess at 30 (?) years of age (an exception was made). Orphanage, hospital, guestrooms, monastery for women. Freed her slaves. Similar to Marcella in Rome, but without the seminary. Sarcastic response to Emperor, J would eventually help in distribution of charity.
- Reason for J’s exile is unclear, power struggle with Alexandria, disproval of Empress Eudoxia… H. Sophia burned during riots following J’s exile. “I build churches, why would I burn them down?” Exiled to Nicomedia.
- Age 12 becomes a prostitute. Prostitute for 17 years. Something unseen kept her from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulcher there. After observing a statue of Mary, she repented of her wicked ways and was able to enter.
- Lived as solitaire in desert (47 years) past the Jordon River. St. Zosimos would spend Lent in the desert and found her. She miraculously knew his name and who he was. He gave her communion (did she walk across the river?).
- Returning the next year found her dead. A lion helps bury her.
- Does her story contain any truth? Is it strong on Interpretation (Penitence)? Does her beginning necessitate the literary conclusion (Penitence)? Should she be understood along the lines of The Life of Anthony instead? Would a modern Evangelical have written her story differently? Also, see St Pelagia; Hagiography.
- 2. That was a job for men. 4. So, was it wealth that got them noticed? If it wasn’t for Paula what would have become of Jerome?. 5. Virginity is a limitation and a liberation.