Medieval Saints: miracles, relics and pilgrimage
About this episode
This episode explores the cult of saints in medieval Europe, focusing on their miracles, relics, and the pilgrimage practices associated with them.
Greg Jenner is joined in medieval Europe by historian Dr Simon Yarrow and comedian Rachel Parris to learn all about the cult of saints and their relics. The veneration of saints still plays an important role in the lives of Catholics all over the world, but what did the cult of saints – and especially devotion to their relics – play in medieval Europe? This episode explores all aspects of the topic: who became a saint, and how the canonisation process changed over the centuries as the papacy tried to more tightly control it. What sorts of signs and miracles proved someone’s sanctity. What relics are, and how medieval churches acquired them, both legitimately and illegitimately. What people in the Middle Ages thought saints could do for them, and the pilgrimages they took to their tombs in search of aid. And it asks whether everyone believed in the power of saints’ relics – and the gruesome fate awaiting some sceptics. If you’re a fan of marvellous miracle stories, the fascinating history of the Catholic Church, and the odd gory martyrdom, you’ll love our episode on medieval saints. If you want more from Rachel Parris, listen to our episode on Eleanor of Aquitaine. And for more on…
People in this episode
Host: Greg Jenner
Guests: Dr Simon Yarrow, Rachel Parris
Topics covered
- medieval saints
- relics
- pilgrimage
- canonisation process
- miracles
- Catholic Church
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: BBC Radio 4
Books & works: Eleanor of Aquitaine, Early Medieval Papacy, Medieval Ghost Stories, Benedetta Carlini
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