Here is another monastic saint, to go along with Benedictine St Anselm. This one was a Cistercian monk [commonly know today as "Trappists"] and later Abbot of the Abbey of Rievaulx [ ree-vaauu] ( In the UK the abbey is pronounced like "Riv-xxxxx",,,figure. lol)
St Aelred of Rievaulx, Patron of Same Sex Intimacy
St Aelred is recognised in all sources as an
important English saint, who lived in the north of England in the 12 C.
As a young man, he joined the Cistercian abbey of Rievaulx, later
returning there as Abbott. He is remembered especially for his writings
on friendship, some of which have led gay writers such as John Boswell to claim him as 'homosexual'. For instances, Integrity USA,
an Anglican LGBT organisation, have designated him as their
patron. From the website of Integrity, this Collect for the feast of
Aelred:
Collect
Pour into our hearts, 0 God, the Holy Spirit's gift of love, that we, clasping each the other's hand, may share the joy of friendship, human and divine, and with your servant Aelred draw many into your community of love; through Jesus Christ the Righteous, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The
regard given to St Aelred by gay writers is based on his book, "On
Spiritual Friendship",[google it] in which he is clear in extolling the value of
same-sex love. He does so on the basis of personal experience, and
describes the impact that several of these friendships have had on him,
and the desolation he has felt when a lover has died.
Continue reading here. .
http://queering-the-church.blogspot.com/2011/01/12th-january-st-aelred-of-rievaulx.html
8 comments:
Here I am back again, after reading
all that was on St. Aelred. Just is sort of confusing, that he loved
men to the nth degree, and found that it was hard to be celebate.
The church hasn't condemed him as far as I see? Twelve years in a
Catholic School, maybe has messed up my mind. Old German Pastor would
give boys a talk about playing with yourself, and slapped the hell
out of you, if you had a bad report
card. Just never found much Love or Kindness in the confessional.
It was always you Sinners are Bad!!! Not a smart person but what
is all this about Love, when Jesus
Christ said to "Love One Another as
I have Loved You", even your Enemies. Does this not go for us
Gays?????. Having a lot of questions and am always seeking answers. Thank you Justin!!!
I think we ought to beatify the Abbe de Sade, who taught his nephew well.
"WE"???? Who is "we"? hahahahaaaaa
What's this nexus with deSade? He seems to appear often enough. . . . ;-)
Good information for me to 'tuck away' and consider. Why wasn't I told about this fella before? Oh yeah, I know why!
Thanks for this Justin...I tell you again that the RCC better appreciate you me son!
Thanks, Jim. . .thanks very much.
Well, God blessed me with and my family encouraged it . .a very curious mind: I am interested in all kinds of things. . .saints and mystics, sinners and real people[ 6 of one/ half dozen of another. . LOL]
Psychology became a passion because I really want to know the why and wheres I come from. . .as much as I can. I am discovering the longer I delve just how rich a treasury is ours in our roots. . human, christian, dreams and legends, joy and sorrow. . .all that gorgeous STUFF which makes us real. . .really us.
Do yourself a favor and Google Aelred of Rievaulx. . . there is far more there than just this "Queering of the Church" and Boswell. . . .it is a beginning. . .
I'm confused. Not sure what you mean... 'sinners and real people'..
I think I had the same urge with psychology. Wish I had pursued it.
JIMM. . . .it's not too late, you know. You can do a lot by yourself online ... .;-)
You can learn a great deal online. . .hmmm? Think about it. . . ;-))
JIMM. . . .
I have an idea. . . and I thought I had your email addy. . .but I cannot find it.
If you will, please email me. .
jstn_oshea@yahoo.com. . . I have some ideas to lay out to you. . . so, bro. . ;-))
justin
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