Michael Pecue
Thomas of Cantimpre was a Dominican friar born in Brussels (1210-1263/80). In the Defense of the Mendicants, Thomas describes what Dominican and Franciscan friar’s way of life. He is also making a defense for his way of life by giving examples of Jesus begging for a drink from a Samaritan woman. He explaines the three different ways followed by clergy; secular clergy work at their studies, the canons that devote themselves to the celebration of the Divine Office, and the monks who apply all their energy to the careful practice of regular observances (490). Thomas is quick to point out that the friars do all these and more.
Thomas is replying to critics who say the Dominicans and Franciscans are superstitious and silly, and frivolous. They also say the friars are gyrovagues which means wandering monks without fixed residence who rely on charity. Thomas is proud to be called gyrovagues and now aligns himself with Paul who traveled and preached. Thomas responds to the critics by saying that they are rescuing souls while they turn a blind eye and criticize. If they were real lovers of Christ they would be happy that the friars are saving souls. Thomas paints a picture of a preacher wearing uncomfortable wool clothing, hungry and begging for food. He aligns the friars with Christ, who is the Truth, and blessed are the poor.
Thomas of Cantimpre was a Dominican friar born in Brussels (1210-1263/80). In the Defense of the Mendicants, Thomas describes what Dominican and Franciscan friar’s way of life. He is also making a defense for his way of life by giving examples of Jesus begging for a drink from a Samaritan woman. He explaines the three different ways followed by clergy; secular clergy work at their studies, the canons that devote themselves to the celebration of the Divine Office, and the monks who apply all their energy to the careful practice of regular observances (490). Thomas is quick to point out that the friars do all these and more.
Thomas is replying to critics who say the Dominicans and Franciscans are superstitious and silly, and frivolous. They also say the friars are gyrovagues which means wandering monks without fixed residence who rely on charity. Thomas is proud to be called gyrovagues and now aligns himself with Paul who traveled and preached. Thomas responds to the critics by saying that they are rescuing souls while they turn a blind eye and criticize. If they were real lovers of Christ they would be happy that the friars are saving souls. Thomas paints a picture of a preacher wearing uncomfortable wool clothing, hungry and begging for food. He aligns the friars with Christ, who is the Truth, and blessed are the poor.