Sacred Sisters

Introduction, A Golden Age of Gender Relations? A Responsible Usable Past Book Overview Memories of the Future Ch 1. Founded Upon the Rock Which is Christ: What Patrick and His Promoters Reveal about Women in the Early Irish Church Patrick in his own words Women in Patrician propaganda Syneisaktism Conclusion Ch 2. A New and Apostolic Band of Virgins Arose: Darerca, an Exceptionally Learned Abbess Untangling the sources Doctissima abbatissa, an exceptionally learned abbess Community Gender dynamics Diversity within community Conclusion Ch. 3. The Safest City of Refuge: Brigid the Bishop Many Lives, little certainty Brigid, the early years Consecration and ordination Double monasteries Meeting women's needs Secunda Brigida Conclusion Ch. 4. God is always present with those who exemplify such devotion: Ite, Foster-Mother of the Saints of Ireland The path to the holy life Prophecy and patronage Asceticism Conclusion Ch. 5. Do Not Harass My Sisters: Samthann, An Abbess Not To Be Crossed Urney Constructing Clonbroney Cain Adomnain (Adomnan's Law) The mercy of Samthann Female solidarity Wisdom The celi De Conclusion Ch. 6. I place myself under the protection of the virgins all together: Sister saints with something like a Life Lasair, Hell thereafter from me Attracta, Wise in words and honorable in all things Cranat, My body to be thus under [my] control Gobnait, How many years make up a nameplace Digde, They shall never be without some wonderful glorious nun/old woman [caillech] among them Conclusion, Conclusion, Appendices, Appendix A: The Sites (photos and a map), Appendix B: The Sources (with an introduction) i. Catalogue of the Saints of Ireland ii. Darerca iii. Brigid iv. Ite v. Samthann, Appendix C: Calendar of Feast Days, Appendix D: Pronunciation Guide,Appendix E: Glossary