Publisher's Synopsis
This book examines how the Dominican penitents were actually situated in the world, and what were their techniques for saintly living in that world. These lay women did not withdraw from the world into a specifically defined religious space. Instead they created spiritual fulfillment within their ordinary lives by following specific religious practices, exercising pious customs, and by drawing a mental, rather than physical, boundary between themselves and the world. The vita activa, which was principally manifested in penitents' manual labour, charity, and teaching, complemented their mystical and contemplative piety. In fact, the hagiographies stressed the importance of concrete acts of neighbourly service. This book examines the various forms of active service work available to the Dominican penitent saints and their role in these women's spiritual perfection.
