Punishments and Rewards in Silesian Monasteries in the Middle Ages

Abstract

This article examines the system of punishments and rewards implemented in Silesian monasteries during the Middle Ages, drawing upon both narrative sources (monastic chronicles) and normative texts (monastic statutes). The analysis focuses on two communities of regular canons in Silesia: the Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Piasek Island in Wrocław and the Monastery of St. Bartholomew in Żagań (Sagan). Additionally, the findings of Olga M. Przybyłowicz on the Wrocław-based Poor Clares provide further insight. A fundamental aspect of monastic discipline was the Chapter of Faults, where each monk was required to publicly confess his transgressions before his brethren. Infractions were classified into light, heavy, and severe offenses. Minor violations typically involved breaches of man-made regulations and statutes, whereas the gravest offenses pertained to transgressions against divine commandments. Crimes such as murder or apostasy, which fell beyond the scope of monastic jurisdiction, were treated as exceptional cases. The majority of recorded infractions concerned minor daily transgressions, which resulted in relatively lenient penalties, such as eating meals seated on the ground or restrictions on food consumption. While the general structure of offenses and punishments appears similar between male monasteries and female convents, the case of the Poor Clares of Wrocław highlights gender-specific disciplinary measures. These included punishments influenced by perceptions of female psychology as well as strict enforcement of monastic enclosure. Notably, both in monasteries and convents, a greater emphasis was placed on punishments than on rewards. However, despite an extensive system of disciplinary measures, instances of unseemly behavior or even scandalous conduct among monks persisted, underscoring the challenges of enforcing monastic discipline.