4 - Later History and the Development of a Historiographical Tradition

Summary

Institutional change and growth in the fourteenth century

In an attempt to put an end to disputes with the secular clergy, in 1300 Boniface VIII defined limits for the pastoral activities of Franciscans and Dominicans which were later applied to the Carmelites. In Super cathedram (18 February 1300) he stated that the care of souls was fundamentally the duty of bishops and parish clergy. The activities of the mendicant friars were therefore only supplementary to the work of seculars. The friars might preach in their own churches and public squares, but must avoid times when local churchmen were accustomed to preach. Friars were not to preach in parish churches, hear confessions or perform burials without the permission of the bishop. Once so authorised, they were nonetheless to share any revenues, paying the canonically defined portion to the parish clergy. Benedict XI (a Dominican) revoked Boniface's bull, but the restriction was renewed by Clement V at the Council of Vienne (1311–12) and remained in force until the Council of Trent (1545). Originally Super cathedram named only the Franciscans and Dominicans, but in 1326 John XXII added the Carmelites. This was also an admission of the full ‘mendicant’ status of the order. The eremitical element was not lost in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, but from this date the Carmelites enjoyed both the range and the limitations of mendicant privileges.