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Ritual (Fragment)
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Ritual (Fragment)
Fragment of a bifolium, probably from a ritual book or Rituale Romanum, parchment. Main body text in black ink in a Caroline minuscule with red capitals and rubrics. The text is for the visitation of the sick (visitatio infirmorum). Date: circa 12th Century
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Media ID 32248306
© UCL Library Services Digital Collections / Mary Evans
12th Bifolium Body Capitals Caroline Fragment Fragments Latin Main Manuscript Minuscule Parchment Ritual Romanum Rubrics Sick Visitation Rituale
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: Fragment of a Medieval Ritual Text for the Visitation of the Sick (circa 12th Century) This evocative fragment, dating from the 12th century, offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of medieval religious practices. The parchment bifolium, likely extracted from a larger ritual book or Rituale Romanum, displays the main body text in a meticulously penned Caroline minuscule script, interspersed with bold red capitals and rubrics. The text, written in Latin, is devoted to the Visitatio Infirmorum, or the Visitation of the Sick. The Visitation of the Sick was an essential aspect of medieval Christian charity, as the sick were considered to be in a state of spiritual and physical need. The ritual text outlines the procedures for the visitation, including prayers, readings, and anointing of the sick with holy oil. The red capitals and rubrics serve to highlight the key elements of the ritual, ensuring that the priest or minister conducting the visitation would not overlook any essential steps. The fragment's antiquity is evident in the worn edges and the slight discoloration of the parchment, which bears the marks of time and the countless hands that have handled it over the centuries. The elegant script and the intricately detailed rubrics attest to the dedication and craftsmanship of the scribe, who labored over the creation of this sacred text. This fragment serves as a poignant reminder of the profound role that religious rituals played in the lives of medieval people, providing comfort, solace, and a sense of connection to their faith and community. The fragment's survival through the centuries is a testament to the enduring power of the written word and the enduring importance of the Visitation of the Sick in the annals of Christian tradition.
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