Fourteenth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

This paper studies the practice of “furta sacra” (sacred theft) by the monasteries of Conques and Vézelay in medieval France. Specifically, it examines how the veneration of Saints Foy and Mary Magdalene’s relics during the 10th and 11th centuries turned these monasteries into significant pilgrimage destinations and changed their status on the medieval pilgrimage route Camino de Santiago. Through an in-depth analysis of scholarly literature, the author tracked the development of relic worship and narrative story-building in these two monasteries, and discussed how these monasteries influenced perceptions of the spiritual value of these relics and strategically supported the identity and appeal of these sites as places of pilgrimage. Initially, these actions were considered “sacred thefts” and were morally controversial. However, as the story was retold, perceptions of the theft of sacred objects changed in both ecclesiastical and secular spheres. These stories provided justification for the theft of relics, and over time the stories developed leading people to believe that the theft of these relics was sanctioned by a god or a higher power. This emphasizes the important role of narrative in shaping social and religious ideas. In essence, this analysis demonstrates that monasteries’ strategic use of relics and associated traditions not only enhances their spiritual and moral authority but also their influence and power, and this provides a new perspective for studying the relationship between religion and power in medieval European monasteries in the 10th and 11th centuries.