Secular Canonesses

Interesting stuff here in the back issues of Musica Sacra. I didn’t know about the secular canonesses, a group of Early Christian active contemplative women developed out of the consecrated virgins and widows of the earliest days. “Secular Canonesses and Chant” gives background on them as well as their musical activities. Originally they were a sort of supplemental deaconess, and usually had deaconesses heading their organization. They were bound only by rules, not by an oath; usually lived at home; and they could easily leave to be married, if need be.

Medieval canonesses didn’t get out and about as much. But they were educated women who ran schools teaching girls reading, literature, music, writing, and often the seven liberal arts. They also ran hospitals/hospices. They had to make their own clothing; and since they had no habit, they could express themselves somewhat. But their true duty was to sing the divine office.

Some medieval canonesses lived in households within the household, so to speak. The aristocratic older canonesses were called “lady aunts”, and could nominate a certain number of girls as candidates to join the canonesses. While in training, these girls (the “lady nieces”) would live with their lady aunts and their lay servants.

(I dunno about you, but these setups scream fantasy novel to me.)