Join Professor Michelle Sauer, a historical expert, and comedian Sophie Duker, known for her sharp humor, as they dive into the dramatic life of Benedetta Carlini, a 17th-century nun with mystical visions. They explore Benedetta's miraculous childhood, her time in a convent, and her controversial relationship with a fellow nun. The trio humorously reimagines her as a modern influencer while discussing themes of female authority and friendship within religious contexts. Secrets unfold, revealing both scandal and spirituality!
Benedetta Carlini's mystical visions and claims of divine encounters elevated her to abbess, challenging traditional gender roles within the church.
Her shocking revelations of a sexual relationship with another nun highlight the tensions between female authority, personal desire, and religious scrutiny in history.
Deep dives
Benedetta Carlini: Background and Early Life
Benedetta Carlini was born on January 20, 1590, in a well-off family in Tuscany, Italy. Her father, a wealthy man, dedicated her to God following a difficult childbirth, projecting a life destined for the convent. From a young age, she displayed religious fervor, reciting prayers and experiencing mystical visions. Notably, at the age of nine, she entered a convent that was unique for its focus on silk production, setting the stage for her unconventional life as a nun.
Mystical Experiences and Ascending Authority in the Convent
By her early twenties, Benedetta began experiencing intense mystical visions, including stigmata, which set her apart from other nuns. These supernatural occurrences gained her notoriety, leading to her election as the abbess of her convent. However, the community's acceptance began to wane when she continued to preach, a role traditionally reserved for men, raising concerns among church authorities. Benedetta's burgeoning influence and claims of divine encounters drew increasing scrutiny, positioning her as a figure of both reverence and suspicion.
Interrogation and Revelations of a Scandalous Relationship
As church officials grew more concerned about Benedetta's authority and her claims, intense interrogations followed, fueled by allegations of her sexual relationship with her companion, Bartolomea. Under pressure, Bartolomea revealed that their interactions involved sexual activities, framed as happening under the influence of an angel named Splenditello. This revelation transformed public perception, blending themes of forbidden love and sexuality with the scrutiny of religious authority. The church's investigation intensified, juxtaposing the sanctity of her visions with the scandal of her actions.
The Aftermath and Legacy of Benedetta Carlini
Following her confessions and a subsequent recantation amidst intense scrutiny, Benedetta's life took a somber turn; she was confined to a solitary life for the next 35 years until her death at the age of 71. This isolation came despite her initial renunciation of her past activities, suggesting that the church sought to control her perceived deviance and thoughts. The complexity of her life raises important questions about the dynamics of female authority, sexuality, and religion in historical contexts. Benedetta's story illuminates the struggles of women, especially in religious spaces, as they navigate personal desires and societal expectations.
Greg Jenner is joined in 17th-Century Italy by Professor Michelle Sauer and comedian Sophie Duker to learn about notorious nun Benedetta Carlini. From the moment of her birth in 1590, Benedetta – whose name literally means ‘blessed’ – was dedicated to God’s service by her father. As a young girl, she joined a community of religious women, where in her twenties she began experiencing mystical visions. These culminated in a number of miraculous signs and occurrences, including the appearance of the stigmata on her body. But following a papal investigation, shocking secrets were revealed, including her sexual relationship with another nun. This episode charts her life, from the miracles that occurred during her childhood, through her time as a devout nun, and to her ultimate downfall at the hands of the papal investigator.
Hosted by: Greg Jenner
Research by: Hannah Campbell Hewson
Written by: Hannah Campbell Hewson, Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner
Produced by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner
Audio Producer: Steve Hankey
Production Coordinator: Ben Hollands
Senior Producer: Emma Nagouse
Executive Editor: James Cook
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