Summary
A new study reveals that the solennity of the Conception of the Virgin Mary, introduced at Mont-Saint-Michel in the early 12th century, was not merely a local innovation but part of a broader liturgical tradition influenced by English and Norman practices. The research demonstrates that this feast day, initially integrated into the abbey's liturgy through the Sacramentary of Mont-Saint-Michel and the Winchester Missal, maintained its significance over centuries despite minor theological adjustments in the 13th century. By comparing Mont-Saint-Michel with other scriptoriums like Fécamp and Jumièges, the study highlights the abbey's role as a paradigm for liturgical development, showcasing both stability and adaptability to external influences. This 'innovative tradition' underscores the dynamic nature of liturgical reforms during this period.
Citation
Dary, M.-B. (2023). Nova traditio. La fête de la Conception de la Vierge Marie au Mont Saint-Michel (XIIe-XVe siècles). Tabularia. https://doi.org/10.4000/tabularia.6710