Infirmitas Leading to Saintly Life

Abstract

This chapter discusses the importance of infirmity for the narrations of the beginning of a saintly candidate’s path to holiness. While traditional conversion narratives waned in popularity and are next to non-existent in the canonization processes, infirmity could be underlined in the narratives regarding other important aspects of the early stages of a saint’s life. It could mark a moment when the (future) saint made an important decision that defined his or her saintly life, or influence the holy person’s lifestyle and choices. In the case of lay female saints, it could be seen and used as a factor that justified their marital relations or helped to achieve a celibate marriage.