Paul the Deacon
Biographical Details:
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Biography:
Paul the Deacon, born around 720 AD in Friuli, Italy, was a Lombard historian, monk, and writer during a period of significant societal change. Raised under the Lombard Kingdom, Paul witnessed the kingdom’s fall to Charlemagne and the Carolingian Empire in 774, a conquest that marked the end of Lombard rule. Paul initially served in the Lombard court in Benevento, a key Lombard duchy in southern Italy, before seeking refuge in Francia after the Lombards’ defeat. While in Charlemagne’s court, Paul gained favor with the Frankish king, who admired his scholarly abilities.
Charlemagne requested Paul to compile a collection of homilies for use in Frankish churches, a task Paul completed after returning to the Monte Cassino monastery, where he spent the remainder of his life. This compilation of homilies became widely used in the Carolingian realm and was an important tool for spreading Christian doctrine in the newly conquered territories. Paul also composed two significant homilies on the Assumption of Mary (In Assumptione), the Virgin Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven, contributing to early theological discussions on this matter.
In addition to his theological contributions, Paul’s historical works, especially the Historia Langobardorum, provided a detailed account of the Lombard people, preserving their legacy. His writings also include Historia Romana and hymns that reflect his deep engagement with both classical and Christian learning. Paul died at Monte Cassino in 799. His legacy lies in his impact on medieval historiography and theology, shaping both the Carolingian Renaissance and Christian thought in the centuries that followed.
Quotes and Excerpts:
On Mary’s Immaculate Conception:
“What room could there ever have been for vices in her soul or her body if she, like the heavens that contain all things, was made the temple of the Lord?” –In Assumptione beatae Mariae 1; PL 95, 1567AB.
“The fullness of the Holy Spirit implanted in this Mother the virtue of loving [her Son]. And so what limit could there have been to her love in this case, where no reason for loving was lacking? And so, because the Virgin loved him more than anyone else, rightly did the Lord love and honor her more than any other.” –Homilia 45, In Assumptione; PL 95, 1492C; TMPM 3:734
On Mary, the New Eve:
“Burst with envy, ancient serpent, and let your indignation break you in two, for behold: a woman, whose heel you threatened to strike, has crushed your head (cf. Gen 3:15). For she, by the virtue of humility, has drawn to herself the privilege of having the honor you lost because of your pride.” –Homilia 45, In Assumptione; PL 95, 1492C; TMPM 3:734
On Mary’s Assumption into Heaven:
“No doubt her Son himself, King of kings and Lord of lords, ran to meet her exulting, with the multitude of the heavenly host, making himself her faithful staff [the prop of her venerable old age]. He bore aloft his Mother, by whom he had been borne about [in the womb], bore her, now full of days and full of every spiritual treasure, higher than the fullness of the saints, right up to the presence of the Throne on high, and gave her a seat on that unspeakably glorious Throne.” –Homilia 45, In Assumptione; PL 95, 1492C; TMPM 3:734
On Mary, the Mediatrix:
“Then let us rejoice and be glad in Mary, for she is the faithful advocate of us all in heaven. Her Son is the Mediator between God and men; she is the Mediatrix between her Son and men. And, as befits the Mother of Mercy, she is most merciful. And she knows how to have compassion on human weakness, because she knows of what we are made. For this reason, she never ceases to intercede for us with her Son.” –Homilia 45, In Assumptione; PL 95, 1492C; TMPM 3:734