Philip of Harveng

Biographical Details:

  • Died 1183 A.D.

Biography:

Philip of Harveng was a notable Premonstratensian monk, writer, and abbot from the twelfth century. Born in the early 1100s in what is now Belgium, Philip became deeply involved in the reformist religious movements of his time. As a member of the Premonstratensian Order, founded by Norbert of Xanten, Philip committed to a life of strict monastic discipline, pastoral care, and scholarly pursuits. The Premonstratensians, also known as Norbertines, emphasized communal living, asceticism, and the reform of clerical life in alignment with the ideals of the Augustinian canons.

Philip’s intellectual contributions to his order and the broader ecclesiastical landscape were significant. Among his works, Responsio de damnatione Salomonis addresses a theological debate regarding the salvation of King Solomon, who was considered a paradoxical figure for his wisdom and eventual moral decline. In this work, Philip defended the view that Solomon had been condemned due to his idolatry and apostasy. His treatise, De somnio regis Nabuchodonosor (Dream of Nebuchadnezzar), is an exegetical exploration of the biblical king’s dream, as recounted in the Book of Daniel, reflecting on the implications of divine providence and human frailty. Another key text, De institutione clericorum, provided guidelines for the education and spiritual formation of clerics, underscoring the importance of moral integrity, theological knowledge, and pastoral responsibility in church leadership.

As an abbot, Philip was known for his administrative leadership and reformist zeal, particularly in shaping the educational and spiritual development of his community. His works reflect his deep concern with moral theology and the role of clergy in society, and they offer valuable insights into twelfth-century monasticism and ecclesiastical thought.

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Extant Writings:

  • Responsio de damnatione Salomonis
  • Dream of Nebuchadnezzar (De somnio regis Nabuchodonosor)
  • De institutione clericorum

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Quotes and Excerpts:

On Mary’s Assumption:

“Mary, the inviolate Virgin, was fittingly assumed into the heavenly dwelling where Christ reigns, for the one who bore the King of Heaven deserved to reside there with Him.” – De assumptione Sanctae Mariae, Sermon 1, PL 203:482C

“The Mother is with her Son, not only in spirit—and of this there is not the slightest doubt—but also in body, which does not seem at all impossible to believe. For even though the canonical Scriptures do not proclaim it, the dignity of her motherhood and the honor due her holiness persuade us to hold this truth in faith.” –In Cantica Canticorum, PL 203:572C-D

On Mary’s Role in Intercession:

“She is the mediator between humanity and her Son, pleading on behalf of the weak and interceding for the sinful.” – De laudibus Beatae Mariae Virginis, PL 203:498D

“Therefore the Bride is rightly called Mediatrix of us all; the Mother is fittingly called Empress, because, asking favors of her Bridegroom, giving orders to her Son, she turns his anger into grace and his wrath into the most tender love.” –In Cantica Canticorum, PL 203:568A-B

On Mary’s Unique Privilege:

“The Virgin alone was preserved from all stain, chosen as the holy temple of God, elevated above all creation.” – De assumptione Sanctae Mariae, Sermon 2, PL 203:486B

On Mary’s Maternal Advocacy:

“She who is the Mother of Mercy does not cease to turn the wrath of her Son into compassion for those who seek her aid.” –De laudibus Beatae Mariae Virginis, PL 203:502A

On Mary’s Role in Salvation:

“Through her obedience and humility, she became the cause of salvation for all mankind, and now she remains the refuge of sinners.” –De laudibus Beatae Mariae Virginis, PL 203:504C

On Mary as the Bride of the Song:

“The Virgin is the spotless bride of the Song, whose purity and devotion made her the dwelling place of the Word.” – In Cantica Canticorum, PL 203:565A

On Mary’s Intercession:

“The bride’s hands drip with myrrh, signifying the intercession of the Virgin, whose prayers bring grace to the faithful.” – In Cantica Canticorum, PL 203:567D

On Mary’s Assumption:

“Who is this that ascends from the desert? It is the Virgin, raised above the stars, taken into the embrace of her Son.” –In Cantica Canticorum, PL 203:572B

On Mary’s Role in Redemption:

“In her, the King has placed His delight, for through her, salvation has come to the world.” – In Cantica Canticorum, PL 203:569A

On Mary’s Unique Holiness:

“She is the garden enclosed, the fountain sealed, preserving her purity for the eternal King.” – In Cantica Canticorum, PL 203:570C

On Mary’s Veneration :

“The daughters of Zion gaze upon her, for she is clothed with the glory of the Sun, crowned as Queen of Heaven.” – In Cantica Canticorum, PL 203:573D

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