Sermon Manuscripts of Different Kinds

Abstract

The sermon legacy from Vadstena Abbey, mother house of the Birgittine Order, has attracted much scholarly attention in the last couple of decades. And justly so, since this is very rich and multifaceted source material for the study of the Swedish medieval sermon. This study briefly examines three different types of sermon manuscripts, all three well-represented in what remains of the abbey library. The function of the 'model sermon collection' as a reference tool is clear from the cleverly arranged indexes, but it is also evident how a model can be expanded by means of quotations from the Revelations of St Birgitta. The arrangement of the sermons in the 'personal sermon manuscript' sometimes makes it possible to reconstruct the preaching schedule; words and phrases in Old Swedish put in the margins or between the lines are probably related to the oral performance. The 'vernacular collection' is mainly used for devotional purposes in the sisters' convent, and is sometimes distinguished from the other categories as far as page layout and type of script are concerned.