BOLLANDIST Meaning and
Definition
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A Bollandist refers to a member of the Society of Bollandists or the Bollandist Society, an esteemed group of Catholic scholars dedicated to the study and publication of the Acta Sanctorum, a vast collection of texts and documents relating to the lives of Christian saints. The term "Bollandist" originates from the name of the society's founders, Jean Bolland and Godfrey Henschen, who initiated this project in the seventeenth century.
The primary goal of the Bollandists is to critically examine hagiographical texts and determine their authenticity and historical accuracy. They meticulously analyze ancient manuscripts, scrutinize their historical context, and conduct extensive research to extract the most reliable information about the saints and martyrs. By preserving the original sources and evaluating their reliability, Bollandists aim to provide an accurate historical record of the lives and deeds of saints.
Bollandists are recognized for their expertise in paleography, historical philology, and critical historical analysis. They dedicate themselves to conducting in-depth research, documenting their findings, and publishing methodologies to ensure scholarly rigor and integrity in their work. The Acta Sanctorum, the magnum opus of the Bollandists, is a monumental reference work that spans the twelve months of the liturgical calendar and continues to be expanded and revised by members of the Bollandist Society.
Overall, Bollandists play a fundamental role in elucidating the historical and cultural significance of saints, as well as fostering a deeper understanding of the religious, social, and literary context from which these hagiographies emerged.
Common Misspellings for BOLLANDIST
- vollandist
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Etymology of BOLLANDIST
The word "Bollandist" refers to a member of the Society of Bollandists, a group of Belgian Jesuit scholars who specialize in hagiography (the study of saints) and the editing and publishing of ancient Christian texts. The term "Bollandist" comes from the surname of one of the founding members of the society, Jean Bolland (1596-1665).
Jean Bolland, along with Godfrey Henschen and Daniel van Papenbroeck, started the work that would become the Acta Sanctorum, a massive collection of biographies of saints, in the early 17th century. After Bolland's death, the work was continued by subsequent generations of Jesuits who became known as the Bollandists in his honor.
The Acta Sanctorum is a critical historical study of saints, aiming to separate fact from legend and determine the authenticity of various accounts and miracles attributed to them.
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