Lower Silesian Mysteries #91 Scandal in the houses of Beguine nuns [FILM] Narrated by Joanna #Lamparska Screenplay and Direction: JOANNA LAMPRSKA Camera, Drone, Editing: RADOSŁAW BUGAJSKI Aerial Content Editor: PIOTR CZYSZKOWSKI It was one of the most famous court trials in medieval Europe. In 1332, inquisitorial proceedings began in Świdnica against the "Beguines". This was the name given to members of religious communities who, by leading a simple and poor life, believed that in this way they would be able to achieve eternal life - independently, without the mediation of the church. Historians write a lot about the Beguines, because the Beguines affect the imagination and the war between the church and the Beguines does as well. Not only because they committed heresy, but because during the Świdnica trial they said things that made the hair on your head stand on end. Are you curious about what the "Beguines" were accused of during the trial, what explanations they gave and what happened to them? If so, be sure to watch the next episode of "Lower Silesian Mysteries". The premiere, as usual, at 10:00, on www.radiowrocław.pl and on our YouTube channel. War - this is a word that has not left the lips of radio announcers, television screens or newspaper front pages for over 2 weeks. The war will also be discussed in the new episode of "Lower Silesian Mysteries", which will premiere on Sunday on our website and on our YouTube channel. However, it will not be a war in Ukraine, but a war... with the Beguines. Who are we talking about? About female religious groups that appeared in Europe at the beginning of the 12th century, and which also reached Lower Silesia. It is in their footsteps that we set out with Joanna Lamparska. Who are the Beguines? There are two types of congregations. The first is the so-called Flanders type, i.e. closed cities of women - entire districts, in which women live their own rhythm. The second Nadreński when, as was the case in Świdnica, a house or two houses several, sometimes only two to a dozen women. This is a type of monastery, but one in which vows are not made. Joasia, let's say that there were two types of such, let's call them "civil monasteries". In one lived men, who were called "Begards", in the other women, called "Beguines". Such religious communities referred to the theology and lifestyle of St. Francis of Assisi. Their members led a simple and poor life, believing that in this way they would be able to achieve eternal life without the mediation of the institution of the church. This was also the case with the Beguines from Świdnica... So they lived together, cooked together, cleaned together, lived from handicrafts, including weaving or other such activities, which also caused some trouble, because by weaving, selling their products, they simply took money, for example from Świdnica merchants. And this is where the problem begins. At first, the Beguines did not bother anyone. They were supported by both the townspeople and the local rulers, and sometimes even the priests. After some time, everything changed. Merchants began to pay attention to economic competition, and the church to the increasingly strange teachings, and soon also to the heresies that the Beguines preached. And so in 1332, the famous Beguines trial began in Świdnica. Historians write a lot about the Beguines, because the Beguines affect the imagination and the war between the church and the Beguines does too. Not only because they committed heresy, but because during the Świdnica trial they said things that made your hair stand on end. Are you curious about what the Beguines were accused of during the trial, what explanations they gave and what happened to them? If so, be sure to watch the next episode of "Lower Silesian Mysteries". The premiere, as usual, is on Sunday at 10:00, of course on: www.radiowrocław.pl and on our YouTube channel. We invite you to watch.