Reflections on sermons in the memoirs of pious laypeople during the period of confessionalization

Abstract

This study examines how authors of memoirs from the first half of the 17th century reflected on sermons they heard in cities and on the figure of the preacher in their memoirs, diaries, and chronicles. The aim is first to identify the most common circumstances under which authors recorded mentions of sermons in their personal writings and then to analyse how they reflected on sermons during the period of confessionalization, religious transformations, and state-imposed re-Catholicization. A close examination of this historical period – marked by the threats of war, economic uncertainty, and crises of conscience for lay believers – reveals that authors paid considerable attention to sermons in their personal records. They sought to preserve their memory, expressed their own opinions, and often transcribed the content, key message, or specific details of sermons – particularly those that irritated them. In their writings, they frequently aimed to critique, ridicule, or condemn these aspects.

Keywords

• sermons
• confessionalization
• memoirs
• urban chronicles
• narrative sources
• 17th century