So let's take a 71-year-old man, reposing on his deathbed and review his accomplishments. Did he:
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A portrait to inspire belief in the divine right theory |
- re-establish the concept of civil government in Europe that had been missing for three or four centuries? Check.
- codify the existing legal tradition so that it could be evenly administered throughout a wider territory? Check.
- use that civil authority to promote the establishment of schools and scholarship? Check.
- stem the Saracen invasion that had overrun Spain and was threatening southern France? Check.
- sponsor the construction of churches and endorse the growth of religious institutions? Check.
- encourage the creation and performance of music within his realm? Check.
- provide for the peaceful transition of power following his death? Check.
- EARN THE BEATIFICATION bestowed nine centuries later? CHECK.
Sadly, Charlemagne was never fully canonized by a recognized Catholic pope. He was canonized by the anti-pope Paschal III, but an anti-pope canonization is like a Confederate $100 bill: it's good for show-and-tell, but it's just not legal tender.
Cool blog! I love Blessed Charlemagne!
ReplyDeleteI hope he is canonized someday.