La función litúrgica de las iglesias monásticas en la Hispania tardoantigua (siglos VI-VII): dinámica interna y externa

In the construction of the organizational complex of Christianity, the monasteries constitute a relatively late incorporation that was somehow seen as a foreign body. The monastery implied the construction of a special mass of believers, very self-demanding and detached from contact with the world, as well as a structure, which, materially and spiritually, had its own way. From the 5th century onwards, the monasteries saw their patrimonial autonomy recognized, although this not always was well accepted by the diocesan hierarchy. However, the doctrinal principle, the vigilance of orthodoxy, theological and liturgical rigor remained under the control of the bishops. In this way, the monasteries either had diocesan assistance for the celebration of the liturgy, or they incorporated priests (deacons / presbyters) from their own ranks or from outside, in any case always under episcopal supervision. The result was an unusual framework that every rule and context had to solve. Especially when the monastery, as we know exceptionally from the conciliar legislation, carried out pastoral work for the faithful outside the monastic community. The work is essentially based on the literary sources of Late Antique Hispania, with archaeology being used only in a complementary manner.