I have always been curious as to why the Church is as it is. Why have Bishops? Why a ‘Pope’? What influence has the rise and fall of empires and kingdoms had on ordinary Christian believers?
This is the story of the early Christian communities in the North-West corner of Spain, what is now Galicia. It is the story of “might have been” and possible lost opportunities to connect with ordinary country folk at their own level. It is also the story of fear, greed and corruption at the highest levels within the ancient Christian community.
The reason why the Church is as it is has always fascinated me. Maybe if, instead of beheading Priscillian and his companions, the hierarchy had entered into dialogue with him, things would have been different. Or maybe not, humankind being what it is.
A brief look at the reputed teachings of "Priscillianism" and the way the established church hierarchy at the time dealt with it, answers some of my questions. It also raises other questions as to how the established church has reacted down the years to those with whom it has disagreed!
A tiny chapel in the mountains of Northern Spain. The Capilla de Santa Mariana, Buspol. In the Galician speaking area of Asturias.
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