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In todays pod, we go back to the 7th of February and the year 1497, and remember how the famous ‘Bonfire of Vanities was lit today by the supporters of charismatic Italian preacher Girolamo Savonarola in Florence. What was his message? Why did he incite so many followers? What happened to the Medicis?
Sandro Botticelli, was caught up in it too, but it didn't end well for the Dominican friar.
False Reform
Fellow Dominican Yves Congar, published his iconic book on Ecclesiology 'True and False Reform in the Church in 1950. In it he traces some insights that might help explain the failure of Savanoralas attempt to reform the church. Its second part is entitled 'Conditions for authentic reform without schism' One of these conditions, is that succesful reforms where motvated by pastoral concerns, it is not clear where that is in Savanarola's puritanism. Secondly is the necessity for patience with delays. The need for approval for the central powers of the church, is part of this patience,