La "maison des pauvres maîtres" de Robert de Sorbon

By Denis Gabriel

Book Description

This scholarly exploration delves into the remarkable story of Robert de Sorbon, a thirteenth-century figure whose vision transformed medieval spiritual education. Born in the early 1200s, Robert de Sorbon remains an enigmatic personality whose legacy extends far beyond his lifetime through the innovative institution he created.

Denis Gabriel reconstructs the fascinating origins of what became known as the "house of poor masters," a groundbreaking community that emerged quietly during the 1250s amid intense university debates. Through meticulous examination of notarial documents and the Sorbonne cartulary, Gabriel reveals how this visionary educator developed a unique solution to one of medieval Christianity's most pressing challenges: how to properly train clergy for their sacred duties.

Working alongside influential supporters including the king himself, Robert de Sorbon established a temporary canonical community specifically designed for canons pursuing advanced theological studies. This innovative approach offered a secular alternative to existing clerical education models, creating space for deep spiritual and intellectual formation outside traditional monastic structures.

Gabriel's research illuminates the practical foundations underlying this educational experiment, examining the vocabulary and real estate techniques that made this pioneering institution possible. For readers interested in the historical roots of spiritual education and the evolution of religious learning, this study offers valuable insights into how one medieval educator's vision addressed the essential question of clerical formation through creative community-building and educational innovation.