Essentially, it is because both could be described as dealing with themes both “spiritual” and “mystic” and man’s quest for a deeper meaning of life.
Saint John of the Cross is considered one the most important poets in the Spanish language and has influenced successive generations of “spiritual” writers such as T.S. Eliot, Edith Stein, Thomas Merton and Pope John Paul II.
We have included in this programme Saint John of the Cross’ (1540-1591) major works: “The Spiritual Canticle” and “Dark night of the soul” completed by 1584. In the “Spiritual Canticle” the Bride represents the soul who is in search of the Spouse, who represents Christ. Through spiritual Marriage man’s conversion and full union with God are described. The” Dark Night of the Soul” narrates the journey of the Soul who is seeking to be unified with God. This takes place during the night which, in turn, represents adversity and obstacles, as the soul detaches itself from the world to reach the light and union with the Creator.
Alessandro Manzoni’s (1785-1873) conviction is that there is Divine Providence which regulates the world. He also has faith in the positive forces of man. An excerpt from his major work THE BETROTHED is presented in these readings. It is set in the 1600’s during the Spanish domination of Lombardy, fifty years or so after Saint John of the Cross’ death.
The main characters introduced are Lucia who flees to a convent in order to escape from Don Rodrigo who wants to take advantage of her. She is captured by the Innominato, a fierce lord. The latter has a moving moral crisis. His conversion and repentance finally redeem him. It is, in fact, Lucia who is unwittingly the instrument of his conversion. The final version of THE BETROTHED was published in 1840.Manzoni, after Dante Alighieri, laid the foundations on which he believed standard written Italian ought to rest: the Tuscan model.
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