The Letters Of Abelard And Heloise

This letter from Peter the Venerable, the abbot of Cluny in Paris, to Pope Innocent II in Rome, is an attempt by Peter to deescalate the situation following Abelard’s condemnation at the Council of Sens and to have his sentence removed. Clanchy notes that Heloise may have relied on Peter, an abbot of repute and power, to do just that, rather than responding to Abelard’s confession herself and involving the Paraclete community in accusations of heresy.

Peter tells the Pope that Abelard had passed by Cluny on his way to Rome to appeal to papal authority. Peter encourages him to “make his way to that common refuge” and that “if he had real need of mercy he would find it with you” (215). Peter then reveals that he and the abbot of Citeaux were able to mediate between Abelard and St Bernard of Clairvaux and “restore peace” (215). Abelard was urged to go to St Bernard and make peace with him, which he did. Peter assures the Pope that their previous differences have been settled. He also adds that he told Abelard that “if he had written or said anything offensive to orthodox Christian ears” that he should modify his writings and lectures, and that Abelard did just that (215).

Peter ends the letter by saying that Abelard has decided “on our advice, or rather, we believe, inspired by God” to abandon teaching and stay at Cluny permanently (215). Because this would be suitable for Abelard’s age, health, and religious calling, and because his knowledge could benefit the Cluny community, Peter begs the Pope to allow Abelard to stay at Cluny and “let the shield of your apostolic protection cover him” (216).

If Heloise did indeed rely on Peter the Venerable to intercede with the Pope on Abelard’s behalf, he was successful, because in his 1144 C.E. letter to her, he reveals that Abelard did indeed remain at Cluny until his death.

Peter begins his letter by hailing and praising Heloise. He first apologizes for the lateness of his response and refers to the business of life at Cluny. He notes how much he appreciated Heloise’s letter and gifts. Then, Peter begins to shower Heloise with praise, writing that “it is not only now that I begin to love you; I can remember having done so for a long time” (217). Elaborating, he writes that he has known Heloise by name and reputation since his youth and first admired her knowledge and devotion to secular learning, which surpassed women and men. Peter then rejoices that she “turned [her] zeal for learning in a far better direction” and dedicated herself to Christ. He says all of this not to flatter her, but to encourage her to ruminate on her blessings, to inspire others to join her struggle, and to take care of her flock, for “why then should not virtuous women also march to battle against the armed foe, [and] become leaders in the army of the Lord” (219).

Peter eventually breaks off in his praise, noting his delight at her “renowned learning,” his desire to continue speaking with her, and “[i]f only our Cluny possessed you” (220). He finally turns to Abelard, noting that at least Cluny was able to benefit from his presence. He refers to him as “the servant and true philosopher of Christ” and praises him as a humble, simple, and upright man (221). He details to Heloise how Abelard spent his time at Cluny, emphasizing that he was always poring over books and had resumed his studies. He notes that this was how he passed and asks her to remember him and Abelard in her prayers.

Heloise pens a brief response to Peter, thanking him for bringing Abelard’s body to the Paraclete for burial and for celebrating a Mass with and preaching to the community. She notes that they were deeply thankful, proud, and joyful upon his visit, and that it was a benefit and a joy especially for her.

Heloise then asks Peter for a number of things. First, she notes that he promised her “a rare privilege in token of your love and sincerity,” a trental of masses to be said for her at Cluny upon her death, so she asks that he confirm this gift in a sealed letter (224). Heloise then asks that Peter send his absolution of Abelard so that it can be hung at his tomb at the Paraclete. Lastly, in her first mention of him, she asks that Peter obtain a benefice for Astralabe, her son, either from the bishop of Paris or in some other diocese.

In his brief response to Heloise’s requests, Peter notes that he was overjoyed to read her letter and that his spirit has never left her or the Paraclete community. He is especially honored that she remembered his preaching and acts during his visit, and he asks that “you will think me worthy to be remembered” (226).

Peter says he will do what he can to repay her, “for long before I saw you, and particularly since I have come to know you, I have kept for you in the innermost depths of my heart a special place of real and true affection” (227). He sends the trental that was promised her as a gift, along with the absolution for Abelard. He notes that obtaining a benefice for her son “who is also ours for your sake” may be trickier because of difficult bishops, but that he will do his best (227).

In one sentence, Peter the Venerable, in his capacity as Abbot of Cluny and “by the authority of Almighty God and of all the saints,” absolves Abelard of all of his sins (228). Peter states that he received Abelard as a monk at Cluny, and that upon his death, he secretly removed and gave his body to the Abbess Heloise and the nuns of the Paraclete.