The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 1

VI. The 1260 Expectancy

In a previous chapter we noted how, around the year 1000, different groups became agitated, especially in France, believing that this ominous date might usher in the end of the world and bring about the long-desired millennium. However, the commotion around the year 1000 was slight compared with that of A.D. 1260. The 1260 days, ox the forty-two months, are more frequently mentioned in the prophecies than the 1000 years, and more definitely attached to certain important events, and therefore received much greater attention than the latter number. We have likewise noted that the year 1260 loomed large in the expectations of the Joachimites and early Spirituals. And when that fateful date drew near, new movements appeared, stirring large areas of the population out of their apathy. PFF1 740.2

1. FLAGELLANTS ON THE MARCH TN A.D. 1260

In 1259 a violent epidemic ravished the cities of central and northern Italy. This was considered by many as a special sign of the times, and was connected with the widespread expectation of the beginning of a new era in 1260, as taught by Joachim and the Spirituals. Suddenly, and quite spontaneously, in this crucial year, large processions of men in all walks of life marched through the cities lashing and scourging their naked backs with leather thongs until the blood flowed. This practice started in Perugia, spread like wildfire through all the cities of central and northern Italy, crossed the Alps into Germany, went down the Rhine valley, and on as far east as Bohemia and Poland. These Flagellants, as they were called, believed that by self-inflicted pain and suffering they could do penance for their sins and therewith prepare the way for a new life. ⁶⁷ PFF1 740.3

2. FREAKISH VIEWS OF GUGLIELMA AND SEGARELLI

Not only did incohesive movements like that of the Flagellants make their appearance in 1260, but also groups with a definite teaching. One of these was inspired by a woman called GUGLIELMA, appearing in Milan in 1260, and gathering a large band of disciples around her. She was reported to have worked miracles and to have been marked by the stigmata of the wounds of Christ. Her disciples began to assert that she was the incarnation of the Holy Spirit, and expected her to initiate the third age. The day of Pentecost was celebrated as a special festival. But she died at Milan in 1281. ⁶⁸ PFF1 741.1

Another group of much greater influence started in 1260. It originated under GERARD SEGARELLI, a tradesman of Parma. Devout but ignorant, he marched through the streets with a company of brethren crying, Penitencagite (Do penance). They definitely proclaimed Joachimite ideas and doctrines. At first they were protected by the bishop of Parma. In time, how as their teachings spread, the bishop became alarmed, and confined Segarelli to his palace in 1280. Later he set him at liberty. But the council at Wurzburg denounced him and his followers, and he was thrown into the prison of the Inquisition. He recanted, but was nevertheless burned at the stake on the 18th of July, 1300. ⁶⁹ PFF1 741.2

3. DOLCINO-STRANGE NOTIONS BASED ON APOCALYPSE

The followers of Segarelli found a new leader in DOMINO OF NOVARA, who assumed that the prophecy of Joachim regarding the beginning of the new age had been fulfilled in Segarelli. Dolcino proclaimed that the church would now be superseded by an apostolic brotherhood whose only bond would be love. During the age of the Spirit all outward ordinances would pass away, and the life of the Christian would be a life of liberty inspired by love. Same of Dolcino’s followers believed that Frederick of Sicily would become emperor and enter Rome at Christmas of the year 1335; that he would appoint ten kings, in accordance with the prophecies of the Apocalypse about the dragon with the ten horns; and that he would put to death the apostate pope and monks. Then the church would be restored to apostolic purity; whereupon Antichrist would appear. But he would fall, and the whole world would then be won to Christ. ⁷⁰ The year 1335 was derived, of course, from the prophecy of Daniel. PFF1 741.3

Dolcino himself began to proclaim that the tribulation—of the church would begin around 1303, and that the faithful were then to hide themselves until the grievous persecutions were past. So they banded together and lived by foraging in the neighboring country. Thereupon a crusade was proclaimed against them. But it took four campaigns before they were overwhelmed. Most of Dolcino’s followers were killed, and he himself was burned at the stake. We have only the accounts of enemies; therefore nothing favorable to him has come down to us. But he must have had some good points; else his preaching would not have drawn such a large following. PFF1 742.1

Another group that could be mentioned in this connection, although they have nothing to do with prophetic interpretation, are the Fraticelli or little brethren. They are an extreme fringe of the Minorites. Not content with the asceticism of the latter or pleased with their attitude toward the hierarchy, they took more radical positions in both matters, and separated themselves from the Minorites. Their radicalism attracted many malcontents of various colors, which led to their condemnation and persecution by the official church. Their field of activity was mainly in central Italy. PFF1 742.2