A Canon and a Wig - A contribution to the understanding of the biography of Petar Stanković

Abstract

This paper publishes and analyses for the first time the original documents of the manuscript legacy of Petar Stanković, which are kept in the University Library of Pula, in box number XI, volume 45. This is a request of Canon Stanković addressed to Pope Gregory XVI in 1840 to be allowed to wear a wig or other head covering, even during the liturgy. The request is accompanied by the papal decision, written in Latin, authorizing Stankovic to wear a wig, but at the same time reminding him of the importance of church modesty. This paper also includes a cover letter from the then Secretary of the Latin Letters Office, Carlo Vizzardelli, stating that the request formulated in the request was not the only one sent by Stanković, despite the privilege granted. The analysis has shown that in the background of Stanković’s formal request was in fact a demand for a privilege which exceeded his priestly rank. This rather short and simple document raised complex issues in terms of respecting or disobeying strict rules and church restrictions. Stanković took advantage of his health condition and, on the one hand, legitimately sought the privilege of being able to wear a wig, but on the other hand, the argument at the same time served him well to seek a privilege that could not be granted to him. Stanković himself was aware of this fact, ignoring Carlo Vizzardelli’s recommendation, however it is not clear whether he may have previously sought the bishop’s recommendation and had been rejected or he had not requested one at all. In the end, the authors conclude that Canon Stanković cared very much about wearing a calotte during the Eucharist, even though in his case it was black.