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The guestmaster
The guestmaster, or hosteller as he was known,
was a monastic official (obedientiary) who was in charge of the
guest complex. He was helped by at least one lay-brother. After
visitors had been formally received by the porter and taken to
pray and receive the kiss of peace from brothers appointed by the
abbot, they were shown to the guesthouse where the guestmaster
tended them until their departure. Any communication between visitors
and the community was mediated by the guestmaster; for instance,
if a visitor was ill or about to die the guestmaster notified the
prior or whoever was responsible. One of the guestmaster’s
duties concerned the preparation of the Maundy of the guests, when
the visitors’ feet were ceremoniously washed in the cloister.
Each week several monks were appointed to help him. The guestmaster
was also involved with the proceedings on Maundy Thursday when
a number of poor folk were led into the cloister for the symbolic
washing of their feet, and thereafter refreshed in the hospice.
Like the other officials the guestmaster was granted concessions
on account of his duties. For example, he was permitted to speak
with everyone who ate or slept in the guesthouse and was exempted
from various claustral activities if he was at that time engaged
with guests.
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