Bohemian reformer Jan Milic relinquishes his position…
1367 CE
Bohemian reformer Jan Milic relinquishes his position as canon of Saint Vitus Cathedral in Prague to embrace—and preach—the poverty and simplicity that had characterized the early church.
Not much is known of Milíč's early life.
He was born in Kroměříž, Moravia (part of the Bohemian Crown).
The date of his birth is not known.
He was in holy orders in 1350.
From 1358 to 1360 he served as registrar and from 1360 to 1362 as corrector at the Imperial Chancery of Charles IV, whom he accompanied into Germany several times.
In October 1362, he had received a canonry in the cathedral of Prague along with the dignity of archdeacon.
In December 136, he resigned all his appointments so that he might become a preacher pure and simple; he addresses scholars in Latin, and (an innovation) the laity in their native Czech, or in German, which he has learned for the purpose.
He is conspicuous for his apostolic poverty and soon rouses the enmity of the mendicant friars.
The success of his labors makes itself apparent in the way in which he transforms the ill-famed Benátky ("Venice") street in Prague Old Town quarter into a benevolent institution, Nový Jeruzalém ("New Jerusalem").
As he views the evils inside and outside the church in the light of Scripture, the conviction grows in his mind that the "abomination of desolation" is now seen in the temple of God, and that antichrist has come, and in 1367 he goes to Rome (where Pope Urban V is expected from Avignon) to expound these views.
He affixes to the gate of St. Peter's a placard announcing his sermon, but before he can deliver it, is thrown into prison by the Inquisition.
Urban, however, on his arrival, orders his release, whereupon he returns to Prague.
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