La ricezione gregoriana del prototipo neotestamentario: possessioni ed esorcismi nei Dialogi di Gregorio Magno

The contribution deals with cases of possession and exorcism performed by viri Dei in the Dialogi, the hagiographic text written by Gregory the Great, with a special focus on the reception of the similar episodes presented in the Synoptic gospels. The analysis shows a significant reworking of the New Testament models, which is particularly clear when it comes to the explanation of the miraculous event: this is aimed at emphasizing the social function of the performed miracle, the ability/way of intervention of the saints with reference to the monastic and/or ecclesiastical context in which the action takes place. Last but not least, precise moral and doctrinal teachings are implied.