I recently identified another manuscript from Neukloster Buxtehude: a lavishly illuminated Christmas prayer book housed in the Dombibliothek Hildesheim (Ms. 729). This Latin and Low German prayer book closely resembles Cecilia’s Easter prayer book, offering further insights into the devotional profile of Neukloster Buxtehude in the first half of the 16th century.

Despite its relatively small size, the manuscript is substantial, comprising 426 paper leaves. It has not been studied to date. Although it lacks a colophon, watermarks on the paper indicate a dating to the early 1530s. The manuscript’s striking Renaissance binding further supports this timeframe.

The prayer book features colorful initials, one of which depicts the apostle Andrew. This striking initial accompanies a prayer dedicated to the saint on his feast day. Given this special emphasis, it is likely that Andrew was the personal patron saint of the book’s owner. The veneration of personal patron saints was a common practice in the Lüneburg convents, as evidenced by numerous manuscripts that attest to its continuity, likely even beyond the Reformation.

Unlike Cecilia’s prayer book, this manuscript contains only one marginal illustration—an uncolored ink drawing. However, its subject matter is truly unique: Mary and Joseph, in search of shelter, are turned away by an innkeeper and directed toward a stable on the right-hand side. Leading the way is a donkey, which encounters a kneeling nun—strikingly similar to the one depicted in Cecilia’s manuscript—who has seemingly transported herself into Bethlehem. In this scene, she offers her soul as an alternative place of refuge. The Latin inscription below the drawing (fol. 40r) explains:

Tunc deuota anima reuertitur ad virginem Mariam, nuncians ei quod omnia hospicia repleta sunt, nec locus vacuus permansit, quo recipi possit. Et prostrata exhibet ei tugurium anime sue.

(Then the devout soul returns to the Virgin Mary, announcing to her that all the inns are full, and no empty place remains where she can be received. And kneeling down, she offers her the shelter of her soul.)

Further research on this prayer book will provide deeper insights into the intricacies of the convent’s devotional profile.