10 The Transformation of Bohemian Religious Brotherhoods in the Early Modern Period

Abstract

Religious brotherhoods established and controlled by the Catholic Church underwent major changes from the 16th to the 18th century. Naturally, these changes also affected the brotherhoods of Bohemia; this chapter traces the transformation of these institutions during the early modern period. Not only were they an integral part of ecclesiastical and religious life, but they also played an important social role. The chapter outlines the development of the brotherhoods and draws attention to several topics which are worthy of future attention. The most striking feature of the development of religious brotherhoods during the early modern era, one which is obvious even after the most cursory examination of religious life during this period, is their rapid growth in numbers. Although the development of the brotherhoods was closely connected with Catholic confessionalization, the growth in their numbers actually took place sometime after the corresponding developments in ecclesiastical life. Keywords: Bohemia; Catholic Church; early modern period; religious brotherhoods