Confraternities, Hospitals and Philanthropy

Abstract

Against Protestant criticisms and theological claims Catholic authorities and individuals were challenged to emphasise the importance of good works, whose performance might assist the salvation of the performer or donor’s soul, and that of the recipient of good works. Catholic reformers increased the number and range of philanthropic activities by individuals and institutions, notably from the 1490s in north-central Italy. The activities involved helping the sick, dying and dead; the poor and hungry; travellers and pilgrims; the vulnerable from abandoned babies to poor virgins needing dowries, fallen women and battered wives. Physical and spiritual needs were involved, as ‘good works’ could also involve prayer for others, improving religious education, encouraging frequent confession and communion, and peacemaking. Sometimes loving kindness might seem absent, and a punitive attitude prevalent; punish to redeem. Curbing sin in this world, reducing temptations, might help save the soul from perdition. Policies of care under supervision, and with the threat of punishment for those not conforming, coincided with some social control attitudes fostered by secular authorities afraid of criminal and riotous behaviour by the less deserving and dangerous poor. The philanthropy came from individuals, from the Religious Orders and civic administrations, but the lay confraternities were the chief vehicles of activity, and the organisations to which the needy would most likely turn.1