Een meerwaarde voor de Gelovige Zielen. Leden en activiteiten van drie Antwerpse achttiende-eeuwse broederschappen

Research into eighteenth-century Antwerp brotherhoods reveals that the centuries-old associations still managed to persuade many believers to become members. To fully grasp their appeal, it is essential to consider not only their members’ motives to join but also how these brotherhoods perceived and displayed their own added value. Therefore, this contribution examines the members and recurring activities of three Antwerp brotherhoods of the Faithful Souls. The analysis shows that these associations attracted members from all classes of society and that their added value lay primarily in spiritual assistance. By facilitating as much spiritual care (such as indulgences, funerals and masses) as possible within their member group, brotherhoods were able to highlight their added value as religious and social associations.

Publication year:2021

Accessibility:Open