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Nasza Przeszłość

Vol. 61 (1984): Our Past

Articles

The Archconfraternity of Mercy and the Pious Bank in Krakow

  • Krystyna Jelonek-Litewka
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52204/np.1984.61.45-91  [Google Scholar]
Published: 1984-06-30

Abstract

The article describes the activities of the Archconfraternity of Mercy and the Pious Bank founded in Krakow almost four centuries ago, specifically in 1984. The Brotherhood of Mercy was established on October 7, 1584, following the example of Italian brotherhoods, by an outstanding court preacher, Jesuit Piotr Skarga. In 1818, it adopted the name "Archikonfraternia" (a more Latin name), and in 1844 it took the name "Archiconfrerie" (text: Archconfraternity) of Mercy and the Pious Bank. As in the Middle Ages, the Archconfraternity was a religious organization whose main task was to provide material help to those who were ashamed to beg. In 1587, the brotherhood launched the Pious Bank, where interest-free mortgage loans could be granted. Its charitable activities were initially supported by donations from its members and fundraisers conducted near the church of St. Barbara in Krakow, but soon afterwards they began to receive various donations, intended either for the distribution of alms, or for the creation of dowries and subsidies for hospitals, young apprentices, etc. The Brotherhood, later the Archconfraternity of Mercy, converted its funds into real estate and land, and from the 19th century into mortgage bonds, bonds and other titles. Due to this form of investment, the Archconfraternity, very rich in funds at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, was completely destroyed by two world wars and their aftermath. The Archconfraternity of Mercy and the Pious Bank were liquidated in 1960 by administrative decision.

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