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Prague Capuchin Monastic Communities and Their Public Activities (1599-1795)

Publication |
2023

Abstract

Two Capuchin monasteries operated in Prague in the Early Modern period: the one in Hradčany was founded soon after the Order's arrival in the city (1599), while the beginnings of the other monastery in the New Town date to the 1630s (the monastery was closed in 1795). The study address issues concerning the mechanisms used by the Capuchin monks in forming and strengthening social contacts in the Czech metropolis, without which the local Capuchin communities could not have survived.

The functioning of this social network is related to the formation and care of the Order's positive image, which the Capuchins created primarily through their visibility in the context of collecting alms on a daily basis and their pastoral activities.