Piété et sociabilité. La vie de la confrérie Saint-Jean-l’Évangéliste à la fin du xvie siècle et au xviie siècle
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Occupationally based religious brotherhoods are an area of historical investigation. In the case of the “Confrérie Saint-Jean-l’Évangéliste,” from 1592 to the eighteenth century, its “Registre de la recepte” brings a current information. Thanks to this source, we know the fraternity’s quantitative development and organization (assemblies, governors, clerk). The accounts enter into all the details of funds and expenses, made by a brotherhood which expanded its collective religious worship activity after 1582. Born in 1618, the young guild of the booksellers, printers and bookbinders swiftly strengthened its supremacy on the religious brotherhood founded in 1401. For the fraternity’s internal workings, the result is obvious. By the end of sixteenth century, the “Confrérie Saint-Jean-l’Évangéliste” was shared between booksellers, printers, bookbinders and stationers. At the beginning of the seventeenth century, the brotherhood is open to the gilders, type founders, image makers. Afterwards, only the guild members (booksellers, printers and bookbinders) are received. In 1686, bookbinders and gilders joined together to form an independent guild. As early as in 1715, they lose touch with the “Confrérie.” Here, religious ties don’t prevail over economical interests convergence. As other occupationally based brotherhoods, this fraternity is primarily social, aiming at the brothers’ unity, and at a successfully intercession. Without strong spiritual guidance, the fraternity is not involved in the Counter Reformation movement. During the seventeenth century, the brotherhood’s life is shared in two phases. As far back as the 1630, the brotherhood pays obeisance to the guild and spends money for the masters’ lists, for the wages of the guilds clerk. But its religious program is directed by groups, or important men, within the fraternity. To give satisfaction to the brothers, the brotherhood distributes the “pain bénit” during the masses held at the patron saint feasts and on Sundays, and pays private masses for the dead. The brothers’ widows and daughters take part in ceremonies. For the dignity of the worship, in a quest for prestige within the urban community, the fraternity keeps buying religious ornaments throughout the next forty years. After 1669, deputy guild masters conduct the brotherhood. The feasts ceremonies are greatly altered, the purchase of religious objects and the preacher’s payment stop. Emphasis is put on mutual aid. In 1697, to cope with deficits, the guild arbitrates. The corporation shortens the pomp of the religious worship ( “le service divin que la communauté fait dire”), but enumerates and ratifies the public relations expenses. The religious brotherhood has become a constituent part of the corporation.
Réseaux sociaux