These existed in Europe before the rising merchant guilds secured their liberation from the feudal lords, and continued throughout the Middle Ages. Each guild had a peculiar religious purpose; usually manifested by some charitable service. The guild was placed under the patronage of a saint to whom special devotion was paid, and whose festival day became the particular gala day of the guild. The Church encouraged these associations, but it was the members of the guild who personally administered its affairs, such as alms-giving, assistance to those setting out on pilgrimages, repairing churches, and the establishment of tree schools. These religious guilds were comprised of members in all classes of society, rich and poor, clerical and laical, who were thus joined in brotherhood.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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