Recordar os "Santos vivos" : leituras e práticas devotas em Portugal nas primeiras décadas do século XVII

Abstract

The background of this article is the problem of the reading of works on spirituality in the 17th century Portugal, with special reference to the importance of their dedications. Using a selection of works published between 1600 and 1640 and dedicated to proeminent women of the times, several issues are discussed concerning both the orientation of reading and spiritual practices – often relying on models embodied in “living saints” – and the relationships, sometimes based on family ties, of authours and several religious orders with influential families – or, more specifically, with proeminent women of these families.