Peregrinos e viajantes no norte de Portugal : as esmolas distribuídas pela Ordem Terceira Franciscana de Braga aos Irmãos Passageiros (1720-1816)

Abstract

During the 18th century many people came to Braga as travellers or pilgrims. In this town they found several institutions, some of which helped the travellers materially and spiritually, such as the Third Order of Saint Francis. Based on this Order’s records, it was possible to draw a profile of those who sought out the secular order for help. At the same time, this information allowed us to analyze, from a quantitative and qualitative perspective, some relevant characteristics of travellers in northern Portugal during that period. Besides the specifics of those whom the brothers assisted, this paper also evaluates the management of this activity, that of the distribution of alms, by the secular Franciscans of Braga, revealing a welfare practice that is practically unknown in current historiography.