| Early modern patronage came as before from courts, churches, aristocratic, and merchant families, from religious orders and confraternities. |
| Clubs exist for bands, plant lovers, and religious confraternities. |
| As conveyed in our opening narrative, the activities of the confraternities entailed extensive songs, prayers and consoling dialogue. |
| Among the lay population, confraternities were an important source of devotional association, mutual aid, and charitable assistance to the poor. |
| A host of new religious orders and lay confraternities were founded to preach, teach, tend the sick, and care for the poor. |
| Discussion ranges from monastic confraternities to miracle stories and the pious legends of saints. |
