The Personal Make-up of the Vilnius Fatebenefratelli in the Second Half of the 17th and the 18th Centuries

A detailed analysis of the Vilnius Fatebenefratelli novices from the late 17th to the early 19th centuries reveals that over half (51%) successfully completed their noviciate, while others resigned or were rejected. Most candidates were aged between 18 and 37, with a notable acceptance of older individuals due to the order's flexible formation structure. Geographically, novices predominantly originated from rural areas in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, particularly the Vilnius, Navahrudak, Trakai palatinates, and Samogitia, reflecting broader immigration trends and limited religious opportunities in certain regions. Only 30% came from urban or town settings, with social origins largely obscured but suggesting a predominantly non-noble, rural background. The study relies on two key novitiate books (1678–1725, 1761–1823) containing records for 243 novices, providing unprecedented insights into the demographic and social composition of this religious order during a pivotal period in Vilnius's history.

Jakulis, M. (2019). Vilniaus bonifratrų personalinė sudėtis XVII amžiaus antroje pusėje‒XVIII amžiuje. Lietuvos Istorijos Studijos, 43, 8–21. https://doi.org/10.15388/lis.2019.43.1