As esmolas dos sobejos: aspetos assistenciais da Régia Confraria de Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Vila Viçosa (1715-1750)

In 1646, Our Lady of Conception of Vila Viçosa was proclaimed patroness of Portugal by king John IV. The liturgical service to the patroness was made by the Régia Confraria de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, which had big incomes. A small portion was allocated to alms, both in wheat and in money. The main beneficiaries were women widows and orphans, although confreres of brotherhood and some convents were also contemplated.