Působení kapucínského řádu v Čechách a na Moravě 1599–1783

The uncomplicated and distinctive architecture of Capuchin churches still draws attention to the presence of this religious order in many cities across the Czech Republic, ranging from Sokolov and Prague all the way to Fulnek. In the early modern period, the Capuchins were one of the largest religious orders in Bohemia and Moravia as well as in the rest of the world, alongside the Jesuits and Franciscans. On the one hand, the Capuchin Order enjoyed the support of the powerful and wealthy, which facilitated its expansion. On the other hand, the activities of the Capuchins primarily addressed the lower classes, in accordance with the ideals of St. Francis of Assisi. Supported with an extensive body of literature, Marek Brčák’s monograph traces the history of the Capuchin Order in Bohemia and Moravia from their arrival to Joseph II’s church reforms. A special attention is paid to interactions between the order and the surrounding world (collecting alms, preaching, confessions, and missionary activities, pilgrimage sites, lay communities, etc.). The book includes biographies of both famous and lesser-known Capuchins, as well as illustrations.