The Misericordie are among the oldest volunteer associations in the world: a tradition of charity almost eight centuries old, in the sign of help to one’s neighbour and of the Works of Mercy. The Misericordia di Ariccia, founded in 1994, is part of this great Movement.
Origins
The Movement’s roots lie in medieval Florence. In 1244 the Dominican friar Peter of Verona gave the Florence Misericordia its first constitutions; he was proclaimed a saint in 1253. The earliest known document mentioning the Misericordia dates to 1321.
The “buffa”
From the beginning the confratelli wore a service garment — a hood called the “buffa” that covered the face — so that all appeared equal, regardless of rank, and the helper stayed anonymous, following the Gospel principle “do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”
Spread and the Movement
Following the Florentine example, similar confraternities arose across Tuscany and then throughout Italy, and even abroad (the Portuguese Santas Casas da Misericórdia from 1498). On 24–25 September 1899, gathered in Pistoia, the Misericordie founded their Confederation.
The Misericordie today
Today the National Confederation of the Misericordie of Italy brings together over 800 confraternities, 670,000 members and 80,000 active volunteers. The Misericordia di Ariccia carries this ancient calling into the Castelli Romani: to stand beside those who suffer.
