Crutched Friars

The Knights of the Cross Order of Bologna ( Ordo Cruciferorum ), also known as Italian cruise gentlemen, was a by Pope Alexander III. on December 20, 1169 approved the Order, which the Canons Regular of St. Augustine usually be followed belonged. The Order operational hospitals, which were dedicated to the poor and the sick. The parent company was the Hospital of Santa Maria di Morello in Bologna. The Order spread to other European countries, but were largely independent. After periods of decline and futile reforms Alexander VII lifted the Order 1656.

History

The origins of the Order are in the dark. The Order itself undertook in the 16th century the attempt to classify the origins in ancient Jerusalem. However, this is doubtful. The Order ran a Holy Spirit Hospital in Acre at the time of the Crusades, in which possibly is to search for the origin of the Order. Robust evidence for the existence of the Order is not before 1159, when Pope Alexander III. fleeing from persecution by Frederick I repeatedly took refuge in the houses of the Order. When peace was again returned, took the Pope in 1169, the opportunity to confirm the order and the rule.

Very soon there was a connection to Ireland, where in Dublin a hospital was founded Augustinian canons regular with around 1180. It remains unclear whether this was linked from the beginning of the Italian Congregation; It is assumed, however, that this was the case for the then total of 15 hospitals in Ireland no later than 1216. The Irish houses were all abolished at the latest by the Reformation in the 16th century. In England also three houses were founded, which were connected with the Italians; the majority of the Augustinian hospitals, however, was founded on the basis of the Order of the Holy Cross in the Netherlands. In Italy, the Order spread quickly, as well as the subsequent popes encouraged him decisively. 1228 belonged to the Order in Italy already at least 55 hospitals, and in the heyday of the number of 208 houses has been reached. In Italy, forming four Provinces. In addition to the parent company in Bologna this was Milan (Santa Maria, Santa Croce later ), Naples (Santa Maria delle Vergini ) and Venice (Santa Maria di Crosechieri ). During the 12th and 13th century still -ups were added in Cyprus, Greece and Crete.

Compared to other canons regular there were very strict rules with regard to meals and fasting. The habit was gray, and it was at all times wear an iron cross in his hand. The Council of Mantua in 1459 led to the Order a blue habit and silver crosses. This was confirmed in the General Chapter of 1462. As an emblem were the three crosses on Calvary.

At this time the Order was already in decline. In Italy existed in the 15th century only 50 hospitals of the Order, who had to contend with Verpfründungen and Kommendationen. Reform attempts of the Popes Pius II, Innocent VIII and Pius V were unsuccessful. 1656 saw Alexander VII no more potential for reform and raised on the Order and thus the remaining houses in Italy.