almoner

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"The portrait of the almoner" or "The breviary" (1886) by Jules-Alexis Muenier.

An almoner is a chaplain or church officer who originally was in charge of distributing cash to the deserving poor.

Historically, almoners were Christian religious functionaries whose duty was to distribute alms to the poor. Monasteries were required to spend one tenth of their income in charity to the poor (a tithe). Bishops kept their own almoners and almoners were attached to the courts of the Kings of France. Charles VIII of France had a Grand Almoner in his employ.

In the United Kingdom, the Marquess of Exeter also holds the title of hereditary Grand Almoner. Today, however, one of the most prominent such offices is that of the Anglican Lord High Almoner. The High Almoner (currently Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch, Bishop of Manchester) is responsible for organising the Queen's annual distribution of Maundy money on Maundy Thursday.

The "Almoner of His Holiness," the pope's official almoner, continues in office even after the pope dies. He "continues to carry out works of charity in accordance with the criteria employed during the pope's lifetime" (Universi Dominici Gregis, 22).

The name almoner was also used for a hospital official who interviews prospective patients to qualify them as indigent, and was later applied to the officials who were responsible for patient welfare and after-care. This position is now usually filled by Medical social workers.

The title "almoner" has fallen out of use in English, but its equivalents in other languages are often used for many pastoral functions covered by chaplains or pastors. The word derives from the Ancient Greek ἐλεημοσύνη, eleēmosynē (see Eleemosynary), via the Latin almosunartius.

The Almoner remains an active and important office in the Livery Companies of the City of London and Masonic Lodges in England, Ireland and other Masonic Constitutions. His duty is to oversee the needs of the Brethren within his Lodge. He is the contact for Charity and looks after the welfare of the members, including visits to the sick, aged and infirm.

See also

Christianity portal

• Grand Almoner of France
• Medical social work
• Almonry

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