A confraternity is normally a Roman Catholic or Orthodox organization of lay people created for the purpose of promoting special works of Christian charity or piety, and approved by the Church hierarchy." I am Roman Catholic and this is what it is for us. Lay people would be people who are members of the church but not clergy.
Maurice and others joined confraternities for a variety of reasons, including the desire for social connection, spiritual growth, and community support. These organizations often provided a sense of belonging, as they brought together individuals with shared beliefs and values. Additionally, confraternities offered opportunities for charitable work, religious observance, and mutual assistance, which were particularly appealing in times of need. Overall, joining a confraternity allowed members to enhance their spiritual life while fostering strong social ties.
Cosmas Maria Seeberger has written: 'Key to the spiritual treasures' -- subject(s): Confraternities
C. Armine Willis has written: 'The religious confraternities (tariqas)' -- subject(s): Sufism
Michael Erraught has written: 'Guidelines for christian life groups and sodalities of Our Lady' -- subject(s): Confraternities
Jonathan Emmanuel Glixon has written: 'Honoring God and the city' -- subject(s): History, Confraternities, Music, History and criticism
Fabrizio Mari has written: 'Cinquecento anni di Misericordia' -- subject(s): Confraternities, History, Misericordia di Pescia, Sources
Giulio Gallo has written: 'Tradizione e trasformazione' -- subject(s): Church history, Confraternities, History, Religious life and customs
Giuseppe M. Covelli has written: 'L'Immacolata' -- subject(s): Church buildings, Confraternities, History, Christian art and symbolism, Church history
Liana Bertoldi Lenoci has written: 'Le confraternite di Alberobello (secc. XIX-XX)' -- subject(s): Church history, Confraternities, Sources
Gianluca Veneziani has written: 'Confraternite e riti della settimana santa a Bisceglie' -- subject(s): Religious life and customs, Confraternities, Holy Week
Elder Mullan has written: 'Sodality of Our Lady' -- subject(s): Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Handbooks, manuals, Monasticism and religious orders, Confraternities, Sodalities of Our Lady, Devotion
Santiago Montes has written: 'Etnohistoria de El Salvador' -- subject(s): Confraternities, Indians of Central America, Religion, Religious life and customs, Social life and customs