Almoner
An almoner (
History
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Christians have historically been encouraged to donate one-tenth of their income as a tithe to their church and additional offerings as needed for the poor. The first deacons, mentioned in Acts 6:1–4, dealt with the distribution of the charity of the early Christian churches to needy members.
Roman Catholic Church
The papal almoner, formally titled the "Almoner of His Holiness", is responsible for performing works of mercy on behalf of the pope. He is one of a small number of Vatican officials who continue in office when a pope dies or resigns.[3] Until June 2022, he was a member of the papal household; since then he heads the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, an administrative unit of the Roman Curia. Cardinal Konrad Krajewski has held this post since late 2013.[4]
UK royal household
Today in the
French royal household
The position of almoner within the French royal household was that of Grand Almoner of France (Grand aumônier de France) created by King Francis I.
Livery companies and Masonic lodges
The almoner also remains an active and important office in the
Hospital almoners
The title almoner was also used for a hospital official who interviews prospective patients to qualify them as indigent. It was later applied to the officials who were responsible for patient welfare and after-care. This position evolved into the modern profession of medical social work.[5] Lady almoners existed in the UK from 1895 to the termination of the private medical system in 1948; their task was to determine the patients' ability to contribute towards their own medical care.[6]
See also
References
- ISBN 0-550-10105-5.
- ^ Harper, Douglas. "almoner". Online Etymology Dictionary.
- ^ Universi Dominici gregis, 22
- ^ O'Connell, Gerard (6 August 2013). "Pope tells new Almoner: 'Do this work with a lot of imagination'". La Stampa. Retrieved 10 June 2017.
- PMID 22474098.
- ^ "Paying for healthcare: Life in Britain before the 'free' NHS".