Penitent women in the care of certain religious communities, who seek to reform and remain in community life; also those of blameless reputation who are admitted under the same name. Naumburg-on-the-Queis (1217) and Speyer (1226) were among the first German foundations. Pope Gregory IX prescribed the Rule of Saint Augustine for the penitents and most of the Magdalens adopted this, although many of the German houses subsequently became affiliated with the Dominicans or Franciscans. Among other prominent communities of Magdalens were: Marseilles, 1272; Naples, 1324; Rue Saint-Denis (Paris), 1492; Rome, 1520; Seville, 1550; Paris, 1592; Rouen; and Bordeaux. Institutions still exist, e.g., at Lauban (1320) and Studenz for the care of the aged and infirm.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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