In 1639, the Brotherhood of the Blessed Sacrament in the Cathedral Church of Our Lady in Antwerp was officially incorporated into the Archconfraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, based in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The application for this was made by Mattias van Valle, a member of the Antwerp brotherhood who was staying in Rome. The admission took place with the approval of the local bishop, and on the basis of testimonies confirming the piety and dedication of the brotherhood.
This admission gives the members of the Antwerp brotherhood access to the same spiritual favours and indulgences granted to the Archconfraternity in Rome. This means, among other things, that on certain feast days, such as Corpus Christi, they can obtain complete forgiveness of sins (a plenary indulgence) when receiving communion and performing prayer. Members can also receive this indulgence upon death under certain conditions.
In addition, partial indulgences are provided for various pious acts, such as:
- Participating in processions,
- Visiting the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament,
- Praying for sick or deceased members,
- Attending Masses and sermons,
- And performing works of mercy.
The papal provisions also lay down clear rules for the establishment and addition of brotherhoods.
To prevent abuse, guidelines have also been drawn up for the collection of alms: this may only be done with the bishop's permission and must be used for the maintenance of churches and other pious purposes. Officials who violate these rules risk dismissal and may no longer grant spiritual favours.
The provisions are officially laid down in papal documents, signed on 11 October 1639 in Rome, under Pope Urban VIII. They are binding for all future times.
