The founding of capellanías with the purpose for masses was very common during the Colonial period in New Spain, to the point that a majority of those who could afford it founded one or more capellanías during their lifetime or left instructions for their formation in their will. Even though their essential purpose was religious, as they were seeking the salvation of the founders' souls after their death, the capellanías also had economic and social functions since the chaplains in charge of them could be ordained through them and receive a life-time income to pay for their subsistence. In addition, the income from the capellanías also benefitted laymen as well as theology students. On a marcoeconomic level, they constituted one of the principal sources of capital, used to estimulate the economy . Given the permanent nature of many capellanías throughout decades or even centuries and the repercussions they had in different aspects of society, an investigation of them contributes to a better understanding of the economy, family life, religious and ecclesiastical phenomena that took place during the Colonial Period.
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