POTTER United Families

In Brussels, where the patriots have been so powerful since 1575, the
majority of the population remains Catholic.
To avoid being exposed to such a danger, five squadrons of Scots
were recruited by the bourgeoisie and a Military Council was set up,
which, with the help of the soldiers, seized the government of the
congregation and began to prosecute the Catholics...
Citizen had to comply and be “pleased” with the military and
demagogic system that, contrary to the old privileges, now reserves
all ministries to the Calvinists.
The number of Protestants and Catholics was almost balanced in
Brussels, but city leaders, as convinced Orangists, did not want the
city to reconcile with the king, despite the wish of the Calvinists...
As early as June 1579, the priests on the street no longer dared to
circulate, no longer accompany the funerals, etc. The “religious
peace” was replaced by the exclusive practice of the radical
Reformation...
At that time, everywhere in the houses, in town and on the farms in
the countryside, people began to celebrate masses, sometimes
preaching sermons at home. The whole day long, the bells were
sounding loud, as a custom.
People were astonished that the Duke of Alba did forbid to celebrate
masses, at home… Forbidden to practice the last sacraments at home
for a dying person!? For the Spanish Catholics, under the Duke of
Alba, imagine all the changes that people had to face...
For example, instead of celebrating Christmas Day on the 25th of
December according to ancient custom, the Duke forced Christmas
to be celebrated on the 15th of December. In case of refusal it was
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