Peterspence Collection

On 29 June, or the Sunday closest to it, a voluntary collection is taken called "Peterspence" (also written as "Peter's Pence"). Peterspence, along with investments, once constituted the Vatican's sole source of income aside from the gifts of benefactors and voluntary alms.   Originally, Peterspence was a medieval tax of one penny placed by English Kings on householders who had a certain amount of land. The practice spread throughout Christendom, but didn't survive the "Reformation." When Pope Pius IX, though, was driven from Rome and exiled after the Papal States were stolen by agents of the Masonic "Risorgimento," the practice was brought back, so that now Catholics voluntarily give in order to support the works of the Church.

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