​

Walking in Bruges (which I learned how to correctly pronounce from our tourguide Dany,) we came across several buildings named “Godtshuys.” These are Renaissance style almhouses, and we were able to enter one of them. 
These houses were often commissioned by the wealthy, who at the time, had a different view of Heaven. They believed that one’s time in Purgatory could be shortened by the prayers of others. So, the wealthy would build almshouses where the sick would be under contract to pray for their patron, sometimes up to six times a day. From this, the patron expected to have a much shorter time in Purgatory.
Inside, at the altar, was a set of rules in Old Dutch language. Our guide explained the basic rules for us: in order to stay there, you must be sick, poor, widowed, have no debts, and over the age of 50.