Misericórdia (Santa Casa da Misericórdia)
Short definition
A Misericórdia (Santa Casa da Misericórdia, Holy House of Mercy) is a non-profit brotherhood of Catholic origin, dedicated to social action and health, present in almost every Portuguese municipality.
In plain language
The first was founded in Lisbon in 1498, on the initiative of Queen Leonor. Today most Misericórdias are IPSS and run care homes (ERPI), day centres, home support, continuing care units and, in some cases, hospitals. The Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa has its own legal framework, different from the others.