A lay member of a medieval confraternity in Brescia, Albertano of Brescia (c.1190–c.1250) outlined the religious life of an active confraternity dedicated to the common good. Albertano's conception of religiously infused civic life found expression in the medieval communes as well as in Renaissance states. The confraternity of Santa Maria dei Battuti, itself governed by legally trained brothers, closely followed Albertano's inspirational treatises and linked education with religious ideals. The confraternity embraced the proposition that religion and learning imposed a primary obligation to benefit society and supported vocational training, grammar schools, university scholarships, and religious instruction. As providers and administrators of the training required for a variety of occupations and careers, the Battuti had significant influence on the community, fostering an educational system that was both practical and spiritual.

The brothers had a considerable responsibility for the future. Entrusted with the lives of abandoned children and orphans, they were challenged to provide their wards with the skills for success in civic life. Children under the care of the institution were evaluated and provided with the appropriate training, both to expedite their integration into society and to relieve the financial burden of the charitable organization.