Podcasts about catholic reformation

Welcome to another episode of Talking Tudors, hosted by Natalie Grueninger. In this episode, we explore the profound journeys of Irish women religious during the turmoil of the 16th and 17th centuries with Dr. Bronagh McShane, a distinguished historian and research fellow at Trinity College, Dublin. Dr. McShane sheds light on the lives of Irish nuns who navigated suppression, exile, and reintegration during times of intense religious and political upheaval. Discover how these remarkable women preserved their religious identities, built transnational networks, and contributed significantly to the Catholic Reformation in Europe. We delve into the challenges and resilience of these women as they faced societal pressures, navigated clandestine communities, and fostered education within their ranks. Join us as we uncover the indelible mark that Irish nuns left on history and their enduring legacy in shaping faith and community amidst adversity. Follow Dr Bronagh Ann McShane on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/bamcshane.bsky.social Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com Buy Talking Tudors merchandise at https://talkingtudors.threadless.com/ Support Talking Tudors on Patreon  

Picking up from the Diet of Worms, this episode explores Lutheranism, Calvinism, and Anabaptism. We also take a look at the causes of the German Peasants' War and the Catholic Reformation at the Council of Trent.

3/12/25 - St. John of the Cross, a 16th-century Spanish mystic, poet, and reformer, played a key role in the Catholic Reformation alongside St. Teresa of Avila, helping establish the Discalced Carmelites. His writings, particularly The Dark Night of the Soul and The Ascent of Mount Carmel, offer profound insights into the soul's journey toward union with God, emphasizing spiritual purification, detachment, and deep contemplation. Despite enduring imprisonment and suffering, St. John remained committed to guiding others toward a deeper relationship with God. Canonized a saint in 1726 and named a Doctor of the Church in 1926, his spiritual legacy continues to inspire those seeking a deeper understanding of divine love and prayer.

Full Text of ReadingsSaturday of the Third Week of Advent Lectionary: 197The Saint of the day is Saint Peter CanisiusSaint Peter Canisius' Story The energetic life of Peter Canisius should demolish any stereotypes we may have of the life of a saint as dull or routine. Peter lived his 76 years at a pace which must be considered heroic, even in our time of rapid change. A man blessed with many talents, Peter is an excellent example of the scriptural man who develops his talents for the sake of the Lord's work. Peter was one of the most important figures in the Catholic Reformation in Germany. He played such a key role that he has often been called the “second apostle of Germany,” in that his life parallels the earlier work of Boniface. Although Peter once accused himself of idleness in his youth, he could not have been idle too long, for at the age of 19 he received a master's degree from the university at Cologne. Soon afterwards he met Peter Faber, the first disciple of Ignatius of Loyola, who influenced Peter so much that he joined the recently formed Society of Jesus. At this early age Peter had already taken up a practice he continued throughout his life—a process of study, reflection, prayer, and writing. After his ordination in 1546, he became widely known for his editions of the writings of St. Cyril of Alexandria and St. Leo the Great. Besides this reflective literary bent, Peter had a zeal for the apostolate. He could often be found visiting the sick or imprisoned, even when his assigned duties in other areas were more than enough to keep most people fully occupied. In 1547, Peter attended several sessions of the Council of Trent, whose decrees he was later assigned to implement. After a brief teaching assignment at the Jesuit college at Messina, Peter was entrusted with the mission to Germany—from that point on his life's work. He taught in several universities and was instrumental in establishing many colleges and seminaries. He wrote a catechism that explained the Catholic faith in a way that common people could understand—a great need of that age. Renowned as a popular preacher, Peter packed churches with those eager to hear his eloquent proclamation of the gospel. He had great diplomatic ability, often serving as a reconciler between disputing factions. In his letters—filling eight volumes—one finds words of wisdom and counsel to people in all walks of life. At times he wrote unprecedented letters of criticism to leaders of the Church—yet always in the context of a loving, sympathetic concern. At 70, Peter suffered a paralytic seizure, but he continued to preach and write with the aid of a secretary, until his death in his hometown of Nijmegen, Netherlands, on December 21, 1597. Reflection Peter's untiring efforts are an apt example for those involved in the renewal of the Church or the growth of moral consciousness in business or government. He is regarded as one of the creators of the Catholic press, and can easily be a model for the Christian author or journalist. Teachers can see in his life a passion for the transmission of truth. Whether we have much to give, as Peter Canisius did, or whether we have only a little to give, as did the poor widow in the Gospel of Luke (see Luke 21:1–4), the important thing is to give our all. It is in this way that Peter is so exemplary for Christians in an age of rapid change when we are called to be in the world but not of the world. Saint Peter Canisius is a Patron Saint of: Germany Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Saint Robert Bellarmine died in 1621, in the chronological center of the historical phenomenon known as the Counter-Reformation or the Catholic Reformation. He was a bishop, a cardinal, and a member of the relatively young Society of Jesus, founded by Saint Ignatius Loyola [and his nine companions] in 1540. In his own times and for many generations thereafter, he won wide recognition for his writings on the spiritual life, which ran through many editions and translations. He also won recognition for his writings against the Protestants and especially for his opposition to certain ecclesiological [church life] ideas espoused by King James I of England. When he was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1930, he brought with him into our own century his reputation for skill in religious controversy rather than his fame as a writer on spirituality, which had been part and parcel of the esteem in which he was held in earlier centuries. [John O'Malley,“ Preface, ”in Robert Bellarmine: Spiritual Writings, ed. John Patrick Donnelly, Roland J. Teske, and John Farina, trans. John Patrick Donnelly and Roland J. Teske, The Classics of Western Spirituality (New York; Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1989), 3.]

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest Lectionary: 403The Saint of the day is Saint Ignatius of LoyolaSaint Ignatius of Loyola's Story The founder of the Jesuits was on his way to military fame and fortune when a cannon ball shattered his leg. Because there were no books of romance on hand during his convalescence, Ignatius whiled away the time reading a life of Christ and lives of the saints. His conscience was deeply touched, and a long, painful turning to Christ began. Having seen the Mother of God in a vision, he made a pilgrimage to her shrine at Montserrat near Barcelona. He remained for almost a year at nearby Manresa, sometimes with the Dominicans, sometimes in a pauper's hospice, often in a cave in the hills praying. After a period of great peace of mind, he went through a harrowing trial of scruples. There was no comfort in anything—prayer, fasting, sacraments, penance. At length, his peace of mind returned. It was during this year of conversion that Ignatius began to write down material that later became his greatest work, the Spiritual Exercises. He finally achieved his purpose of going to the Holy Land, but could not remain, as he planned, because of the hostility of the Turks. Ignatius spent the next 11 years in various European universities, studying with great difficulty, beginning almost as a child. Like many others, his orthodoxy was questioned; Ignatius was twice jailed for brief periods. In 1534, at the age of 43, he and six others—one of whom was Saint Francis Xavier—vowed to live in poverty and chastity and to go to the Holy Land. If this became impossible, they vowed to offer themselves to the apostolic service of the pope. The latter became the only choice. Four years later Ignatius made the association permanent. The new Society of Jesus was approved by Pope Paul III, and Ignatius was elected to serve as the first general. When companions were sent on various missions by the pope, Ignatius remained in Rome, consolidating the new venture, but still finding time to found homes for orphans, catechumens, and penitents. He founded the Roman College, intended to be the model of all other colleges of the Society. Ignatius was a true mystic. He centered his spiritual life on the essential foundations of Christianity—the Trinity, Christ, the Eucharist. His spirituality is expressed in the Jesuit motto, Ad majorem Dei gloriam—“for the greater glory of God.” In his concept, obedience was to be the prominent virtue, to assure the effectiveness and mobility of his men. All activity was to be guided by a true love of the Church and unconditional obedience to the Holy Father, for which reason all professed members took a fourth vow to go wherever the pope should send them for the salvation of souls. Reflection Luther nailed his theses to the church door at Wittenberg in 1517. Seventeen years later, Ignatius of Loyola founded the Society that was to play so prominent a part in the Catholic Reformation. He was an implacable foe of Protestantism. Yet the seeds of ecumenism may be found in his words: “Great care must be taken to show forth orthodox truth in such a way that if any heretics happen to be present they may have an example of charity and Christian moderation. No hard words should be used nor any sort of contempt for their errors be shown.” One of the greatest ecumenists was the 20th-century German Jesuit, Cardinal Augustin Bea. Saint Ignatius of Loyola is the Patron Saint of: Retreats Love the saints? Check out these six titles on Catholic saints! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

What does a yeshiva study when all the Gemaras are burned? The toxic Catholic Reformation & the Babylonian Talmud

How the Counter-Reformation or Catholic Reformation created a context for philosophy among Catholics, especially in Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

Full Text of ReadingsThursday of the Third Week of Advent Lectionary: 197The Saint of the day is Saint Peter CanisiusSaint Peter Canisius' Story The energetic life of Peter Canisius should demolish any stereotypes we may have of the life of a saint as dull or routine. Peter lived his 76 years at a pace which must be considered heroic, even in our time of rapid change. A man blessed with many talents, Peter is an excellent example of the scriptural man who develops his talents for the sake of the Lord's work. Peter was one of the most important figures in the Catholic Reformation in Germany. He played such a key role that he has often been called the “second apostle of Germany,” in that his life parallels the earlier work of Boniface. Although Peter once accused himself of idleness in his youth, he could not have been idle too long, for at the age of 19 he received a master's degree from the university at Cologne. Soon afterwards he met Peter Faber, the first disciple of Ignatius of Loyola, who influenced Peter so much that he joined the recently formed Society of Jesus. At this early age Peter had already taken up a practice he continued throughout his life—a process of study, reflection, prayer, and writing. After his ordination in 1546, he became widely known for his editions of the writings of St. Cyril of Alexandria and St. Leo the Great. Besides this reflective literary bent, Peter had a zeal for the apostolate. He could often be found visiting the sick or imprisoned, even when his assigned duties in other areas were more than enough to keep most people fully occupied. In 1547, Peter attended several sessions of the Council of Trent, whose decrees he was later assigned to implement. After a brief teaching assignment at the Jesuit college at Messina, Peter was entrusted with the mission to Germany—from that point on his life's work. He taught in several universities and was instrumental in establishing many colleges and seminaries. He wrote a catechism that explained the Catholic faith in a way that common people could understand—a great need of that age. Renowned as a popular preacher, Peter packed churches with those eager to hear his eloquent proclamation of the gospel. He had great diplomatic ability, often serving as a reconciler between disputing factions. In his letters—filling eight volumes—one finds words of wisdom and counsel to people in all walks of life. At times he wrote unprecedented letters of criticism to leaders of the Church—yet always in the context of a loving, sympathetic concern. At 70, Peter suffered a paralytic seizure, but he continued to preach and write with the aid of a secretary, until his death in his hometown of Nijmegen, Netherlands, on December 21, 1597. Reflection Peter's untiring efforts are an apt example for those involved in the renewal of the Church or the growth of moral consciousness in business or government. He is regarded as one of the creators of the Catholic press, and can easily be a model for the Christian author or journalist. Teachers can see in his life a passion for the transmission of truth. Whether we have much to give, as Peter Canisius did, or whether we have only a little to give, as did the poor widow in the Gospel of Luke (see Luke 21:1–4), the important thing is to give our all. It is in this way that Peter is so exemplary for Christians in an age of rapid change when we are called to be in the world but not of the world. Saint Peter Canisius is a Patron Saint of: Germany Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest Lectionary: 401The Saint of the day is Saint Ignatius of LoyolaSaint Ignatius of Loyola's Story The founder of the Jesuits was on his way to military fame and fortune when a cannon ball shattered his leg. Because there were no books of romance on hand during his convalescence, Ignatius whiled away the time reading a life of Christ and lives of the saints. His conscience was deeply touched, and a long, painful turning to Christ began. Having seen the Mother of God in a vision, he made a pilgrimage to her shrine at Montserrat near Barcelona. He remained for almost a year at nearby Manresa, sometimes with the Dominicans, sometimes in a pauper's hospice, often in a cave in the hills praying. After a period of great peace of mind, he went through a harrowing trial of scruples. There was no comfort in anything—prayer, fasting, sacraments, penance. At length, his peace of mind returned. It was during this year of conversion that Ignatius began to write down material that later became his greatest work, the Spiritual Exercises. He finally achieved his purpose of going to the Holy Land, but could not remain, as he planned, because of the hostility of the Turks. Ignatius spent the next 11 years in various European universities, studying with great difficulty, beginning almost as a child. Like many others, his orthodoxy was questioned; Ignatius was twice jailed for brief periods. In 1534, at the age of 43, he and six others—one of whom was Saint Francis Xavier—vowed to live in poverty and chastity and to go to the Holy Land. If this became impossible, they vowed to offer themselves to the apostolic service of the pope. The latter became the only choice. Four years later Ignatius made the association permanent. The new Society of Jesus was approved by Pope Paul III, and Ignatius was elected to serve as the first general. When companions were sent on various missions by the pope, Ignatius remained in Rome, consolidating the new venture, but still finding time to found homes for orphans, catechumens, and penitents. He founded the Roman College, intended to be the model of all other colleges of the Society. Ignatius was a true mystic. He centered his spiritual life on the essential foundations of Christianity—the Trinity, Christ, the Eucharist. His spirituality is expressed in the Jesuit motto, Ad majorem Dei gloriam—“for the greater glory of God.” In his concept, obedience was to be the prominent virtue, to assure the effectiveness and mobility of his men. All activity was to be guided by a true love of the Church and unconditional obedience to the Holy Father, for which reason all professed members took a fourth vow to go wherever the pope should send them for the salvation of souls. Reflection Luther nailed his theses to the church door at Wittenberg in 1517. Seventeen years later, Ignatius of Loyola founded the Society that was to play so prominent a part in the Catholic Reformation. He was an implacable foe of Protestantism. Yet the seeds of ecumenism may be found in his words: “Great care must be taken to show forth orthodox truth in such a way that if any heretics happen to be present they may have an example of charity and Christian moderation. No hard words should be used nor any sort of contempt for their errors be shown.” One of the greatest ecumenists was the 20th-century German Jesuit, Cardinal Augustin Bea. Saint Ignatius of Loyola is the Patron Saint of: Retreats Love the saints? Check out these seven titles on Catholic saints! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Last episode, we looked at the Reformation spreading out of Germany, and into other parts of Northern Europe, particularly looking at how England was affected.  One of the side effects of the north part of Europe leaving the Catholic Church was that Catholic Church itself was also forced to change.  The Catholic Church needed to take a hard look at itself, and decide how to go forward.  That process was called the Counter Reformation.  At least, that's what the Protestants called it.  The Catholic Church usually calls it the Catholic Reformation.  I'm going to call it the Counter Reformation, because that feels accurate to me, because it does really seem that the Catholic Church was reacting to the challenges of the Reformation.  

A daily news briefing from Catholic News Agency, powered by artificial intelligence. Ask your smart speaker to play “Catholic News,” or listen every morning wherever you get podcasts. www.catholicnewsagency.com - A suspect has been arrested in connection with the February 18 shooting homicide of Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David O'Connell, the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (LASD) said Monday. In a press conference Monday, Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna announced that charges would be brought against 65-year-old Carlos Medina, the husband of O'Connell's housekeeper. Prior to the arrest, there was a standoff between the subject and law enforcement in the city of Torrance, about a 45-minute drive southwest from Hacienda Heights, where O'Connell was found dead. Police discovered O'Connell with “at least” one gunshot wound to his upper body while in his bedroom, Luna said. Luna said there was no evidence of a “forced entry” or “burglary” and added that no firearm was found at the scene. A native of Ireland, O'Connell was named a bishop by Pope Francis in 2015. He ministered to immigrants, the poor, and victims of gang violence for 45 years in the South Los Angeles area. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253690/breaking-arrest-made-in-murder-of-bishop-david-o-connell Wisconsin voters are set to head to the polls today to vote for a new state Supreme Court justice in a nonpartisan primary. Though turnout in Wisconsin judicial elections is generally low, pro-life advocates say this election will play a major role in determining whether unborn children will continue to receive protection in Wisconsin, a state that currently has a near-total ban on abortion in place. Pro-choice groups within and outside Wisconsin have identified the state Supreme Court race as a key one in their attempts to get the state's abortion ban overturned. Wisconsin's governor and Attorney General announced a lawsuit last year to attempt to overturn the law, arguing that it has been superseded by subsequent legislation and cannot be enforced. Pro-life advocates worry that should the state Supreme Court obtain a pro-choice majority, the state's pre-Roe ban could be thrown out, as happened last year in neighboring Michigan. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/253691/wisconsin-judicial-elections-could-affect-future-of-state-abortion-ban-pro-lifers-say Today, the Church celebrates Saint Peter Damian, a Benedictine monk who strove to purify the Church during the early years of its second millennium. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-peter-damian-154 The Church also celebrates Saint Robert Southwell, SJ an English Roman Catholic Jesuit priest and one of the 40 martyrs of England & Wales murdered during the English anti-Catholic Reformation. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-robert-southwell-739

Women like St. Teresa of Ávila and St. Catherine of Genoa contributed significantly to the Catholic Reformation. But in the 16th-century church perhaps no woman responded more creatively to the need for reform than St. Angela Merici. She built communities that trained single women in Christian living and provided them a secure place of honor in their local societies.This Podcast series is available on  all major platforms.See more resources, maps, and information at:https://www.dwworldhistory.comCheckout the video version at:https://www.youtube.com/DWWorldHistoryA PDF Publication is available for this episode at:https://www.patreon.com/DWWorldHistorySupport the show

Full Text of ReadingsWednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent Lectionary: 197The Saint of the day is Saint Peter CanisiusSaint Peter Canisius' Story The energetic life of Peter Canisius should demolish any stereotypes we may have of the life of a saint as dull or routine. Peter lived his 76 years at a pace which must be considered heroic, even in our time of rapid change. A man blessed with many talents, Peter is an excellent example of the scriptural man who develops his talents for the sake of the Lord's work. Peter was one of the most important figures in the Catholic Reformation in Germany. He played such a key role that he has often been called the “second apostle of Germany,” in that his life parallels the earlier work of Boniface. Although Peter once accused himself of idleness in his youth, he could not have been idle too long, for at the age of 19 he received a master's degree from the university at Cologne. Soon afterwards he met Peter Faber, the first disciple of Ignatius of Loyola, who influenced Peter so much that he joined the recently formed Society of Jesus. At this early age Peter had already taken up a practice he continued throughout his life—a process of study, reflection, prayer, and writing. After his ordination in 1546, he became widely known for his editions of the writings of St. Cyril of Alexandria and St. Leo the Great. Besides this reflective literary bent, Peter had a zeal for the apostolate. He could often be found visiting the sick or imprisoned, even when his assigned duties in other areas were more than enough to keep most people fully occupied. In 1547, Peter attended several sessions of the Council of Trent, whose decrees he was later assigned to implement. After a brief teaching assignment at the Jesuit college at Messina, Peter was entrusted with the mission to Germany—from that point on his life's work. He taught in several universities and was instrumental in establishing many colleges and seminaries. He wrote a catechism that explained the Catholic faith in a way that common people could understand—a great need of that age. Renowned as a popular preacher, Peter packed churches with those eager to hear his eloquent proclamation of the gospel. He had great diplomatic ability, often serving as a reconciler between disputing factions. In his letters—filling eight volumes—one finds words of wisdom and counsel to people in all walks of life. At times he wrote unprecedented letters of criticism to leaders of the Church—yet always in the context of a loving, sympathetic concern. At 70, Peter suffered a paralytic seizure, but he continued to preach and write with the aid of a secretary, until his death in his hometown of Nijmegen, Netherlands, on December 21, 1597. Reflection Peter's untiring efforts are an apt example for those involved in the renewal of the Church or the growth of moral consciousness in business or government. He is regarded as one of the creators of the Catholic press, and can easily be a model for the Christian author or journalist. Teachers can see in his life a passion for the transmission of truth. Whether we have much to give, as Peter Canisius did, or whether we have only a little to give, as did the poor widow in the Gospel of Luke (see Luke 21:1–4), the important thing is to give our all. It is in this way that Peter is so exemplary for Christians in an age of rapid change when we are called to be in the world but not of the world. Saint Peter Canisius is a Patron Saint of: Germany Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

A new MP3 sermon from Trinity Bible Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Catholic Reformation (Counter-reformation) Subtitle: Church history Speaker: Rodel Lasco Broadcaster: Trinity Bible Church Event: Sunday School Date: 9/4/2022 Length: 44 min.

Today's Topics: 1, 2) Marijuana psychosis addiction https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/how-weed-became-new-oxycontin-marijuana-psychosis-addiction 2, 3) Swiss bishop cancels exorcism office and emphasizes counseling services https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-bishop-purges-exorcist-post/48086754 https://gloria.tv/post/p6wawgFkLi8g1S4Q16LVSQV6D He's pro homosexual as well https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251091/catholic-priests-criticize-new-code-of-conduct-in-swiss-diocese-as-attempt-to-implant-lgbt-ideology https://international.la-croix.com/news/religion/conservative-swiss-priests-rebel-against-bishops-code-of-conduct/16033 3, 4) Saint Charles Borromeo (1538 - 1584) was a leading figure of the Catholic Reformation. He also dealt with widespread corruption in his day. Just in case Catholics think we are experiencing something new today, it's the same old shoot 'em up

Today's Topics: 1, 2) Marijuana psychosis addiction https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/how-weed-became-new-oxycontin-marijuana-psychosis-addiction 2, 3) Swiss bishop cancels exorcism office and emphasizes counseling services https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-bishop-purges-exorcist-post/48086754 https://gloria.tv/post/p6wawgFkLi8g1S4Q16LVSQV6D He's pro homosexual as well https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251091/catholic-priests-criticize-new-code-of-conduct-in-swiss-diocese-as-attempt-to-implant-lgbt-ideology https://international.la-croix.com/news/religion/conservative-swiss-priests-rebel-against-bishops-code-of-conduct/16033 3, 4) Saint Charles Borromeo (1538 - 1584) was a leading figure of the Catholic Reformation. He also dealt with widespread corruption in his day. Just in case Catholics think we are experiencing something new today, it's the same old shoot 'em up

The Jesuit missionaries' encounter with Ethiopian Christians at the outset of the 17th century was an unparalleled period of cultural and religious interchange. During this period, European Jesuit missionaries attempted to ‘clean out' the ‘flawed' elements in order to proselytize the Catholic faith among the Ethiopian Orthodox believers. Their main goal was to convert those local religious expressions into a uniform faith that subscribes to European Catholicism. With this aim in mind, an extensive set of European Catholic literature was translated into Ge'ez during that period. While some of these works were originally written in the context of the Catholic Reformation, others were authored by Jesuits who lived and worked in Ethiopia. These writings had a common goal: to convince the Ethiopian Orthodox population to accept Catholicism and recognize it as the righteous faith. However, and with the sole exception of the Antonio Fernandes' Mäqśäftä hassätat, all these works were deliberately burned and destroyed after 1632. This lucky exception will be an essential source for the development of this paper. The survival of the Mäqśäftä hassätat provides us with a unique opportunity to look into a testimony of the language and nature of the theological dispute between the Latin Catholic and the Ethiopian Orthodox sides during the 17th century. The Mäqśäftä hassätat covers some of the theological and sacramental practices that were at the center of the Catholic Ethiopian debate during the 17th century. Therefore, and with the aim of getting a better understanding of the interaction between these two Christian traditions and the textual milieu of the 17th century, the proposed paper will aim to describe the nature of this treatise and its main characteristics in an effort to shed light on this proselytizer's attempts to debunk contemporaneous Ethiopian Christian rituals, sources, and beliefs. Moreover, a better knowledge of this fluctuating but thriving period in Ethiopian history shall help us to understand the environment in which the Ḥatäta Zär'a Ya‛ǝqob might have – or might have not – been written.

As punishment for believing that infants shouldn't be baptized, you should be immediately drowned! At least according to Ulrich Zwingli, that is. In this episode, we look at the Reformation, and how the ideas of Martin Luther, Jean Calvin, and various radicals played into the discussion of church and state in Europe. We discuss the economic roots of the Reformation, how the various wars and uprisings were furthered by theological issues but perhaps not caused by them, and some of the more unfortunate aspects of this period in time, including the very bloody wars. We also get into a rant about whether the Counter-Reformation should really by called a Catholic Reformation!  Follow us on Twitter! @UlmtdOpinions

The Catholic Reformation was the counterpart to the Protestant movement in the 16th Century. Here, the Roman Catholic Church attempts to define its theology over and against what they considered the Protestant heresy. This is part of an ongoing series during Crossway's Sunday School reviewing church history.

Full Text of ReadingsEighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 114All podcast readings are produced by the USCCB and are from the Catholic Lectionary, based on the New American Bible and approved for use in the United States _______________________________________The Saint of the day is Saint Ignatius of LoyolaThe founder of the Jesuits was on his way to military fame and fortune when a cannon ball shattered his leg. Because there were no books of romance on hand during his convalescence, Ignatius whiled away the time reading a life of Christ and lives of the saints. His conscience was deeply touched, and a long, painful turning to Christ began. Having seen the Mother of God in a vision, he made a pilgrimage to her shrine at Montserrat near Barcelona. He remained for almost a year at nearby Manresa, sometimes with the Dominicans, sometimes in a pauper's hospice, often in a cave in the hills praying. After a period of great peace of mind, he went through a harrowing trial of scruples. There was no comfort in anything—prayer, fasting, sacraments, penance. At length, his peace of mind returned. It was during this year of conversion that Ignatius began to write down material that later became his greatest work, the Spiritual Exercises. He finally achieved his purpose of going to the Holy Land, but could not remain, as he planned, because of the hostility of the Turks. Ignatius spent the next 11 years in various European universities, studying with great difficulty, beginning almost as a child. Like many others, his orthodoxy was questioned; Ignatius was twice jailed for brief periods. In 1534, at the age of 43, he and six others—one of whom was Saint Francis Xavier—vowed to live in poverty and chastity and to go to the Holy Land. If this became impossible, they vowed to offer themselves to the apostolic service of the pope. The latter became the only choice. Four years later Ignatius made the association permanent. The new Society of Jesus was approved by Pope Paul III, and Ignatius was elected to serve as the first general. When companions were sent on various missions by the pope, Ignatius remained in Rome, consolidating the new venture, but still finding time to found homes for orphans, catechumens, and penitents. He founded the Roman College, intended to be the model of all other colleges of the Society. Ignatius was a true mystic. He centered his spiritual life on the essential foundations of Christianity—the Trinity, Christ, the Eucharist. His spirituality is expressed in the Jesuit motto, Ad majorem Dei gloriam—“for the greater glory of God.” In his concept, obedience was to be the prominent virtue, to assure the effectiveness and mobility of his men. All activity was to be guided by a true love of the Church and unconditional obedience to the Holy Father, for which reason all professed members took a fourth vow to go wherever the pope should send them for the salvation of souls. Reflection Luther nailed his theses to the church door at Wittenberg in 1517. Seventeen years later, Ignatius of Loyola founded the Society that was to play so prominent a part in the Catholic Reformation. He was an implacable foe of Protestantism. Yet the seeds of ecumenism may be found in his words: “Great care must be taken to show forth orthodox truth in such a way that if any heretics happen to be present they may have an example of charity and Christian moderation. No hard words should be used nor any sort of contempt for their errors be shown.” One of the greatest ecumenists was the 20th-century German Jesuit, Cardinal Augustin Bea. Saint Ignatius of Loyola is the Patron Saint of: Retreats Love the saints? Check out these seven titles on Catholic saints! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Catholicism faces its own reformation, beginning well before Luther's protest.

The Catholic reformation continues.

Catholicism faces its own reformation, beginning well before Luther's protest.

The Catholic reformation continues.

This wonderful audiobook is a special treat for those who know and love actor, writer, and director Harvey Fierstein. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile contributor Sandi Henschel discuss his narration, his distinctive voice, and his singular perspective. Fierstein's writing is frequently poetic, always awake and aware, smoothly blending with the coarser street speech of his childhood. His wit is without peer. Fierstein recounts his larger-than-life personal and artistic triumphs and failures, telling wildly funny anecdotes throughout. This is a must-listen. Read the full review of the audiobook on AudioFile's website. Published by Random House Audio. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Today's episode is sponsored by Naxos AudioBooks. The 16th-century Spanish Carmelite nun St Teresa of Ávila was a prominent figure in the Catholic Reformation, and her writings have continued to inspire philosophers, theologians, historians and countless others interested in Christian spirituality and mysticism. She distilled her own experience into the beautifully direct and accessible ‘living book', The Way of Perfection, a guide for nuns in her convent, with practical advice on how to approach the spiritual life. It is narrated by Lucy Scott. You can find it at NaxosAudiobooks.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Full Text of ReadingsTuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent Lectionary: 197All podcast readings are produced by the USCCB and are from the Catholic Lectionary, based on the New American Bible and approved for use in the United States _______________________________________The Saint of the day is Saint Peter CanisiusThe energetic life of Peter Canisius should demolish any stereotypes we may have of the life of a saint as dull or routine. Peter lived his 76 years at a pace which must be considered heroic, even in our time of rapid change. A man blessed with many talents, Peter is an excellent example of the scriptural man who develops his talents for the sake of the Lord's work. Peter was one of the most important figures in the Catholic Reformation in Germany. He played such a key role that he has often been called the “second apostle of Germany,” in that his life parallels the earlier work of Boniface. Although Peter once accused himself of idleness in his youth, he could not have been idle too long, for at the age of 19 he received a master's degree from the university at Cologne. Soon afterwards he met Peter Faber, the first disciple of Ignatius of Loyola, who influenced Peter so much that he joined the recently formed Society of Jesus. At this early age Peter had already taken up a practice he continued throughout his life—a process of study, reflection, prayer, and writing. After his ordination in 1546, he became widely known for his editions of the writings of St. Cyril of Alexandria and St. Leo the Great. Besides this reflective literary bent, Peter had a zeal for the apostolate. He could often be found visiting the sick or imprisoned, even when his assigned duties in other areas were more than enough to keep most people fully occupied. In 1547, Peter attended several sessions of the Council of Trent, whose decrees he was later assigned to implement. After a brief teaching assignment at the Jesuit college at Messina, Peter was entrusted with the mission to Germany—from that point on his life's work. He taught in several universities and was instrumental in establishing many colleges and seminaries. He wrote a catechism that explained the Catholic faith in a way that common people could understand—a great need of that age. Renowned as a popular preacher, Peter packed churches with those eager to hear his eloquent proclamation of the gospel. He had great diplomatic ability, often serving as a reconciler between disputing factions. In his letters—filling eight volumes—one finds words of wisdom and counsel to people in all walks of life. At times he wrote unprecedented letters of criticism to leaders of the Church—yet always in the context of a loving, sympathetic concern. At 70, Peter suffered a paralytic seizure, but he continued to preach and write with the aid of a secretary, until his death in his hometown of Nijmegen, Netherlands, on December 21, 1597. Reflection Peter's untiring efforts are an apt example for those involved in the renewal of the Church or the growth of moral consciousness in business or government. He is regarded as one of the creators of the Catholic press, and can easily be a model for the Christian author or journalist. Teachers can see in his life a passion for the transmission of truth. Whether we have much to give, as Peter Canisius did, or whether we have only a little to give, as did the poor widow in the Gospel of Luke (see Luke 21:1–4), the important thing is to give our all. It is in this way that Peter is so exemplary for Christians in an age of rapid change when we are called to be in the world but not of the world. Saint Peter Canisius is a Patron Saint of: Germany Saint of the DayCopyright Franciscan Media

Teresa of Ávila, also called Saint Teresa of Jesus, was a Spanish noblewoman who felt called to convent life in the Catholic Church. A Carmelite nun, prominent Spanish mystic, religious reformer, author, theologian of the contemplative life and of mental prayer, she earned the rare distinction of being declared a Doctor of the Church, September 27th, 1970 by Pope Paul VI.   Active during the Catholic Reformation, she reformed the Carmelite Orders of both women and men. The movement she initiated was later joined by the younger Spanish Carmelite friar and mystic John of the Cross. It led eventually to the establishment of the Discalced Carmelites. A formal papal decree adopting the split from the old order was issued in 1580.  SCRIPTURE(Psalm 81)GOD MOMENT"You are my God"MUSIC"Antiphon - Immutemur""We Move Lightly"  

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest Lectionary: 406All podcast readings are produced by the USCCB and are from the Catholic Lectionary, based on the New American Bible and approved for use in the United States _______________________________________The Saint of the day is Saint Ignatius of LoyolaThe founder of the Jesuits was on his way to military fame and fortune when a cannon ball shattered his leg. Because there were no books of romance on hand during his convalescence, Ignatius whiled away the time reading a life of Christ and lives of the saints. His conscience was deeply touched, and a long, painful turning to Christ began. Having seen the Mother of God in a vision, he made a pilgrimage to her shrine at Montserrat near Barcelona. He remained for almost a year at nearby Manresa, sometimes with the Dominicans, sometimes in a pauper's hospice, often in a cave in the hills praying. After a period of great peace of mind, he went through a harrowing trial of scruples. There was no comfort in anything—prayer, fasting, sacraments, penance. At length, his peace of mind returned. It was during this year of conversion that Ignatius began to write down material that later became his greatest work, the Spiritual Exercises. He finally achieved his purpose of going to the Holy Land, but could not remain, as he planned, because of the hostility of the Turks. Ignatius spent the next 11 years in various European universities, studying with great difficulty, beginning almost as a child. Like many others, his orthodoxy was questioned; Ignatius was twice jailed for brief periods. In 1534, at the age of 43, he and six others—one of whom was Saint Francis Xavier—vowed to live in poverty and chastity and to go to the Holy Land. If this became impossible, they vowed to offer themselves to the apostolic service of the pope. The latter became the only choice. Four years later Ignatius made the association permanent. The new Society of Jesus was approved by Pope Paul III, and Ignatius was elected to serve as the first general. When companions were sent on various missions by the pope, Ignatius remained in Rome, consolidating the new venture, but still finding time to found homes for orphans, catechumens, and penitents. He founded the Roman College, intended to be the model of all other colleges of the Society. Ignatius was a true mystic. He centered his spiritual life on the essential foundations of Christianity—the Trinity, Christ, the Eucharist. His spirituality is expressed in the Jesuit motto, Ad majorem Dei gloriam—“for the greater glory of God.” In his concept, obedience was to be the prominent virtue, to assure the effectiveness and mobility of his men. All activity was to be guided by a true love of the Church and unconditional obedience to the Holy Father, for which reason all professed members took a fourth vow to go wherever the pope should send them for the salvation of souls. Reflection Luther nailed his theses to the church door at Wittenberg in 1517. Seventeen years later, Ignatius of Loyola founded the Society that was to play so prominent a part in the Catholic Reformation. He was an implacable foe of Protestantism. Yet the seeds of ecumenism may be found in his words: “Great care must be taken to show forth orthodox truth in such a way that if any heretics happen to be present they may have an example of charity and Christian moderation. No hard words should be used nor any sort of contempt for their errors be shown.” One of the greatest ecumenists was the 20th-century German Jesuit, Cardinal Augustin Bea. Saint Ignatius of Loyola is the Patron Saint of: Retreats Saint of the Day Copyright Franciscan Media

Coinciding with the expansion of European Empires, the Reformation became a global phenomenon. For the French, their conquests in North America soon became battle grounds for the revitalized spirit of the Catholic Reformation. Mack Brza joins host Kyle Robinson to discuss the nuances, violence, and exchanges of Catholic mission in New France.

Welcome to this bonus episode of Giants of the Faith. We're well into season 2 now with a narrow focus on the Reformation. In this bonus episode we'll take a look at what the Catholic Church did in response to the movement spearheaded by Luther, Zwingli, Calvin and others. That response is called the Counter Reformation or sometimes the Catholic Reformation and it is encapsulated in the decisions and decrees made during the Council of Trent. Trent served to reject the Protestant distinctives and also to clarify and support Catholic ones. There is a lot of information that came out of Trent and we're not going to be able to cover all 28 years effectively here but I've picked out some of the major points of interest. If you want to know more there are volumes and volumes of documentation that you can read.RESOURCESCatholic Answers: https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/anathemaTraditional Catholic: http://traditionalcatholic.net/Tradition/Council/Trent/Musee Protestant: https://museeprotestant.org/en/notice/the-catholic-reformation-or-counter-reformation/The Gospel Coalition: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/9-things-you-should-know-about-the-council-of-trent/Simply Cahtolic: https://www.simplycatholic.com/myths-and-facts-about-the-council-of-trent/Ask Ligonier Podcast: https://ask.ligonier.org/podcast-episodes/why-do-roman-catholic-bibles-have-more-books-in-them-than-protestant-biblesBible Baptist Church Ballincollig: https://www.biblebc.com/Roman%20Catholicism/summary_of_trent.htmThe Soul Anchor Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soul-anchor-podcast/id1480173781

This week, Rachel discusses the start of the Tudor dynasty which shows why you should always be extra careful when participating in tournaments, that women and men can in fact just be friends and that double standards may result in it being difficult for you to settle down. Also talked about is the Protestant and Catholic Reformation which shows that all you need to create a religious movement is to move to Switzerland, divorce your wife and become a fugitive but not necessarily in that order. This week's myth moment is St. George and the Dragon, a very convenient tale of how magic oranges can save the day. Leave a review on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or wherever you listen to podcasts to help spread the word! You can also leave a voice message that can be used to give a shoutout to someone, ask a question, or help by fixing pronunciation or a fact and all will be mentioned during the break.  Help support the podcast! Donate to listener support to help keep the podcast free! anchor.fm/historyheardhere/support   We have a website! https://sites.google.com/pobschools.org/historyheardhere/home  Leave a Voice Message! - https://anchor.fm/HistoryHeardHere/message   Google Podcasts - https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xYzM3MWE3NC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==   Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/history-heard-here/id1507393073   Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2IanAM50kGMjDzLCsKvaJf   Anchor - https://anchor.fm/HistoryHeardHere   Pocket Casts - https://pca.st/39rdqawq   Breaker - https://www.breaker.audio/history-heard-here   RadioPublic -https://radiopublic.com/history-heard-here-69PvY3   Overcast - https://overcast.fm/itunes1507393073/history-heard-here--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/historyheardhere/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/historyheardhere/support

Reformation didn't just happen outside the Church. Many acknowledged the need for change from within (some even before Martin Luther!) We outline the changes that began then, the Council of Trent, and missionaries. Join Michael, Troy and Zane as we discuss our brothers and sisters of the Roman Catholic Church.Don't forget to sign up for our email list! Get plugged in to our weekly stream of study tips, biblical connections, and book suggestions to supplement your study of the Bible. When you join, you'll also get our free gift, "6 Tips for Reading the Bible Responsibly."CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE EMAIL LISTWant to read books on the history of Christianity? Check them out here! (paid link)https://kit.co/notsosecretbibleFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA (@notsosecretbible)InstagramFacebookSupport the show (https://bit.ly/3gvFQd3)

In this episode, we discuss Professor Tingle's latest monograph 'Sacred Journeys in the Counter Reformation' which analyses the devotional experience of pilgrimages in the Catholic Reformation.

Full Text of ReadingsSaturday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 466All podcast readings are produced by the USCCB and are from the Catholic Lectionary, based on the New American Bible and approved for use in the United States _______________________________________The Saint of the day is St. Francis BorgiaFrancis Borgia was born October 28, 1510 inGandia, Valencia, Spain asthe son of the Duke of Gandia, the great grandson, from his fathers side, of Pope Alexander VI, the notorious Borgia pope, and from his mothers side, the great grandson of King Ferdinand of Aragon.Francis grandmother joined her daughther in a convent of Poor Clares after the death of her husband and helda pious influence in the court of the Borgia, to which Francis is indebted. It was with these two women that holiness penetrated into the scandalous lineage of the Borgia family.Francis grew to be a pious young man, posessed of many natural gifts and a favorite at the court of Charles V. It is recounted that one day Francis passed through Alcal, followed by his escort, and exchanged an emotional glance with a poor man being escorted to prison by the Inquisition. This man was Ignatius of Loyola, and at this moment Francis could not have had any idea what an importantrolethis man wouldplay in his destiny.In 1539 Francis was appointed Viceroy of Catalonia, and four years later, upon the death of his father, the Duke of Gandia. He built a university there, received the degree of Doctor in Theology, and invited the Jesuits to his duchy.His wife died in 1546, and Francis entered the Society of Jesus in 1548, but was ordered by the Pope to remain in the world until he had fulfilled his obligations to his ten children and his duchy.Two years later he left Gandia, never to return, and joined the Jesuits in Rome. He immediately set about initiating grand projects he convinced Ignatius to found the Roman College, and a year later he left for Spain, where his preaching and example sparked a renewal of religious fervour in the country, drawing pilgrims from far and wide to hear him preach. In 1556 he was placed in charge of all the missions of the Society, and his energetic work transformed them. He also initiated the missions to Peru, New Spain and Brazil.He was elected as general on July 2, 1565, and although in poor health for his last years, he executed the governance and initiated projects of the Society with great energy. He introduced so many reforms to the society of Jesus that he was considered in some ways to be its second founder. Francis was a man of contemplation and action in the fullest sense, and clearly drew much strength from the silence of his prayer.He died in Rome on September 30, 1572, in Ferrara, Spain, two days after returning from an apostolic journey to Spain.Saint Francis Borgia is one of the great saints of the Catholic Reformation, and was cannonized by Pope Clement X in 1670. Saint of the Day Copyright CNA, Catholic News Agency

England's Catholic Reformation is the reformation that sixteenth-century England nearly had: a reformed and renewed English Catholic Church, its new schools and revived parishes matched with a firm smack of discipline. It almost happened; its leading prophets - Cardinals Thomas Wolsey and Reginald Pole - both came close to being elected pope. Instead, as these possibilities evaporated, they left behind them a toxic residue which has poisoned England's relations with its neighbours down to the present. A lecture by Alec Ryrie 23 SeptemberThe transcript and downloadable versions of the lecture are available from the Gresham College website: https://www.gresham.ac.uk/lectures-and-events/catholic-reformationGresham College has been giving free public lectures since 1597. This tradition continues today with all of our five or so public lectures a week being made available for free download from our website. There are currently over 2,000 lectures free to access or download from the website.Website: http://www.gresham.ac.uk Twitter: http://twitter.com/GreshamCollege Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greshamcollege Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/greshamcollege

Reconquest Episode 247: The Catholic Reformation, Part V. Guest: Ryan Grant Episode 247 debuts on September 16, at 8:00 PM Eastern. Rebroadcasts will take place according to the Crusade Channel programming schedule (note: all times listed are Central time). The topic is The Catholic Reformation, Part V. My Guest is Mr. Ryan Grant, Founder and President of Mediatrix Press. See Links for Earlier Episodes — at reconquest.net The Council of Trent: Overview of its Importance and Difficulties — by Brother André Marie, M.I.C.M., at catholicism.org Scandals in the Vatican! — on the institution of the "cardinal nephew" and Saint Charles Borromeo, by Brother André Marie, M.I.C.M., at catholicism.org Saint Charles Borromeo (1584) — at catholicism.org Saint Charles Borromeo, by Orazio Borgianni (source) “Reconquest” is a militant, engaging, and informative Catholic radio program featuring interviews with interesting guests as well as commentary by your host. It is a radio-journalistic extension of the Crusade of Saint Benedict Center. Each weekly, one-hour episode of Reconquest will debut RIGHT HERE on Wednesday night at 8:00 PM Eastern (7:00 PM Central). It will then be rebroadcast according to the Crusade Channel programming schedule (note: all times listed are Central time). MY TWEET: A priest who invalidates a sacrament by his improvisational ars celebrandi is no longer in persona Christi but in persona diaboli. He is an adversary. What Is The Crusade Channel? The CRUSADE Channel, The Last LIVE! Radio Station Standing begins our LIVE programming with our all original CRUSADE Channel News hosted by 28 year radio ace, Stacey Cohen. Coupled with Mike “The King Dude” Church entertaining you during your morning drive and Rick Barrett giving you the news of the day and the narrative that will follow during your lunch break!  We’ve interviewed over 200 guests, seen Brother Andre Marie notch his 200th broadcast of Reconquest; the The Mike Church Show over 900 episodes; launched an original LIVE! News Service; written and produced 4 Feature Length original dramas including The Last Confession of Sherlock Holmes and set sail on the coolest radio product ever, the 5 Minute Mysteries series! We are the ONLY outlet to cover the Impeachment of President Trump from gavel to gavel!  The Crusade Channel is an open forum for the great thinkers of our time, those who accept the REALITY that Truth is higher than opinion and are willing to speak it with clarity, courage and charity.  Now that you have discovered The Crusade, get 30 days for FREE of our premium service just head to: https://crusadechannel.com OR download our FREE app: https://apps.appmachine.com/theveritasradionetworkappIti- Did you know about  Ryan Grant? If you are interested in supporting small business, be sure to check out the official store of the Crusade Channel, the Founders Tradin Post! Not to mention our amazing collection of DVD’s, Cigars, T-Shirts, bumper stickers and other unique selection of items selected by Mike Church! 

Reconquest Episode 243: The Catholic Reformation, Part IV. Guest: Ryan Grant Episode 243 debuts on August 19, at 8:00 PM Eastern. Rebroadcasts will take place according to the Crusade Channel programming schedule (note: all times listed are Central time). The topic is The Catholic Reformation, Part IV. My Guest is Mr. Ryan Grant, Founder and President of Mediatrix Press. See Links for Earlier Episodes — at reconquest.net Council of Trent Canons on the Sacraments — at documentacatholicaomnia.eu Sacramentarians — at wikipedia.org The Catechism of the Council of Trent — for sale at store.catholicism.org Seven Sacraments Altarpiece, by Rogier van der Weyden, Public Domain, Link “Reconquest” is a militant, engaging, and informative Catholic radio program featuring interviews with interesting guests as well as commentary by your host. It is a radio-journalistic extension of the Crusade of Saint Benedict Center. Each weekly, one-hour episode of Reconquest will debut RIGHT HERE on Wednesday night at 8:00 PM Eastern (7:00 PM Central). It will then be rebroadcast according to the Crusade Channel programming schedule (note: all times listed are Central time). MY TWEET: A priest who invalidates a sacrament by his improvisational ars celebrandi is no longer in persona Christi but in persona diaboli. He is an adversary. What Is The Crusade Channel? The CRUSADE Channel, The Last LIVE! Radio Station Standing begins our LIVE programming with our all original CRUSADE Channel News hosted by 28 year radio ace, Stacey Cohen. Coupled with Mike “The King Dude” Church entertaining you during your morning drive and Rick Barrett giving you the news of the day and the narrative that will follow during your lunch break!  We’ve interviewed over 200 guests, seen Brother Andre Marie notch his 200th broadcast of Reconquest; the The Mike Church Show over 900 episodes; launched an original LIVE! News Service; written and produced 4 Feature Length original dramas including The Last Confession of Sherlock Holmes and set sail on the coolest radio product ever, the 5 Minute Mysteries series! We are the ONLY outlet to cover the Impeachment of President Trump from gavel to gavel!  The Crusade Channel is an open forum for the great thinkers of our time, those who accept the REALITY that Truth is higher than opinion and are willing to speak it with clarity, courage and charity.  Now that you have discovered The Crusade, get 30 days for FREE of our premium service just head to: https://crusadechannel.com OR download our FREE app: https://apps.appmachine.com/theveritasradionetworkappIti- Did you know about the catholic reformation? If you are interested in supporting small business, be sure to check out the official store of the Crusade Channel, the Founders Tradin Post! Not to mention our amazing collection of DVD’s, Cigars, T-Shirts, bumper stickers and other unique selection of items selected by Mike Church! 

Episode 230: The Catholic Reformation, Part II. Guest: Ryan Grant Episode 230 debuts on May 20, at 8:00 PM Eastern. Rebroadcasts will take place according to the Crusade Channel programming schedule (note: all times listed are Central time). The topic is The Catholic Reformation (the second in a series). My guest is Mr. Ryan Grant, Managing Editor of Mediatrix Press, translator and scholar of the work of Saint Robert Bellarmine.  See Links for Part I — at reconquest.net For The Catholic Reformation  The Man Who Was Almost Pope: Reginald Cardinal Pole — by Stephanie A. Mann, at ncregister.com “Reconquest” is a militant, engaging, and informative Catholic radio program featuring interviews with interesting guests as well as commentary by your host. It is a radio-journalistic extension of the Crusade of Saint Benedict Center. Each weekly, one-hour episode of Reconquest will debut RIGHT HERE on Wednesday night at 8:00 PM Eastern (7:00 PM Central). It will then be rebroadcast according to the Crusade Channel programming schedule (note: all times listed are Central time). What Is The Crusade Channel? The CRUSADE Channel, The Last LIVE! Radio Station Standing begins our LIVE programming with our all original CRUSADE Channel News hosted by 28 year radio ace, Stacey Cohen. Coupled with Mike “The King Dude” Church entertaining you during your morning drive and Rick Barrett giving you the news of the day and the narrative that will follow during your lunch break!  We’ve interviewed over 200 guests, seen Brother Andre Marie notch his 200th broadcast of Reconquest; the The Mike Church Show over 900 episodes; launched an original LIVE! News Service; written and produced 4 Feature Length original dramas including The Last Confession of Sherlock Holmes and set sail on the coolest radio product ever, the 5 Minute Mysteries series! We are the ONLY outlet to cover the Impeachment of President Trump from gavel to gavel!  The Crusade Channel is an open forum for the great thinkers of our time, those who accept the REALITY that Truth is higher than opinion and are willing to speak it with clarity, courage and charity.  Now that you have discovered The Crusade, get 30 days for FREE of our premium service just head to: https://crusadechannel.com OR download our FREE app: https://apps.appmachine.com/theveritasradionetworkappIti- Did you know about Catholic Reformation? If you are interested in supporting small business, be sure to check out the official store of the Crusade Channel, the Founders Tradin Post! Not to mention our amazing collection of DVD’s, Cigars, T-Shirts, bumper stickers and other unique selection of items selected by Mike Church! 

Reconquest Episode 229: The Catholic Reformation. Guest: Ryan Grant Episode 229 debuts on May 13, at 8:00 PM Eastern. Rebroadcasts will take place according to the Crusade Channel programming schedule (note: all times listed are Central time). The topic is The Catholic Reformation. My guest is Mr. Ryan Grant, Managing Editor of Mediatrix Press, translator and scholar of the work of Saint Robert Bellarmine. The Devastation of Catholic Europe: Some Causes and Consequences of the Protestant Revolt — Brother David Mary, M.I.C.M., Tert., at catholicism.org The Council of Trent: Overview of its Importance and Difficulties — by Brother André Marie, M.I.C.M., at catholicism.org Irreconcilable Doctrines on Justification — by Brother André Marie, M.I.C.M., at catholicism.org Nineteenth Ecumenical Council: Trent — by the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, at catholicism.org The Counter-Reformation — Catholic Encyclopedia article at newadvent.com Matthias Burglechner, The Council of Trent, 16th century (Wikimedia Commons). “Reconquest” is a militant, engaging, and informative Catholic radio program featuring interviews with interesting guests as well as commentary by your host. It is a radio-journalistic extension of the Crusade of Saint Benedict Center. Each weekly, one-hour episode of Reconquest will debut RIGHT HERE on Wednesday night at 8:00 PM Eastern (7:00 PM Central). It will then be rebroadcast according to the Crusade Channel programming schedule (note: all times listed are Central time).   What Is The Crusade Channel? The CRUSADE Channel, The Last LIVE! Radio Station Standing begins our LIVE programming with our all original CRUSADE Channel News hosted by 28 year radio ace, Stacey Cohen. Coupled with Mike “The King Dude” Church entertaining you during your morning drive and Rick Barrett giving you the news of the day and the narrative that will follow during your lunch break!  We’ve interviewed over 200 guests, seen Brother Andre Marie notch his 200th broadcast of Reconquest; the The Mike Church Show over 900 episodes; launched an original LIVE! News Service; written and produced 4 Feature Length original dramas including The Last Confession of Sherlock Holmes and set sail on the coolest radio product ever, the 5 Minute Mysteries series! We are the ONLY outlet to cover the Impeachment of President Trump from gavel to gavel!  The Crusade Channel is an open forum for the great thinkers of our time, those who accept the REALITY that Truth is higher than opinion and are willing to speak it with clarity, courage and charity.  Now that you have discovered The Crusade, get 30 days for FREE of our premium service just head to: https://crusadechannel.com OR download our FREE app: https://apps.appmachine.com/theveritasradionetworkappIti- Did you know about the Catholic Reformation? If you are interested in supporting small business, be sure to check out the official store of the Crusade Channel, the Founders Tradin Post! Not to mention our amazing collection of DVD’s, Cigars, T-Shirts, bumper stickers and other unique selection of items selected by Mike Church! 

While it is true that the Church at the time of Luther needed reforming, it wasn't a reform in the manner of the massive doctrinal upheaval that this wicked man wrought. Learn about how each heresy of Luther led to widespread problems we face in our society today. Also learn about the Church's fightback through the Council of Trent and the true "renaissance" it birthed. In a day and age when the gravity of Luther's heresies have been whitewashed away by the foul sea of ecumenism, listen closely as His Excellency explains exactly what the consequences of these heresies were and are still today. Gaining an understanding of Luther's colossal disaster will explain much of what we labor under today in a world that has all but lost the faith. Join us as His Excellency, Bishop Daniel Dolan, pastor of St. Gertrude the Great Catholic Church in West Chester, Ohio and host Stephen Heiner review this important part of history that has produced so many effects that modern man still feels today. Original Air Date: March 23, 2014 Show Run Time: 2 hours Show Guest(s): Bishop Daniel Dolan Show Host(s): Stephen Heiner Season 3 Sponsor: Novus Ordo Watch http://novusordowatch.org/ Episode: https://www.truerestoration.org/season-iii-root-of-the-rot-iv-the-catholic-reformation-the-heresies-of-luther/ Root of the Rot: https://www.truerestoration.org/category/radio/the-root-of-the-rot/ Subscribe: https://www.truerestoration.org/member-signup/ Root of the Rot℗ is a production of the Restoration Radio Network. Copyright 2014. All Rights are Reserved.

Compare and contrast the Lutheran Reformation and the Catholic Reformation of the 16th century regarding the reform of both religious doctrines and religious practices. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Compare and contrast the Lutheran Reformation and the Catholic Reformation of the 16th century regarding the reform of both religious doctrines and religious practices. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This is the ninth Wingin' It in our series on Church History, in which Wade and Mike are using Mark A. Noll's book Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity as the spring-board for their discussion. Their intention is to use his structure as a rough guide for their conversations; so if you're looking for a book study guide, you'll need to keep looking. If you're looking to hear Mike and Wade find another excuse to record a conversation about things they enjoy, though, you're in the right place.  This episode picks up with the ninth chapter of Noll's book, which Noll entitles Catholic Reformation and Worldwide Outreach: The Founding of the Jesuits (1540). We hope you'll enjoy this  Wingin' It series. (And if you do, don't forget to share!) We are happy to be a part of the 1517 Podcast Network. If you haven't done so, make sure to check out all the other podcasts in the network; you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy! And in particular check out the new series called The Soul of Christianity. It's a 12 part series on the Apostle's Creed, which is hosted by Debi Winrich and Dan van Voorhis. You can find and share us on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, or TuneIn Radio. Or you can like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. And if email is more your style, you can reach us at podcast@LetTheBirdFly.com. Thanks for listening! Attributions for Music Used in this Episode - "Slow Burn" by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. - “Not Drunk” by The Joy Drops is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License.

How the rise of Calvinism, the Catholic Reformation and the peace of Augsberg combined with attitudes towards heresy to divide Europe along harsher, confessional lines. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We examine the long movement for reform stretching from the Middle Ages through the 1600s, in which Catholic leaders strove to centralize and standardize church teachings. Mystics like Teresa of Avila and artists like Bernini inspired a physically and emotionally compelling form of worship centering on the sufferings of Christ and the Virgin Mary, while the elite special forces of the new piety were the Jesuits, whose schools and missions spread the new Catholicism within Europe and around the world, as far away as China. The Catholic Reformation, much more than just a negative response to the Protestant Reformation, served to further many of the same ideas and aspirations as its Protestant counterpart. Please become a patron and contribute what you can in the spirit of knowledge and inquiry, and in order to have access to patron-only lectures, including "Myth of the Month: The Exodus" -- www.patreon.com/user?u=5530632 Suggested Further Reading: Bireley, "The Refashioning of Catholicism"

Listen to T.J. Nielsen as he lays out the context and groundwork for the great Catholic Reformaiton of the 16th and 17th Centuries.

Sean McAfee, founder and editor of EpicPew.com, author, joins us to talk about the saints of the Catholic Reformation and his book Reform Yourself. Today's show is brought to you by our friends at Morning Star OB/GYN: http://www.morningstarobgyn.com

Another phenomenal work by the prolific Joseph Pearce, this time bringing us the “Heroes of the Catholic Reformation: Saints Who Renewed the Church.” Our conversation covers a pivotal century which brings us many of the extraordinary spiritual figures of 16th century.  Filled with fascinating insights, this is not just a book about yesterday, but offers guideposts for ... Read more The post IP#321 Joseph Pearce – “Heroes of the Catholic Reformation” on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Another phenomenal work by the prolific Joseph Pearce, this time bringing us the “Heroes of the Catholic Reformation: Saints Who Renewed the Church.” Our conversation covers a pivotal century which brings us many of the extraordinary spiritual figures of 16th century.  Filled with fascinating insights, this is not just a book about yesterday, but offers guideposts for ... Read more The post IP#321 Joseph Pearce – “Heroes of the Catholic Reformation” on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

CH02  Lesson 10: Catholic Reformation

Saints Gone Before is pleased to present the concluding episode of the Council of Trent, the Sixth Session, which clarifies Catholic doctrine regarding the subject of Justification in the Reformation era. This marks the end of current series of texts from the Catholic Reformation. This translation comes by way of J. Waterworth, published in London by Dolman, 1848. Would you like to request a specific book, sermon, or other Christian text, please e-mail us at churchhistorypodcast@gmail.com or tweet us @OralHistoryPod. Let us know how we're doing, or maybe drop us a line just because!  Next week: Zwingli! Reader: Adam Christman

Saints Gone Before presents a look at the Catholic Reformation, which followed and responded to the Protestant Reformation. It is a short series covered in four episodes. Today's reading is part 1 of the Sixth Session of the Council of Trent. It is one of the major councils of the Catholic Church and it occurred in the 1540's. This translation comes by way of J. Waterworth, published in London by Dolman, 1848. Would you like to request a specific book, sermon, or other Christian text, please e-mail us at churchhistorypodcast@gmail.com or tweet us @OralHistoryPod. Or maybe drop us a line just because! Let us know how we're doing. Reader: Adam Christman

Saints Gone Before presents a look at the Catholic Reformation, which followed and responded to the Protestant Reformation. It will be a short series covered in four episodes. Today's reading is the Fourth Session of the Council of Trent. It is one of the major councils of the Catholic Church and it occurred in the 1540's. This translation comes by way of J. Waterworth, published in London by Dolman, 1848. Would you like to request a specific book, sermon, or other Christian text, please e-mail us at churchhistorypodcast@gmail.com or tweet us @OralHistoryPod. Or maybe drop us a line just because! Let us know how we're doing. Reader: Adam Christman

This episode is titled, “Wars of Religion”In our review of the Reformation, we began with a look at its roots and the long cry for reform heard in the Roman church. We saw its genesis in Germany with Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon, its impact on Switzerland with Zwingli and later with the Frenchman John Calvin. John Knox carried it to his native Scotland and Thomas Cranmer led it in England.We've taken a look at the Roman Catholic response in what's called the Counter-Reformation, but probably ought to be labelled the Catholic Reformation. We briefly considered the Council of Trent where the Roman Church affirmed its perspective on many of the issues raised by Protestants and for the first time, a clear line was drawn, marking the differences in doctrine between the two groups. We saw the Jesuits, the learned shock-troops of the Roman Church sent out on both mission and to counter the impact of the Reformation in the regions of Europe being swung toward the Protestant camp.Let's talk a little more about the Catholic Counter-Reformation because Europe is about to plunge into several decades of war due to the differing religious affiliations of its various kingdoms.There were at least four ingredients in the Counter-Reformation.The first concerned the religious orders of the Catholic Church. There was a spiritual renewal within older orders like the Franciscans, Dominicans, and Benedictines. Reform among the Franciscans led to the founding of the Capuchins in 1528. Their energetic work among the Italian peasantry kept them loyal to Rome.Second, new orders sprang up. Groups like the Theatines [Thee a teen] who called both clergy and laity to a godly lifestyle. The Ursulines [Ursa-leens] were an order for women who cared for the sick and poor. And then of course, there were the Jesuits.The Society of Jesus, or Jesuits, were the most important of the new orders. Founded in Paris in 1534 by Ignatius of Loyola, the order required total obedience of its members for the furtherance of the interests of the Roman church. While there were good and godly Jesuits, men who worked tirelessly to expand the Kingdom of God, there were also some whose motives were less noble. Okay, let's be frank; they were diabolical. Utterly unscrupulous in their methods, they believed it was permissible to do evil if good came of it. They resurrected the Inquisition in the 16th C making it an effective tool in stomping out the Reformation in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Belgium.Jesuits infiltrated government offices and used every means fair or foul to advance the cause of the Rome. Lest Catholic listeners take offense to this, understand that their power became so great and their methods so immoral, the Pope suppressed the order from 1773 to 1814.Also, it should be noted when Ignatius launched the Society, a counterattack on the Reformation was not in view. His ambition was missionary with a keen desire to convert Muslims. The three major goals of the Jesuits were to convert pagans, combat heresy, and promote education. It was their solemn oath to obey the Pope that led to their being used as a tool of the Counter-Reformation.A third aspect of the Counter-Reformation was the Council of Trent. The cardinals elected a Dutch theologian as a reform pope in 1522. He admitted that the problems Rome had with the Lutherans came because of the corruption of the Church, from the papal office down. As was saw a couple episodes ago, in 1536, Pope Paul III appointed a special panel of cardinals to prepare a report on the condition of the Church. That report gave Luther much ammunition for his critique of  Rome. It conceded that Protestantism resulted from the “ambition, avarice, and cupidity” of Catholic bishops.The Roman Church realized it needed to address the issues raised by the Reformers. The Council of Trent was the answer. It met in three main sessions, under the terms of three different popes, from 1545 to 63. Participants came from Italy, Spain, France, and Germany. The Council decided a wide array of issues.In direct response to Lutheran challenges, the Council abolished indulgence-sellers, defined obligations of the clergy, regulated the use of relics, and ordered the restructuring of bishops.The doctrinal work of Trent is summarized in the Tridentine Profession of Faith, which championed Roman Catholic dogma and provided a theological response to Protestants. Trent rejected justification by faith alone and promoted the necessity of meritorious works as necessary for salvation. It validated the seven sacraments as bestowing merit on believers and their necessity for salvation. It affirmed the value of tradition as a basis of authority alongside the Bible. It approved the canonicity of the apocryphal books of the Old Testament; made official the existence of purgatory; the value of images, relics, indulgences, the invocation of saints; and the importance of confession to a priest. It also defined more specifically the sacrificial aspects of the mass and decided that only the bread should be distributed to the laity.The Tridentine statement made reconciliation with Protestantism impossible.The Council's work constituted a statement of faith by which true Roman Catholics could determine their orthodoxy. No such comprehensive statement existed before. If it had, perhaps the force of the Reformation would have been blunted in some places. What the Council of Trent did, in effect, was to make official dogmas of the Church the various positions Luther had challenged in his break with Rome.A fourth aspect of the Counter-Reformation was a new and vigorous kind of spirituality that bloomed in a remarkable series of writings and movements. Some devotional books from this movement, such as the Imitation of Christ by Thomas a'Kempis and the Spiritual Exercises by Loyola, have received proper attention, but most of have not.This new kind of devout life was characterized by a systemic examination of conscience, prayer, contemplation, and spiritual direction. Its roots lay in the Middle Ages with groups like the Carthusians, who put great emphasis on the contemplative life. It was these works that fueled the calls for reform in the Roman Church before Luther arrived on the scene. They were the reading material of groups like the Brethren of the Common Life and The Oratory of Divine Love which provided many of the best church leaders in the years leading up to the 16th C.The Reformation sparked a series of religious wars across Europe. The last of these was the Thirty Years' War, which last from 1618–48.As we saw in a previous episode, the Peace of Augsburg in 1555 put Lutheranism on a legal basis with Roman Catholicism in Germany. The prince of a region determined the religion in his territory; dissenters could immigrate to another territory if they wanted to.Now, that may seem obvious to highly mobile moderns like many listening to this, but it wasn't for people at that time. Due to feudal rules, people weren't allowed to move without consent of their ruler. The Peace of Augsburg marked a significant change in commoners' mobility. To preserve Catholic domination of southern Germany, the agreement mandated that Catholic rulers who became Lutherans had to surrender rule. The agreement left out Calvinists, Anabaptists, and other Protestants. So for many, Augsburg solved nothing.Beginning in Bohemia, the Thirty Years' War ravaged Central Europe and Germany and involved all the major European powers. The Peace of Westphalia, which ended the war in 1648, resulted from long and complicated negotiations. France and Sweden gained large amounts of territory, and German princes gained greater power and influence at the expense of the Emperor. The treaty finally recognized Calvinism, along with Lutheranism and Catholicism, as legal religions and permitted each ruler to determine the religion of his state.The effects of the War were devastating for Christianity as a whole. Religious issues were increasingly treated with indifference by political leaders. Secular, self-serving matters were now the chief concerns of the growing uber-worldly nation-states. The barbarity and brutality of the war left many questioning the Christian Message. How could a Faith that produced such atrocities be true? Doctrine took a backseat to doubt. Faith was met with skepticism. All this coming at the dawn of, and no doubt hastening, The Age of Reason.In reply to those who criticize Christianity for the wars fought at that time, it ought to be recognized that in every case; political, economic, and social considerations were as important as the religious, if not more. Much of the time, there was no real struggle between Roman Catholics and Protestants. And on some fronts of the war, BOTH Catholics and Protestants fought alongside each other as comrades because their conflict was political rather than religious. We call this period the “Wars of Religion,” but in truth it was rarely religion that sparked or drove the conflict; it was political and economic, hiding behind a mask of religion because that tends to stir the people actually doing the fighting better than some prince wanting more land.Nine times out of ten, if you want to know the real cause of something, follow the money.We turn now to the impact of the Reformation on France and one example of how tragic things can turn – ostensibly, because of religion, but really because of politics.As the 16th C wore on, the Roman church in France fell into a progressively deplorable condition. The Concordat of Bologna in 1516 gave King Francis I the right to appoint the ten archbishops, thirty-eight bishops, and 527 heads of religious houses in France. That meant the Church became part of a vast patronage system, and individuals won positions in the Church not for ability or religious zeal but for service to the crown. Simony & bribery was de-rigor.Conditions became genuinely bad. Literacy among priests dropped to a mere ten-percent. Since the king was head of the French Church, and he depended on its patronage system for income, we see why Francis I and Henry II were so zealous in their persecution of French Protestants. They couldn't afford to permit the system to crumble. They certainly weren't zealous for Catholicism except as a tool to achieve their political ambitions.The French Protestant movement was stoked by what was happening in Geneva in Switzerland under Farel and Calvin. The French Bible, Calvin's Institutes, and numerous other Protestant publications fueled the movement. So naturally, the most literate element of the population was won over. Converts were numerous at the universities and among lawyers and other professionals, the merchant class and artisans, lower clergy, friars, and the lesser nobility. The illiterate peasantry was hardly touched and remained firmly Catholic.Politics and economics played into the mix. The Middle-class and lower nobility of France were tired of King Francis' imperial ambitions, funded on their backs. They were urged into the Protestant cause out of a desire to get rid of the King. It's estimated that two-fifths of all nobles joined the French Protestant cause.  Few of them were authentically converted but sought to use the Protestant movement to weaken the trend toward King Francis' oppressive version of royal absolutism.In spite of persecution, Protestants increased rapidly. At the beginning of the reign of Henry II in 1547 they numbered over 400,000. By the end of his reign in 1561 they were known as Huguenots and numbered 2 million; ten-percent of the population. The Presbyterian system of church government gave organization and discipline to the Huguenot movement.In order to understand the course of events the French Reformation took and see why it became embroiled in civil war, it's necessary to look at the political and social conditions of the times.First, that many of the younger nobility joined Protestant ranks is of great significance. Accustomed to carrying swords, they became protectors of Huguenot congregations during troubled times. They often protected church meetings against hostile bands of Catholic ruffians.Second, and this is key; there were four major groups of nobility vying for the rule in France.The ruling house with a tenuous grip on the throne was the Valois.The Bourbons of Western France were next in line should the Valois falter. Their leadership were decided Huguenots.The powerful Guises [Guy-zuhz], were equally committed Roman Catholics with extensive holdings in the East.The Montmorencys controlled the center of France; their leadership divided evenly between Huguenots and Catholics.Third, when Henry II died, he left three sons all dominated by his queen, Catherine de Medici. She was determined to maintain personal control and advance the power of her government. She was opposed by many of the nobility jealous of their rights and wanted to restrict the power of the monarchy.Fourth, as the likelihood of civil war in France percolated, the English and Spanish sent aid to their factions to serve their respective interests.Such animosities provided the tinder to ignite armed conflict. Eight wars were fought between Roman Catholics and Protestants in France. Leading the Protestants early in the conflict was Gaspard de Coligny. But he lost his life along with some 15 to 20,000 Huguenots in the massacre of St. Bartholomew's Day, in August, 1572. After that, Henry of Navarre, of the Bourbon family, led the Protestants. His maneuvers were successful, and eventually, with the death of others in the royal line, he became heir to the French throne. Because he didn't have enough strength to complete his conquest, he converted to Catholicism and won the crown as Henry IV. Judging from his conduct, Henry's religious principles sat his shoulders rather lightly. His switch to the Roman Church was for purely political reasons. Most likely he simply sought to turn off the blood bath drenching France.In 1598, Henry published the Edict of Nantes, a grant of toleration for the Huguenots. It guaranteed them the right to hold public office, freedom of worship in most areas of France, the privilege of educating their children in other than Roman Catholic schools, and free access to universities and hospitals. The edict was the first significant recognition of the rights of a religious minority in an otherwise intolerant age. Though the Huguenots enjoyed a period of great prosperity after that, King Louis XIV revoked the edict in 1685. Thousands were driven into exile, to the benefit of England, Holland, Prussia, and America where they fled for refuge.

This episode is titled Point – Counter Point and details The Catholic Reformation.We've spent the last several episodes considering the Protestant Reformation of the 16th C. The tendency is to assume the Roman Church just dug in its heels in obdurate opposition to the Protestants. While the 17th C will indeed see much blood shed between the religious factions of Europe, it would be wrong to assume the Roman Church of the early decades of the Reformation was immediately adversarial. Don't forget that all the early Reformers were members of and usually priests in the Roman Church. And reform was something many had called for a long time prior to Luther's break. The Conciliar Movement we talked about some episodes back was an attempt at reform, at least of the hierarchy of the church, if not some of its doctrine. Spain was a center of the call for Reform within the church. But Luther's rift with Rome, and the floodgate it opened put the Roman Church on the defensive and caused it to respond aggressively. That response was what's called the Catholic Counter-Reformation. But that title can be misleading if one assumes the Catholic Church became only more hide-bound in reaction to the Protestants. Several important reforms were made in the way the Church was run. And Protestant theology urged Catholic theologians to tighten up some of theirs.I like the way one historian describes the 16th C in Europe. If the 16th C was likened to a football game, with every 25 years representing a quarter, by the end of the 1st quarter, the Protestants were winning 7 to 0.By halftime, it was Protestants 35, Roman Catholics 7By the end of the 3rd quarter its 42-35 in favor of the Protestants.But by the end of the game, it's 42 to 45 in favor of the Catholics.I apologize to our European listeners who find American Football a mystery. Don't worry, many Americans do as well.The point is—Protestants had some quick gains, but by the end of the 16th C, largely because of the Jesuits, the Roman Church had recouped many of its losses and had gone on to a revitalized church and faith.When Rome realized the seriousness of the Protestant challenge, it mobilized its spiritual warriors = The Society of Jesus, better knowns as the Jesuits. They convened a new and militant council and reformed the machinery of Church Hierarchy. Faced with the rebellion of half of Europe, Catholicism rolled back the tide of Protestantism until by the end of the 16th C it was limited to the northern third of Europe.Well before Luther posted his theses on Wittenberg's castle-church door, an aristocratic group at Rome had formed a pious brotherhood called the Oratory of Divine Love. They had a vision for reformation of both Church and Society but one that began within the individual soul.The Oratory was never larger than fifty members, yet had huge influence. It provoked reform in the old monastic orders and contributed leaders to the Church of Rome as it laid plans for a general council to deal with internal reform and the emerging Protestant movement. Among the members of the Oratory who later emerged as significant figures were Sadoleto, who debated with Calvin; Reginald Pole, who tried under Bloody Mary to turn England back to Rome; and Pietro Caraffa, who became Pope Paul IV.But throughout the 1520s and 30s, when the Protestants were making their most rapid advancements, the Catholic Church took no real steps toward reform. The reason was political. The changes that needed to be made had to be settled in a Council and Emperor Charles V and popes fought a running battle over the calling of that Council. The feud lasted twenty years. They couldn't agree on where it was to be held, who would be invited, nor what the agenda would be. All these had far-reaching consequence. So the Council was never called; and the reforms it might have adopted were delayed.There were all kinds of other intrigues between the Emperor and Popes as Charles waged war with what were supposed to be Catholic kings and rulers beholden to the Pope. At one point, Charles ordered his troops to march on Rome. In May 1527, when their commanders were killed, Spanish and German mercenaries stormed Rome and pillaged, plundered, and murdered for weeks. The pope took refuge in the Castle of St. Angelo, but finally had to surrender and endure half a year of imprisonment. Many saw this sack of Rome as evidence of how out of hand things had gotten. They took it as a manifestation of divine judgment, enhancing the need and call for reform.Reform came with the arrival of Pope Paul III in 1534. He was a most unlikely candidate for spiritual leadership. He had four children. But the sack of Rome sobered him. He realized time had come for reform to begin in the House of God. He started where he felt a change of heart was most urgently needed, in the College of Cardinals. He appointed a number of advocates for reform. Among them, leaders of the Oratory of Divine Love. Pope Paul then appointed nine of the new cardinals to a commission on reform. The head of the commission promoted an agenda that included reconciliation with the Protestants and a return to the faith of the Apostles; radical ideas indeed!In 1537, after a wide-ranging study of conditions in the Church of Rome, the commission issued its official report. Titled, Advice … Concerning the Reform of the Church, it said disorder in the Church could be traced directly to the need for reform. The papal office was far too worldly. Both popes and cardinals needed to give more attention to spiritual matters and stop dabbling in secular pursuits. Bribery in high places, abuses of indulgences, evasion of church law, prostitution in Rome, these and other offenses must cease.Pope Paul took action on several of the recommendations in the report, but his most significant response was a call for a General Council of the Church. After intense negotiations he agreed with Emperor Charles V on a location for the assembly, a town in northern Italy under imperial control called Trent.Even then, however, no Council assembled for years, because King Francis I of France did everything he could to prevent it. In his lust for control of Europe, Francis feared a council would strengthen Charles's hand. He even incited the Turks against the Emperor. Two wars between Francis and Charles delayed the opening of a Council until 1545, almost three decades after Luther's hammer sounded on Wittenberg's door.By 1545, reform at Rome was on the rise. Pope Paul's new rigor was apparent in the institution of the Roman Inquisition and an official Index of Prohibited Books—works that any Catholic risked eternal damnation by reading. All the books of the Reformers were listed, as well as Protestant Bibles. For many years in Spain, merely possessing one of the banned books was punishable by death. The Index was kept up to date until 1959 and was finally abolished by Pope Paul VI.In Catholic Spain, reform preceded the arrival of Martin Luther in Germany. The euphoria at evicting the Muslims in the Reconquista, coupled with devotion to medieval piety and mysticism fueled reform. When Queen Isabella began her rule in 1474, she brought a heart to reform Spanish Catholicism and quickly gained papal approval for her plan. Cardinal Francisco Jimenez, archbishop of Toledo, was Isabella's main supporter in reorganizingthe Church. Jimenez and Isabella embarked on a campaign to cleanse corruption and immorality from the monasteries and convents of Spain. They required renewal of monastic vows, enforced poverty among clergy, and emphasized the necessity of an educated priesthood.Believing the key to effective leadership was high standards for scholarship, they founded the University of Alcala, outside Madrid, which became a center of Spanish religious and literary life. The University was instrumental in publishing a new multilingual edition of the Bible, which included Hebrew, Greek, and the Latin Vulgate—in parallel columns.The Spanish Reformation, like the Protestants who formed break away groups all over Europe during the 16th C, knew little of the idea we enjoy today of religious toleration.  We'll talk more about his in an upcoming episode as we look at the European Wars of Religion. The Pope gave Isabella and her husband, King Ferdinand, authority to use the Inquisition to enforce compliance with church doctrine and practices. The Jews were special victims of Spanish intolerance. In 1492, the Spanish crown decreed all Jews must either accept Christian baptism or leave Spanish territories. Over 200,000 Jews fled Spain as a result, losing land, possessions, and in some cases, lives. The crown passed similar laws aimed at Muslim Moors. Jimenez, now the Grand Inquisitor, ruthlessly pursued their forced conversion.In 1521, the year Luther stood before the Emperor Charles V at the Diet of Worms, a Spanish nobleman was fighting in the Emperor's army against the French. A cannon-ball shattered one of his legs. During a long and painful recovery, bored to tears, he picked up a couple inspirational books popular at the time. One was on the lives of the saints and the other a life of Christ. The long process toward his conversion had begun.Weary of the army, he entered the Benedictine abbey of Montserrat, where he exchanged his nobleman's clothes for a simple pilgrim's smock and turned in his sword and dagger. For nearly a year, in the little town of Manresa, thirty miles north of Barcelona, he gave himself to an austere life of begging door to door, wearing a barbed girdle, and fasting for days at a time. A dark depression settled over his soul. He considered suicide. Then he had what many a mystic has known—a spiritual breakthrough so intense it felt like an incandescent illumination. A wave of ecstasy engulfed him and Ignatius Loyola, became, in his own words, “another man.”In an attempt to hang on to what he'd gained, Loyola produced a plan for spiritual discipline, a kind of spiritual military manual for Christian storm-troopers dedicated to the Pope. The result was the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits, the greatest force in Catholicism's campaign to recapture the territory, both literal and spiritual, lost to the Protestants.It was the reforming Pope Paul III, who approved Loyola's new Society of Jesus. The daring soldiers of Christ promised the Pope they'd go wherever he sent them; whether that was to the Turks, the New World, or the Lutherans.While a youth, Ignatius left his home in the castle of Loyola near the Pyrenees and entered the court of a noble family friend. There he grew into something of a “playboy” who spent his days playing military games, reading popular romances, and his nights pursuing the local girls. Then he went off to war, and everything changed.After his recovery and time at Manresa, Ignatius came to a very different conclusion about man's spiritual condition to that arrived at by Martin Luther. Luther was convinced the human will is enslaved; man cannot save himself. Only God can deliver him. Loyola came to the belief man has the power to choose between God and satan. By the disciplined use of his imagination man can strengthen his will to choose God and his ways. That strengthening comes through the spiritual disciplines Loyola devised.One of his spiritual exercises aimed to make the horrors of hell real. Loyola wrote - “Hear in your imagination the shrieks and groans and blasphemous shouts against Christ our Lord and all the saints. Smell the fumes of sulfur and the stench of filth and corruption. Taste all the bitterness of tears and melancholy and growing conscience. Feel the heat of the flames that play on and burn the souls.” The same technique, of course, could be used to represent the beauties of the Nativity or the glories of heaven. By proper discipline, Ignatius said, the imagination could strengthen the will and teach it to cooperate with God's grace.Ignatius concluded that fully surrendering to God meant more education. He entered a school in Barcelona to sit with students half his age to study Latin, then threw himself into a year of courses at the University of Alcala. Out of it came his conviction learning must be organized to be useful. The idea eventually grew into the Jesuits' famed plan of studies, which measured out heavy but manageable doses of the classics, humanities, and sciences.Ignatius became such a fervent advocate for his views, the Inquisition examined him more than once about his theology. Disturbed they'd question his devotion, he left for Paris, where he spent seven years at the university, and became “Master Ignatius.” He gathered around him the first of his companions: including the young Spanish nobleman, Francis Xavier; not the leader of the X-Men. This guy was a lot older and not a mutant.Ignatius shared with these men his program for sainthood, called the Spiritual Exercises. A review of his religious experiences following his conversion, the Exercises prescribe several periods or phases of intense meditation on various aspects of Faith and Practice.Ignatius charted a path to spiritual perfection that included,Rigorous examination of the consciencePenance, andA rejection of guilt once God's forgiveness was given. The Exercises became the basis of every Jesuit's spirituality. Later popes prescribed them for candidates for ordination, and Catholic retreats applied them to lay groups.In 1540, Pope Paul III approved the, at-that-time, small Society of Jesus as a new religious order. Following Ignatius' metaphor, they were chivalrous spiritual soldiers of Jesus. Adopting the military theme, they were mobile, versatile, ready to go anywhere and perform any task the Pope assigned. As a recognized order, they added to their earlier vows of poverty and chastity the traditional vow of obedience to their superiors and a fourth vow of special loyalty to the pope. They were governed by a Superior General elected for life. Their choice for the first General was of course, Ignatius.The aim of the order was simple: To restore the Roman Catholic Church to the position of spiritual power and influence it had held three centuries before under Innocent III. Everything was subordinated to the Church of Rome because Ignatius believed firmly that the living Christ resided in the institutional church exclusively.One of the most fascinating feature of the Jesuits was their attempt to live in the world without being of it. Loyola wanted them to be all things to all men. They almost succeeded.That first generation under Loyola's leadership rode at a full gallop into their new assignments which were to convert the heathen and re-convert Protestants. Francis Xavier went to India, then Southeast Asia, and all the way to Japan. More than any others, the Society of Jesus stemmed, and at times reversed, the tide of Protestantism in Europe. When Ignatius died in 1556, his order was a thousand strong and had dispatched its apostles to four continents. By anyone's reckoning, that's an amazing feat.No mission of that first generation of Jesuits proved more decisive than the part they played in the Council of Trent from 1545 to 63. Only thirty-one council fathers led by three papal legates were present for the opening ceremonies of the council. None of them could have guessed their modest beginning would lead to the most important Council between Nicea in 325 and Vatican II in 1962. Under the influence of two Jesuits, Trent developed into a powerful weapon of the Counter-Reformation.The council fathers met in three main sessions.The 1st was from 1545–47,The 2nd from 1551–52, andThe last from 1562–63. During the second series of sessions several Protestants were present, but nothing came of it. From start to finish the Council reflected the new militant stance of Rome.While there are points of agreement between Catholic and Protestant theology on many issues, the distinctive doctrines of the Protestant Reformation, things like sola scriptura and sola fide were vigorously rejected at Trent.While the Reformers stressed salvation by grace alone; the Council of Trent emphasized grace AND human cooperation with God to avoid, in Loyola's terms, “the poison that destroys freedom.” Ignatius advised, “Pray as though everything depended on God alone but act as though it depended on you alone whether you will be saved.”Protestants taught the religious authority of Scripture alone. Trent insisted on the supreme teaching office of the Roman popes and bishops, as essential-interpreters of the Bible and sole-arbiters on what constitute Biblical Orthodoxy.Trent guaranteed Roman Catholicism would be governed by a collaboration between God and man. The Pope remained, seven sacraments were retained, and the doctrine of transubstantiation was affirmed. Saints, confessions, and indulgences all stayed.After four centuries, we look back to the Reformation Era and see the unity of Western Christendom was permanently shattered. Men and women in Loyola's lifetime did not see that truth. The fact dawned on Europe slowly. It would paint the Continent red in the following Century.