EUROPEAN WORLD LECTURE: THE CATHOLIC REFORMATION

Introduction: Catholic Reformation or Counter-Reformation? Counter- Reformation as essentially reactive event, from Trent to Peace of Westphalia (1545- 1648) Catholic Reformation longer-drawn out process, beginning in late middle ages; still incomplete in 1700.

A. The Success of ‘Counter-Reformation’ (revival from mid-16th century low-point of Catholic fortunes):

Institutional Reform- Trent and the Papacy: 3 sessions of Council of Trent (1545- 9, 1551-2, 1562-3). Definitions of Catholic doctrine (Justification, Good Works, Transubstantiation). Reform measures (residence of bishops, seminaries). Enhancement of papal authority – no revival of ‘conciliarism’. Overhaul of Roman Curia (central admin.) with new ‘congregations’. Papal Inquisition (1542); Index (1587), Rites (1588), Propaganda Fidei (1622). Austerity of Counter-Reformation popes: Pius V, Gregory XIII, Sixtus V.

New Orders / Jesuits: Company of Jesus started by Ignatius Loyola 1534; papal ratification 1540. Activism of Jesuits and role in education (13,000 by early 17th c). Other new orders: Theatines, Capuchins, Ursulines (nuns).

Contribution of Secular Powers: slowness to accept Trent. But military successes in S. Netherlands, Bohemia. Association of fervent Catholicism with interests of the state – ‘Confessionalisation’ eg Dukes of Bavaria; Habsburgs.

B. Models of Religious Change (how different was ‘Tridentine’ Catholicism from medieval?):

‘ Christianization’ (Delumeau). Catholic Reformation = first serious attempt to christianize rural Europe. New type of priest (seminary-trained, distinctive dress); greater emphasis on official sacraments (mass, confession); attack on popular festivities. Many parallels to Protestant Reformation. But ahistorical definition of Christianity?

Christianity Transformed (Bossy). Christianity in the West 1400-1700. Similar emphasis on Reformation parallels. Shift from focus on ‘corporate’ Christianity to more individual model. Changes in confession (types of sin emphasised, introduction of confessional box by Carlo Borromeo of Milan). Overemphasises effectiveness of Counter-Reformation?

Accomodation with Popular Religion (Burke, Hsia). Willingness of Catholic reformers to adapt traditional religious culture. Rural missions by Jesuits, Lazarists of St Vincent de Paul (1627) – theatricality. Vernacular hymn singing; revival of pilgrimage – use of ‘sacred space’ and sacred

Conclusion: The Nature and Effectiveness of the Catholic Reformation

Mixed picture: genuine revival, but limited understanding of doctrine; continuation of ‘medieval’ attitudes, eg purpose of saints. Slowness of reform (no seminary in Paris til 1683). Serious attempt by authorities to change religion of laity (almost as dramatic as Reformation?); a long-term process of transformation (also like Reformation).

PM