Counter-Reformation/Catholic Reformation

Ignatius of Loyola

(1491-1556) Spanish churchman and founder of the Jesuits (1534); this order of Roman Catholic priests proved an effective force for reviving Catholicism during the Catholic Reformation.

Spiritual Exercises

A 30-day program created by Ignatius of Loyola, Founder of the Jesuits. A powerful method of growing in spiritual maturity and the love of God.

Society of Jesus

A Roman Catholic order founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola in 1534 to defend Catholicism against the Reformation and to do missionary work; also called Jesuits

Jesuits

Also known as the Society of Jesus; founded by Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) as a teaching and missionary order to resist the spread of Protestantism.

Ratio Studiorum

Meaning "Plan of Studies," the Jesuit model for education that guided their schools.

Francis Xavier

Early Jesuit missionary often called the Apostle to the Indies. He was an associate of St Ignatius of Loyola, with whom he took the vow founding the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). From 1541 he traveled through India, Japan, and the East Indies, making many converts.

Matteo Ricci

Italian Jesuit who wanted to convert China to Christianity during the Ming dynasty

Pope Paul III

Italian pope who excommunicated Henry VIII, instituted the order of the Jesuits, appointed many reform-minded cardinals, and initiated the Council of Trent.

Pope Paul IV

Established the Index of Prohibited Books, which was a list of books, including Luther, Calvin and Erasmus's works, that Catholics were not to read

Erasmus

Dutch humanist and theologian who was the leading Renaissance scholar of northern Europe

indulgences

Selling of forgiveness by the Catholic Church. It was common practice when the church needed to raise money. The practice led to the Reformation.

simony

the selling or buying of a position in a Christian church

Latin Vulgate

the authorized version of the Bible for the Catholic Church

Pilgrimage

A journey to a place considered sacred for religious purposes.

Eucharist

A Christian sacrament commemorating the Last Supper by consecrating bread and wine.

Roman Inquisition

A religious committee of six Roman cardinals that tried heretics and punished the guilty by imprisonment and execution

Cardinal Caraffa

Head of the Roman Inquisition which was a committee of six cardinals with judicial authority over all Catholics and the power to arrest, imprison, and execute. He vigorously attacked heresy.

Sacred Congregation of the Holy Office

Established by Pope Paul III, it was a powerful instrument of the Catholic Counter-Reformation; it published "The Index of Prohibited Books," a catalog of prohibited reading.

Index of Prohibited Books

Books that supported Protestantism or that were overly critical of the Church were banned. Possession could be severe

Vernacular

Everyday language of ordinary people

Decameron

collection of short stories by the 14th-century Italian author Giovanni Boccaccio; put on the Index of Prohibited Books

The Prince

Written by Niccolo Machiavelli, described that power is more important, "better to be feared than loved"; on the Index of Prohibited Books

Catholic Reformation (Counter Reformation)

The religious reform movement within the Roman Catholic Church that occurred in response to the Protestant reformation. It reaffirmed Catholic beliefs and promoted education

witch-hunting

The practice of accusing people of witchcraft and prosecuting witch trials. This practice reached its height during the period of the Reformation.