Global Catholicism Full Study Guide
Identification
General Terms
Gaudium et spes: Vatican II’s Pastoral Constitution (1965)
clarified and reoriented the role of the church's mission to people outside of the Catholic faith
represents an inner examination of the church by the council and features a response to problems affecting the modern world
Evangelii Nuntiandi: apostolic exhortation issued by Pope Paul VI (1975)
emphasizes the importance of evangelization in the contemporary world
calling for a renewed commitment to spreading the Gospel and addressing social justice issues.
Ecclesia in Africa: apostolic exhortation issued by Pope John Paul II (1995)
shapes the Church’s mission in Africa
emphasizes faith, social justice, and cultural integration in the service of a more just and peaceful Africa
Evangelii Gaudium: apostolic exhortation issued by Pope Francis (2013)
calls for a renewed commitment to spreading the Gospel
the Church must understand itself as a community of missionary disciples, who are "permanently in a state of mission"
Laudato Si: apostolic exhortation issued by Pope Francis (2015)
focuses on the urgent need to care for the planet
calls for global action against environmental degradation and climate change
Synod on Synodality: three year process of listening, dialogue, and prayer under Pope Francis (2021-2024)
set the tone for a deeply participatory process aimed at listening, inclusivity, and shared decision-making
aims to renew the Church's mission and governance by incorporating wider perspectives and input from all levels of the faithful
Catholic Terms
Liturgical Year: cycle of ritual observances in a calendar year for the Catholic Church
provides a structured way for Christians to annually commemorate the key events in Jesus' life, including his birth, death, and resurrection
major part of the book Purple Hibiscus
Rosary: devotional prayer to Mother Mary
helps people draw closer to God by meditating on the life of Jesus
major part of the book Purple Hibiscus, used a lot by Papa Eugene
Novena: nine day devotional prayer to God to ask for special favors and graces
sense of urgency and neediness, recognizes that we are helpless without God and that control of the situation is squarely in His hands
major part of the book Purple Hibiscus, used a lot by Papa Eugene
Liberation Theology: type of theology that advocates for social change and the liberation of oppressed people
radically reinterpreted Christian faith and advocated for a break from the Church’s elitist image and a return to the people’s control
calling for the Church to prioritize the needs of marginalized communities and advocate for political and economic change
Theology of the People: type of liberation theology that informed Pope Francis’ agenda and ministry
emphasizes respect for the culture and popular religious expressions of the poor
grassroots, culture-driven approach
Papal Nuncio: a Vatican diplomat who represents the Holy See to a country or international organization
performs the same functions as an ambassador and has the same diplomatic privileges
important for promoting good relations between the civil government and the Holy See and observes and reports to the pope on the conditions of the Roman Catholic Church in the region
Indulgence: gift from God through the Church as a way to reduce or remove punishment for sins
Luther believed that indulgences were unbiblical and immoral, and that they prevented Christians from truly repenting
Canonization: the Catholic Church's formal process of declaring a deceased person a saint
process that has been reformed several times throughout the centuries → changed from popular acclamation to a formal process
changed significantly by Pope John Paul II → reduced waiting period and number of miracles, eliminated “devil’s advocate” and expanded the definition of martyrdom
Ultramontanism: a Catholic belief that emphasizes the power of the pope over local or national Church governance
rejected modern ideals in favour of the supremacy of Catholicism and the Catholic Church in public life
William Francis letter in Chicago Tribune identified Notre Dame as “ultramontane”
Catholic Action: lay movement within the Catholic Church which advocates for increased Catholic influence on society and promotes the active participation of laypeople
based on the idea that people are both sacred and social, and that how society is organized affects human dignity
generally includes various subgroups for youth, women, workers, and so on
Sacrament: outward signs instituted by Christ to confer grace
Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Ordination, and Matrimony
important aspect of Catholic life; organized by major and minor; sacs of initiation, sacs of healing, sacs at the service of communion
Sacramentality: the idea that God is present in human life, and that rituals, or sacraments, make God's presence tangible
it allows Catholics to see God in all things, including nature, people, and events
Sacramental: sacred object, prayer, or blessing that helps deepen faith
things blessed by the Church to help people focus on good thoughts and devotions
signified in some imitation of the sacraments
Preferential Option for the Poor: Catholic social teaching that emphasizes the care of the marginalized
views issues as what this might look like from the perspective of the poor
key point in Pope Francis’ book Life
Laetare Medal: highest honor given by Notre Dame
it is given to a Catholic who has made an outstanding contribution to the Church and society
Santo Subito: bypasses the lengthy canonization process and makes someone a saint immediately
used by Catholics especially during a funeral, usually when there is a recently deceased pope
Councils
Council of Jerusalem: discussed Gentile converts and Mosaic laws (50 AD)
the first Christian Council
decided that Gentile converts to Christianity did not need to follow all Jewish laws, such as circumcision, in order to become Christians
Council of Chalcedon: defined Jesus Christ as one person with two natures (451 AD)
he is both fully divine and fully human
Council of Trent: convened as response to the Protestant Reformation (1545-1563)
the Church aimed to reaffirm its core doctrines, address key criticisms of Protestants, and implement reforms to revitalize Catholicism
marked a key part of the Catholic Counter-Reformation
defined Catholic beliefs such as the nature of the sacraments, the authority of the Bible and tradition, and the concept of justification by faith and good works
Medellin: debated how to apply teachings of Vatican II to Latin America (1968)
strongly influenced by liberation theology
pivotal moment in the Catholic Church’s response to social and economic injustices in Latin America
Vatican Council II: created major changes to Church’s practices and teaching to better engage with the modern world (Pope John XIII)
goal was not to change but to update and renew to reflect the needs of modern society
updated the liturgy, promoted interfaith dialogue, emphasized the role of the laity
Important Dates
50 AD: the Council of Jerusalem
70 AD: the destruction of the second temple
solidified Christians and Jews as becoming different from each other
seen as the end of the Old Covenant and the beginning of the New Covenant as described by Jesus
grew Christianity exponentially
451 AD: the Council of Chalcedon
1054: Christian Church split between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Western Roman Catholic Church in what is known as the Great Schism
resulted in mutual excommunications
communion between the eastern and western churches was severed
1453: the Ottoman Empire captured Constantinople
marked when Christianity became a “western” church
1492: Columbus voyage and the beginning of Catholic missionary efforts in the New World
was a very important part of Columbus’ journey to America → convert people to Catholicism and find gold to reclaim Constantinople
1517: Martin Luther’s 95 Theses
began the Protestant Reformation
1540: the founding of the Jesuits by St. Ignatius of Loyola
they were teachers, preachers, social workers, and counselors
their schools became well-known for their Catholic teachings, classical education, and emphasis on manners
1622: Pope Gregory XV established the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith
canonization year for many important saints
canonized five saints, including Ignatius of Loyola and Teresa of Avila
1870: Vatican I
end of the papal states when Rome fell to Italy
defined infallibility enacted in practice
1962: Vatican Council II
Important People
Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556): Spanish saint and founder of the Jesuits
soldier and knight who converted while recovering from an injury
he was modern and self-making
the Jesuits focused on reforming and strengthening Catholicism in the face of the Reformation
Timothy I (823): became patriarch of the Nestorian Church of the East
incredibly influential during his time, probably more so than the pope
oversaw a time of flourishing in the eastern Church
Rose of Lima (canonized 1671): patron saint of “all the Americas”
first person born in the Americas to be canonized
devoted her life to serving the sick and poor
represents the blending of indigenous culture and Catholicism in Latin America
her canonization was a symbol of the Church’s recognition of the significance of the New World
John Gilmary Shea (1890): American author and historian who studied Catholic history in the United States
first winner of Laetare Medal
wrote about Native American missions and pushed for the canonization of an American saint to have regional saints that people can identify with
North American Martyrs (16th-17th centuries): joint pack of saints who were grouped together as part of a political move to gain more Jesuit saints
beatified in 1925 and canonized in 1930
they sacrificed to spread Christianity in North America
showed the complexity involved in integrating Christianity in the New World
Jaja: Kambili’s older brother in Purple Hibiscus; takes the blame for Papa Eugene’s death and goes to jail in place of his mother
He is a symbol of resistance as he subtly grows throughout the novel and realizes that there is life outside of the rules of his father. He evolves from a submissive son to someone who is willing to challenge authority. By the end of the novel, he has suffered deeply but emerges as a symbol of change and hope for the family
Auntie Ifeoma: Kambili’s aunt and Papa Eugene’s sister in Purple Hibiscus; ends up moving herself and her family to America
She is a foil to her brother and introduces Jaja and Kambili to warmth, love, and intellectual autonomy. She represents freedom, resilience, and progressive thinking in contrast to Papa Eugene’s hard authoritarianism. She is very important in influencing Jaja and Kambili’s path toward self liberation.
Father Benedict: white, British priest at St. Agnes Catholic Church that Papa Eugene likes in Purple Hibiscus
He reflects the lingering effects of colonialism and religious control in Nigeria. He is an enabler of Eugene’s fanaticism and reinforces his extreme religious views. He promotes a rigid, joyless form of worship and critiques the blind adoption of foreign traditions at the expense of personal and cultural identity
Kambili: main character in Purple Hibiscus
Kambili goes on an important journey from a timid, obedient daughter to a more independent and self-aware young woman. At the beginning of the novel she is a symbol of oppression and fear as well as a witness and survivor of abuse. Through her growth and self discovery, Kambili’s transformation mirrors Nigeria’s struggle for independence from colonial influence—from silence and submission to self-realization and resistance
Ade Coker: journalist and editor of newspaper run by Papa Eugene in Purple Hibiscus; assassinated via a letter bomb delivered to his home
He represents the dangers of speaking truth to power in a politically repressive society. His bravery and tragic death in trying to challenge the corruptness of the government exposes Kambili and Jaja to the harsh realities of political repression
Father Amadi: young, charismatic Nigerian priest in Purple Hibiscus that Kambili has a crush on
He is a foil to Father Benedict and represents a more progressive and compassionate approach to Catholicism. He shows that Christianity and African identity can coexist rather than be in conflict. He is a catalyst for Kambili’s growth in the novel and his kindness helps her begin to express herself and break free from the emotional constraints imposed by her father
Eugene: Kambili’s father in Purple Hibiscus; poisoned by Kambili’s mother
He is a complex character in that he is a public hero who fights against government corruption but at the same time a domestic tyrant who abuses his family in the name of religious purity. His religious fanaticism is a critique of the destructive impact of colonialism, and his abuse and authoritarianism demonstrate how power and control can corrupt even those who appear virtuous in public. His death symbolizes the breaking of an oppressive rule, but also shows the lasting effects of trauma and control.
Mmuo: people who represent spirits at a festival
they offer tributes to their ancestral spirits
are present in Purple Hibiscus
Kibeho: place where Mary appeared in Rwanda in the 1980s
the Virgin Mary reportedly appeared to three schoolgirls warning about future violence, aka the prophecy of the Rwandan Genocide
visions were recognized by the Catholic Church in 2001, making it a significant site of African Catholic devotion
Medjugorje: place where Mary appeared in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 1980’s
many reported sightings and miracles since then
none officially recognized by the Vatican
Fatima: place where Mary appeared in Portugal in 1917 to three young children
three “secrets” were revealed to the children
Short Answer
What is the distinction between veneration and worship with regards to how Catholics honor Mary?
veneration is the honor given to saints, and Mary receives a special veneration because of her unique role as the Mother of God
worship is reserved for God alone, acknowledging His supreme divinity and authority
while Catholics pray for Mary’s intercession and honor her as the highest of saints, they do not worship her
What is the significance of purple hibiscus in Purple Hibiscus?
it represents a metaphor for freedom, transformation, and resistance
it contrasts itself from the perfectly pruned red hibiscus in Papa Eugene’s rigidly controlled home and shows its ability to bloom despite the challenges it faces
it represents Kambili and Jaja’s journey from oppression to self-awareness, symbolizing the possibility of breaking free from control and embracing a new future
What does Scherz mean by “ethical assemblage” and how does this term shape her book?
“ethical assemblage” refers to how Christian charity, neoliberal development, and indigenous Ugandan moral traditions interact to shape how people think about giving
instead of seeing ethics as coming from one unified system, Scherz argues that multiple ethical traditions are constantly mixed, adapted, and negotiated
What is “mimetic practice” and how does it feature in Scherz’s book?
“mimetic practice” is the act of emulation or imitation, understanding how people engage in moral and social ideas through imitation
Scherz argues that rather than reinforcing passivity or dependence, mimetic practice can be an active, transformative process where individuals seek to embody moral values through repeated engagement with charitable works
Why does Scherz spend time criticizing other anthropological interpretations of the ethics of gift-giving?
she wants to challenge the dominant narrative that views gift-giving through the lens of hierarchy, power, and dependency
she argues that these critiques miss the lived experiences of those involved in charitable relationships
rather than seeing gifts as inherently entangling or problematic, she focuses on how they can be part of a moral formation process that aligns with local understandings of virtue and care
What in Pope Francis’ family history might make him especially mindful of the experiences of migrants and refugees?
his parents were Italian immigrants who moved to Argentina in the 1920s to escape economic hardship
this shaped his strong advocacy for the rights and dignity of refugees, emphasizing compassion, solidarity, and welcoming the marginalized
What is meant by the term “papa callejero” and why was Jorge Bergoglio called this?
the term translates to “street pope” and reflects his deep commitment to being present among the poor and marginalized
as a priest and Archbishop of Buenos Aires he was known for walking through the streets, visiting slums, and engaging directly with those in need
Who was Esther Ballestrino? Describe her life and relationship with Jorge Bergoglio, and her significance in Life
she was one of the founders of the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, a group seeking justice for those who disappeared during Argentina’s military dictatorship
she was Jorge’s mentor and former boss, and he admired her intellect and courage, even helping her hide books when she was targeted by the regime
Pope Francis’ papal motto is Miserando atque eligendo. What does this mean and why did he choose it?
translates to “by having mercy and by choosing”
he chose it because he deeply identifies with God’s mercy in his own life, particularly when he felt called to the priesthood after a powerful confession at the age of 17
What is meant by the terms Pentecostalism, fundamentalism, and evangelicalism? How do charismatics fit in?
Pentecostal: emphasizes the Holy Spirit’s gifts
Fundamentalist: strongly emphasize the literal interpretation of the Bible and an opposition to social and theological liberalism
Evangelical: broad movement emphasizing the authority of the Bible, the necessity of personal conversion experience (“born again”) and a commitment to spreading the gospel
Charismatic: believe in Pentecostal gifts of the Holy Spirit but don’t necessarily belong to Pentecostal denominations
Evangelicalism is the broadest → both fundamentalists and Pentecostals are evangelicals, but not vice versa
Charismatics share beliefs with Pentecostals but can be found across various denominations; fundamentalists often reject their practices
What is meant by the terms syncretism and inculturation, and how do they relate to one another?
syncretism: blending of different religious or cultural traditions
inculturation: the adaptation of religious practices to fit a particular cultural context
syncretism is sometimes seen as a distortion or compromise of original traditions, while inculturation preserves essential beliefs
What are three important contributions of the Jesuits to global Catholicism?
established schools, colleges, and universities worldwide
played a major role in spreading Catholicism globally, adapting to local cultures through inculturation
very active in human rights, poverty alleviation, and social justice movements due to their commitment to serving the marginalized
What happens in Acts of the Apostles Chapter 15, and why is it important for understanding global Catholicism today?
The Council of Jerusalem → determine that Gentile converts don’t need to follow all the Mosaic laws
it is important because the council ultimately concludes that faith in Christ, not adherence to Jewish law, as what brings about salvation
According to Philip Jenkins, why is Timothy 1 important for Christians today?
it addresses key issues of Church leadership, doctrine, and moral conduct in a changing world
he emphasizes how the letter provides guidance on preserving faith amid cultural challenges, which remains relevant as Christianity navigates modern societal shifts
What is an indulgence, and how (generally speaking) did Martin Luther address them in his 95 theses?
it is a remission of the punishment for sins, typically granted in exchange for money or good deeds
Luther criticized their sale, arguing that they were a corrupt practice that falsely assured forgiveness and salvation
Discuss the similarities and differences between the following titles assigned to the Blessed Virgin: Our Lady Shield of the Nigerian People, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Guadalupe
Our Lady Shield of the Nigerian People: localized title honoring Mary’s protection over Nigeria; emphasizes protection, resilience, faith in adversity
Our Lady of Lourdes: appeared to St. Bernadette in France to identify herself as the Immaculate Conception; emphasizes healing, purity, renewal of faith
Our Lady of Guadalupe: appeared to St. Juan Diego and became the center of Mexican devotion; emphasizes evangelization, indigenous inclusion, and divine mercy
they are similar in that they reflect Marian devotion and protection, they have supernatural or miraculous association, and they have cultural and national significance
What does prosopography of the saints canonized between 1588 and 1767 tell us about the priorities of the Catholic Church during the early modern period?
it shows that the Catholic Church prioritized figures who exemplified devotion, martyrdom, and missionary work, reflecting its focus on combating Protestantism and expanding Catholic influence globally
many of these saints were missionaries in the Americas, Asia, and Africa, highlighting the Church’s emphasis on evangelization during the early modern period
Essays
As people living in the United States, we often conceptualize ourselves at the center of the world. From the perspective of the Catholic Church, the 52 million US Catholics represent a fraction of the world’s 1.36 billion Catholics. Describe how the three books and at least three other readings, maps, or other visual sources have challenged you to understand Catholicism as a global religion.
Thesis: the books and readings that we have read in class have challenged me to understand Catholicism as a global religion by showing the ways that different parts of the world as well as different time periods throughout history adapt their faith in order to fit within their cultural, historical, and political context
Purple Hibiscus: important in showing the ways that religion has combined with Nigerian culture as well as a post-colonialist Africa to intersect religion with politics, colonial history, and local traditions
Life: highlights more of the Church’s influence in South America and emphasizes Catholicism’s relation to social justice, poverty, and environmental issues worldwide
Having People, Having Heart: important in showing the relationship between the material forms of Catholic charity and Ugandan ethics of care and exchange
“Women in Catholicism” (Gina Zurlo): reveals how Catholicism can inform the role of women in religious life and be influential in shaping what role Catholic women choose to play and how they are positively affecting the world
for example, Catholic women have played important roles in helping people with HIV/AIDS as well as creating advocacy against and support groups for child sex abuse
How Mary Became the World’s Most Powerful Woman (Maureen Orth): demonstrates the global reverence for the Virgin Mary and how her image and influence differ across cultures, from Latin America to Europe and Asia
for example, Our Lady of Guadalupe is a very important part of Mexican Catholicism and was an image that Mexicans carried into their war with Spain, showing Mary’s political significance in the world
Columbus’ Ultimate Goal: Jerusalem (Carol Delaney): gives important context about the early history of Catholicism in the US by showing how the early expansion of Catholicism was driven by European imperial ambitions
Columbus’ desire to convert as many people as he could to Catholicism puts into perspective the ways in which Europeans interacted with the new world
It is November 2025, and textbook orders are due for Spring Semester 2026. Professors Kollman and Cummings will be teaching “Global Catholicism” again and are considering re-adopting Adichie’s novel, Pope Francis’ memoir, and Scherz’s anthropological study. Write a letter to them recommending whether or not they should assign these books, and why or why not. Be as specific as possible about their achievements and limitations, and if you identify limitations, suggest how these might be addressed— for example, with alternative readings. Support your argument with reference to at least three other readings, maps, or other visual sources.
Does the study of Catholic history inform our perspective on global Catholicism today? Why or why not? Elaborate on your answer, citing the three books, and other class readings, activities, presentations, and discussions.
Thesis: the study of Catholic history is extremely important for informing our perspective on global Catholicism today because it examines how historical effects and cultural shifts influenced Catholicism and guided the Church’s values and focuses into the modern world
Purple Hibiscus: studying the history of colonialism and Catholic influence in Africa helps us understand the deep-rooted tensions between traditional African religions and Catholic teachings
Life: understanding the historical development of issues such as social justice, poverty alleviation, and ecological concerns in relation to the Catholic Church and how the Church’s shift in priorities post-Vatican II reflect these historical issues and adapt to modern crises
Having People, Having Heart: studying the history of Catholic forms of charity help us to understand the modern ways of giving and how different forms of ethical assemblage have shaped Catholic charity in different regions throughout the world, such as Uganda
“Women in Catholicism”: studying the history of prominent women in Catholicism informs our understanding of the role of women in the Catholic Church today and how their contributions have shaped the Church over time
How Mary Became the World’s Most Powerful Woman: looking at the different times that Mary appeared in different areas of the world and the historical contexts that surrounded them show how Catholics adopt faith and their reverence for Mary around different cultures and time periods
Columbus’ Ultimate Goal: this gives us a very important understanding of early Catholicism in America and how Columbus’ goal of reaching Jerusalem shaped the way that Catholicism was introduced and grew in the New World