Lesson 2: The Catholic Reformation (The Reformation)

May 18

Catholic Culture in Spain

In the 1400s and 1500s, Spain became a strong Catholic country. After many years of fighting, the Catholic rulers King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella won back Spain from Muslim rulers. This was called the Reconquista.

Spain wanted one religion only—Roman Catholicism. 🕍

The Spanish Inquisition 😬

To make sure everyone was Catholic, the rulers started the Spanish Inquisition in 1478. This group worked with church leaders to find and punish people who were not truly Catholic.

Many people—especially Jews and Muslims—were told to convert or leave. Some were put on trial. Trials were often secret, and some people were tortured to make them confess. It was a dark time in Spanish history.

But during this time, Spain also became a center of Catholic power. Spanish kings and queens helped the Church grow and fight against Protestants in other parts of Europe.

🔄 Catholic Reforms

While Protestant churches were growing, many Catholics said, “We also need to change!”

In 1545, Catholic leaders met at the Council of Trent. They talked about:

Ending corruption (bad actions) in the Church
Training priests better
Saying that faith AND good works are needed to go to heaven
Keeping Catholic traditions, but explaining them better

This meeting started the Catholic Reformation (also called the Counter-Reformation).

The Jesuits 👨‍🏫

One big group that helped the Catholic Reformation was the Jesuits, started by Ignatius of Loyola in 1534. He had once been a soldier, but after an injury, he turned to God and wanted to help people follow Jesus.

The Jesuits became teachers, preachers, and missionaries. They were smart, brave, and very loyal to the Pope.

One Jesuit said,

“Give me a child for the first seven years, and I will give you the man.”
They believed education could shape the future.

🌎 Missionaries Spread Catholic Teachings

Catholics didn’t just stay in Europe. They went around the world to share their faith.

In Asia, Jesuit Francis Xavier went to India, Japan, and even tried to enter China. He taught with kindness and patience, learning local languages and customs. 🐉
In North and South America, Spanish and Portuguese missionaries went with explorers and helped build churches and schools.
In Africa, Catholic priests helped start Christian villages.

They didn’t always understand the cultures they visited, and sometimes the work was mixed with colonization. But many missionaries truly believed they were helping people.

Mark Yager