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History of the Catholic Church from the Renaissance to the French Revolution — Volume 2

By James MacCaffrey

Summary of History of the Catholic Church from the Renaissance to the French Revolution — Volume 2

The book provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the English Reformation and its impact on the Catholic Church in England and Ireland during the 16th to 18th centuries. The early chapters explore the complexities and challenges faced by the English Church during the reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Mary, including the rise of Protestantism, the suppression of monasteries, and the eventual restoration of Catholicism. The role of key figures such as Cardinal Wolsey, Thomas Cranmer, and Thomas More is highlighted, as well as the events leading up to the English Reformation, including the divorce proceedings of Henry VIII and the subsequent break with Rome. The book also discusses the reign of Queen Elizabeth and the establishment of the Church of England, including the persecution of Catholics during her reign and the establishment of seminaries on the Continent to train priests for the English mission. The later chapters focus on the state of the Catholic Church in Ireland during the 15th to 18th centuries, including the challenges posed by the English Reformation, the rise of Protestantism, and the persecution of Catholics. The book highlights the resilience and loyalty of the Irish people to the Catholic Church, despite the attempts of the English monarchs to exert control over Ireland and impose their religious beliefs on the Irish people. The establishment of Irish colleges on the Continent to train priests for the Irish mission is also discussed, as well as the role of key figures such as Archbishop Peter Lombard and Father Luke Wadding in promoting the Catholic faith and resisting Protestantism. Overall, the book provides a nuanced and detailed account of the complex and often tumultuous relationship between the English monarchs and the Catholic Church in England and Ireland during this period.

Chapter Summary of History of the Catholic Church from the Renaissance to the French Revolution — Volume 2

CHAPTER I

The chapter discusses the religious condition of England before the Reformation, the rise of Tudor absolutism, and the impact of Henry VIII's reign on the English Church. It also explores the role of key figures such as Cardinal Wolsey, Thomas Cranmer, and Thomas More, and the events leading up to the English Reformation, including the divorce proceedings of Henry VIII and the subsequent break with Rome. The chapter highlights the complexities and challenges faced by the English Church during this period, including the tensions between the monarch, the nobility, and the clergy, as well as the emergence of Protestantism and the suppression of monasteries. Additionally, it touches on the reign of Edward VI and the attempts to establish a Protestant Church in England, and the eventual restoration of Catholicism under Queen Mary. The chapter provides a detailed and nuanced account of the religious and political developments in England during the 16th century, setting the stage for the further transformations that would shape the English Church in the centuries to come.

CHAPTER II

The chapter discusses the religious changes that took place in England during the reigns of Henry VIII and Edward VI. It describes how Henry VIII's desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon led to a conflict with the Pope and ultimately to the English Reformation. The chapter also explores the role of key figures such as Thomas Cranmer, Thomas Cromwell, and Cardinal Pole in shaping the religious landscape of England during this period. Additionally, it touches on the reign of Edward VI and the attempts to establish a Protestant Church in England, as well as the eventual restoration of Catholicism under Queen Mary. The chapter provides a detailed account of the religious and political developments in England during the 16th century, highlighting the complexities and challenges faced by the English Church during this time.

CHAPTER III

The chapter discusses the religious condition of England before the Reformation, highlighting the complexities and challenges faced by the English Church during the 16th century. It explores the role of key figures such as Cardinal Wolsey, Thomas Cranmer, and Thomas More, and the events leading up to the English Reformation. The chapter also touches on the reign of Edward VI and the attempts to establish a Protestant Church in England, as well as the eventual restoration of Catholicism under Queen Mary. The author provides a detailed and nuanced account of the religious and political developments in England during this period, setting the stage for the further transformations that would shape the English Church in the centuries to come.

CHAPTER IV

The chapter discusses the reign of Queen Elizabeth and the establishment of the Church of England. Elizabeth's accession to the throne was met with joy throughout England, as people were glad to have a ruler of their own and to be rid of Spanish domination. However, Elizabeth's religious policy was shaped by her desire to maintain her claim to the crown and to resist Mary Queen of Scots, who was considered the nearest legitimate heir to the throne. Elizabeth's ministers, particularly William Cecil, played a crucial role in shaping her religious policy, which was characterized by a desire to establish a national church that was distinct from both Catholicism and Puritanism. The chapter also discusses the role of key figures such as Matthew Parker, who was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, and the establishment of the Church of England through the Act of Supremacy and the Act of Uniformity. Additionally, the chapter touches on the persecution of Catholics during Elizabeth's reign, including the execution of priests and the imposition of fines and imprisonment on those who refused to attend Protestant services. The chapter also mentions the establishment of seminaries on the Continent to train priests for the English mission and the role of Jesuits in the Catholic Counter-Reformation. Furthermore, the chapter discusses the controversy over the oath of allegiance, which was introduced by James I and sparked a violent controversy among English Catholics. The chapter also touches on the Gunpowder Plot, which was a failed assassination attempt against James I, and the subsequent persecution of Catholics. The chapter concludes by discussing the reigns of James I and Charles I, including the establishment of the Church of England, the persecution of Catholics, and the eventual execution of Charles I. The chapter also mentions the role of key figures such as Richard Challoner, who played a crucial role in maintaining the Catholic faith in England during the 18th century.

CHAPTER V

The chapter discusses the reign of Queen Elizabeth and the establishment of the Church of England. Elizabeth's accession was met with joy, but her religious policy was shaped by her desire to maintain her claim to the crown and resist Mary Queen of Scots. The queen's ministers, particularly William Cecil, played a crucial role in shaping her religious policy. The chapter also explores the role of key figures such as Matthew Parker, who was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, and the establishment of the Church of England through the Act of Supremacy and the Act of Uniformity. The persecution of Catholics during Elizabeth's reign is also discussed, including the execution of priests and the imposition of fines and imprisonment on those who refused to attend Protestant services. The chapter also mentions the establishment of seminaries on the Continent to train priests for the English mission and the role of Jesuits in the Catholic Counter-Reformation. The controversy over the oath of allegiance is also discussed, as well as the Gunpowder Plot and the subsequent persecution of Catholics. The chapter concludes by discussing the reigns of James I and Charles I, including the establishment of the Church of England, the persecution of Catholics, and the eventual execution of Charles I.

CHAPTER VI

The chapter discusses the reign of Queen Elizabeth and the establishment of the Church of England. Elizabeth's accession was met with joy, but her religious policy was shaped by her desire to maintain her claim to the crown and resist Mary Queen of Scots. The queen's ministers, particularly William Cecil, played a crucial role in shaping her religious policy, which was characterized by a desire to establish a national church distinct from both Catholicism and Puritanism. The chapter also explores the role of key figures such as Matthew Parker, who was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, and the establishment of the Church of England through the Act of Supremacy and the Act of Uniformity. Additionally, the chapter touches on the persecution of Catholics during Elizabeth's reign, including the execution of priests and the imposition of fines and imprisonment on those who refused to attend Protestant services. The chapter also mentions the establishment of seminaries on the Continent to train priests for the English mission and the role of Jesuits in the Catholic Counter-Reformation. The controversy over the oath of allegiance is also discussed, as well as the Gunpowder Plot and the subsequent persecution of Catholics. The chapter concludes by discussing the reigns of James I and Charles I, including the establishment of the Church of England, the persecution of Catholics, and the eventual execution of Charles I.

CHAPTER VII

The chapter discusses the state of the Catholic Church in Ireland during the 15th century, highlighting the complexities and challenges faced by the Church during this period. The English power in Ireland was in decline, and the Irish princes were becoming more hostile towards the English colonists. The Statutes of Kilkenny, enacted in 1367, prohibited the colonists from intermarrying with the Irish, adopting their language, dress, or customs, or holding any business relations with them. The chapter also explores the role of key figures such as Cardinal Wolsey, Thomas Cranmer, and Thomas More, and the events leading up to the English Reformation. The reign of Queen Elizabeth and the establishment of the Church of England are also discussed, including the persecution of Catholics during her reign. The chapter concludes by highlighting the challenges faced by the Catholic Church in Ireland during this period, including the decline of English power, the rise of Irish hostility, and the impact of the English Reformation on the Church.

CHAPTER VIII

The chapter discusses the state of the Catholic Church in Ireland during the 15th and 16th centuries. Despite the challenges posed by the English Reformation and the rise of Protestantism, the Church in Ireland remained loyal to the Pope and the Catholic faith. The English monarchs, particularly Henry VIII and Edward VI, attempted to exert control over the Church in Ireland, but their efforts were met with resistance from the Irish clergy and nobles. The chapter highlights the complexities and nuances of the religious and political landscape in Ireland during this period, including the role of key figures such as Cardinal Wolsey, Thomas Cranmer, and Thomas More, and the impact of the English Reformation on the Church in Ireland. The chapter also touches on the reign of Queen Elizabeth and the establishment of the Church of England, as well as the persecution of Catholics during her reign. Overall, the chapter provides a detailed and nuanced account of the Catholic Church in Ireland during a period of significant upheaval and change.

CHAPTER IX

The chapter provides a detailed account of the religious and political developments in Ireland during the 16th century, particularly during the reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary, and Elizabeth. The English monarchs' attempts to assert their authority over Ireland and impose their religious beliefs on the Irish people are discussed. The chapter also explores the responses of the Irish people, including their resistance to the English Reformation and their loyalty to the Catholic Church. The role of key figures such as George Browne, Archbishop of Dublin, and the Irish bishops who opposed the English Reformation is highlighted. The chapter also touches on the persecution of Catholics during Elizabeth's reign and the establishment of Irish colleges on the Continent to train priests for the Irish mission. Overall, the chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the complex and often tumultuous relationship between the English monarchs and the Irish people during this period.

CHAPTER X

The chapter discusses the state of the Catholic Church in Ireland during the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly under the rule of the Stuart monarchs. Despite the persecution and attempts to suppress the Catholic faith, the Church continued to thrive, with many Irish colleges and seminaries established on the Continent to train priests for the Irish mission. The chapter also highlights the role of key figures such as Archbishop Peter Lombard, Archbishop Eugene Matthews, and Father Luke Wadding in promoting the Catholic faith and resisting Protestantism. The penal laws enacted during this period, which aimed to restrict Catholic rights and freedoms, are also discussed. The chapter concludes by noting that despite these challenges, the Catholic Church in Ireland remained resilient and continued to play a significant role in Irish society.

CHAPTER XI

The chapter discusses the Irish colleges established on the Continent, particularly in Spain, to provide education and training for Irish Catholic priests. The colleges in Salamanca, Seville, Alcalá, Santiago de Compostella, and Madrid are mentioned, and their founders, patrons, and students are discussed. The colleges played a crucial role in supporting the Irish Catholic Church and provided a safe haven for Irish Catholics to practice their faith during a time of persecution in Ireland. The chapter also touches on the establishment of Irish colleges in other parts of Europe, such as France and the Netherlands. Additionally, the chapter mentions the persecution of Catholics in Ireland during the reign of Queen Elizabeth and the attempts to establish a Protestant church in the country. The Irish Catholic Church's response to the persecution, including the establishment of secret churches and the use of coded language, is also discussed. The chapter concludes by highlighting the significance of the Irish colleges on the Continent in preserving Irish Catholicism and providing a foundation for the Church's survival during a period of intense persecution.