The rapid spread of Protestantism soon brought about a
Catholic Counter Reformation in those parts of Europe which remained faithful
to Rome. The popes now turned from the cultivation of Renaissance art and
literature to the defense of their threatened faith. They made needed changes
in the papal court and appointed to ecclesiastical offices men distinguished
for virtue and learning. This reform of the Papacy dates from the time of Paul
III, who became pope in 1534 A.D. He opened the college of cardinals to Roman
Catholic reformers, even offering a seat in it to Erasmus. Still more important
was his support of the famous Society of Jesus, which had been established in
the year of his accession to the papal throne.
ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA, 1491-1556 A.D.
The founder of the new society was a Spanish nobleman,
Ignatius Loyola. He had seen a good deal of service in the wars of Charles V
against the French. While in a hospital recovering from a wound Loyola read
devotional books, and these produced a profound change within him. He now
decided to abandon the career of arms and to become, instead, the knight of
Christ. So Loyola donned a beggar's robe, practiced all the kinds of asceticism
which his books described, and went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The
turning-point of his career came with his visit to Paris to study theology.
Here Loyola met the six devout and talented men who became the first members of
his society. They intended to work as missionaries among the Moslems, but, when
this plan fell through, they visited Rome and placed their energy and
enthusiasm at the disposal of the pope.
