British and Irish Religious Orders in Europe, 1560-1800: Conventuals, Mendicants and Monastics in Motion

This collection explores new perspectives on the British and Irish conventual, mendicant, and monastic movements in mainland Europe and rediscovers their roles and wider impact within early modern European Catholicism. It addresses a historiographical imbalance, which has led to an over-emphasis on the role of the Society of Jesus in the development of British and Irish Catholicism following the Protestant Reformation. The volume aims to decentralize the Catholic Reformation and recognize the international nature of Catholicism, bringing the islands' experience in line with work on their European confreres and the broader global network of religious orders.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 21 January 2022
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

This collection aims to explore new perspectives on the British and Irish conventual, mendicant, and monastic movements in mainland Europe and rediscover their roles and wider impact within early modern European Catholicism. Building on recent scholarship, the book addresses a historiographical imbalance, which has led to an over-emphasis being placed on the role of the Society of Jesus in the development of British and Irish Catholicism following the Protestant Reformation. The stable communities of religious in mainland Europe also acted as important centres of religious and secular activity. This volume explores the ways in which British and Irish conventuals and monastics, both men and women, engaged with the seismic religious and philosophical developments of the early modern period, such as the Catholic Reformation and the Enlightenment in mainland Europe, as well as important political developments at home, exploring the connections between centres and peripheries. Building on recent movements within the field to decentralise the Catholic Reformation and recognize the international nature of Catholicism, the volume aims to change the perception that the activities of British and Irish religious were peripheral, bringing the islands' experience in line with work on their European confreres and the broader global network of the religious orders.

Introduction:
The Protestant Reformation in mainland Europe had a profound impact on the religious landscape, leading to the formation of new religious orders and the expansion of Catholicism in various regions. However, it is often overlooked that the stable communities of conventual religious in mainland Europe also played a significant role in the aftermath of the Reformation. This collection aims to explore new perspectives on the British and Irish conventual, mendicant, and monastic movements in mainland Europe and rediscover their roles and wider impact within early modern European Catholicism.

The Role of Conventual Religious:
Conventual religious communities, such as monasteries and nunneries, were established in the early Christian centuries and continued to thrive throughout the Middle Ages. They were known for their strict adherence to religious rules and practices, as well as their dedication to prayer and study. In the aftermath of the Reformation, conventual religious communities in mainland Europe acted as important centres of religious and secular activity.

Religious Activity:
Conventual religious communities continued to practice their faith and uphold their religious traditions in the face of the challenges posed by the Reformation. They provided a haven for those who sought refuge from the religious turmoil and persecution that followed the Reformation. They also continued to engage in religious education and missionary work, spreading the teachings of the Catholic Church and promoting Christian values.

Secular Activity:
Conventual religious communities in mainland Europe also played a significant role in the secular world. They were often involved in charitable work, providing aid and support to the poor and marginalized. They also contributed to the development of education and the arts, particularly in the fields of literature and music.

The Impact of the Reformation:
The Reformation had a significant impact on the conventual religious communities in mainland Europe. Many religious orders were disbanded or dissolved, and many conventual religious communities were forced to adapt to the changing religious landscape. However, some religious orders were able to survive and thrive in the aftermath of the Reformation.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the stable communities of conventual religious in mainland Europe acted as important centres of religious and secular activity in the aftermath of the Protestant Reformation. They continued to practice their faith and uphold their religious traditions, while also engaging in charitable work and contributing to the development of education and the arts. This collection aims to explore new perspectives on the British and Irish conventual, mendicant, and monastic movements in mainland Europe and rediscover their roles and wider impact within early modern European Catholicism.

Weight: 568g
Dimension: 163 x 240 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914967009