Losing my Religion: Contextualizing Continental Catholic Seminaries in the Elizabethan Reformation, 1558-1603
Cole Volman
This dissertation examines the impact and influence of a portion early modern Jesuit seminary network within narrative Counter Reformation. Following rise Elizabeth I, significant number Catholic recusants fled England to take up residence in series schools spread across Europe with intention completing their education later contributing efforts preserve Catholicism homeland. argues that these played role course “English Mission,” its conception, escalation, eventual collapse late sixteenth century. Despite unified vision for reconversion shared schools, divisions varied factions response Elizabethan Protestantism, as well seminaries themselves, led divided approaches English Mission’s conduct. As result, proceeded haphazardly, they gradually intensified point violence crusade against her realm before Mission collapsed following defeat Spanish Armada 1588. Even waning years Elizabeth’s life, main organizers continued call removal from power; however, new developments European political theory turned major powers away left remaining little support efforts. By time death, had failed result internal an inability reconcile shifting nature thought on part administrators continental network.