<P> The Catholic Reformation was not only a political and Church policy oriented movement , but it also included major figures such as Ignatius of Loyola , Teresa of Ávila , John of the Cross , Francis de Sales , and Philip Neri , who added to the spirituality of the Catholic Church . Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross were Spanish mystics and reformers of the Carmelite Order , whose ministry focused on interior conversion to Christ , the deepening of prayer , and commitment to God 's will . Teresa was given the task of developing and writing about the way to perfection in her love and unity with Christ . Her publications , especially her autobiography The Life of Theresa of Jesus , had multiple effects . Thomas Merton called John of the Cross the greatest of all mystical theologians . </P>
<P> The Catholic Reformation was not only a political and Church policy oriented movement , but it also included major figures such as Ignatius of Loyola , Teresa of Ávila , John of the Cross , Francis de Sales , and Philip Neri , who added to the spirituality of the Catholic Church . Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross were Spanish mystics and reformers of the Carmelite Order , whose ministry focused on interior conversion to Christ , the deepening of prayer , and commitment to God 's will . Teresa was given the task of developing and writing about the way to perfection in her love and unity with Christ . Her publications , especially her autobiography The Life of Theresa of Jesus , had multiple effects . Thomas Merton called John of the Cross the greatest of all mystical theologians . </P>
who was a leader in reforming the catholic church
who was a leader in reforming the catholic church
Ignatius of Loyola
Ignatius of Loyola