Imitations of Christ: Ignatius of Loyola, Philip Neri and the influence of the Devotio Moderna

The Devotio Moderna originated in northern Europe towards the end of the fourteenth century. As a movement of reform, it aimed to return to the practices of the early church and make spirituality accessible to the laity. While some scholars have claimed the Devotio Moderna to be a forerunner of both Protestant and Catholic reforms, others have argued that the influence of the Devotio Moderna has been overstated. This dissertation seeks to assess the potential influence of the Devotio Moderna on Catholic Reform through focusing on two key catholic reformers – St Ignatius of Loyola and St Philip Neri. It analyses the practices and spirituality of the Devotio Moderna, Ignatius and Neri, exploring similarities and differences between them. Similarities are noted in their common concern for personal sanctification and in the case of Ignatius, the methodical approach of spiritual exercises and the encouragement of affective spirituality. However, neither Ignatius nor Neri shared the defining characteristic of the Devotio Moderna – the importance given to sharing a common life. Differences are also noted in their approaches to charitable work, mission and the role of education. The stress Ignatius and Neri laid on a practical, world-affirming faith, along with their personal mysticism reflected the context of the sixteenth century. The dissertation concludes that although Ignatius did take inspiration from the Devotio Moderna, his approach was significantly different. A direct link between Neri and the Devotio Moderna cannot be claimed. Similarities between the Devotio Moderna and the catholic reformers can largely be accounted for by their common aim to recreate a more authentic, apostolic church by drawing on material from an earlier age of perceived Christian purity.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

mth

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2018

Author dc:creator

• Danyluk, Katharine

• BL Crefydd
• BR Cristnogaeth

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:1710