The English Reformation was different from the German Reformation. The English Reformation was primarily a political movement initiated by King Henry VIII to gain independence from the Pope and the Catholic Church, leading to the establishment of the England church. In contrast, the German Reformation, led by Martin Luther, focused on theological disputes such as justification by faith and criticized Catholic practices, aiming for religious reform rather than political changes.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Church had already been undertaking its own reformation, replacing zeal for bureaucratic offices with zeal for theology and spreading the word. We learn about St. Francis Xavier’s missionary work in his 1543 Letter from India to the Society of Jesus at Rome. Xavier's letter highlights his commitment to spreading Christianity in Asia, addressing challenges like language and culture, and emphasizing the importance of personal example and education in his missionary efforts.
(Founder of the Jesuit Order) Ignatius Loyola’s 1548 The Spiritual Exercises leaves an impression of deep introspection and spiritual growth, emphasizing discernment, personal reflection, and a closer relationship with God. They encourage different people to examine their lives, make better choices and inform them about it, and seek a transformative experience in faith.
Ignatius was concerned about careless discussion of faith and good works. He believed it could lead to a misleading understanding and lack of genuine commitment to these concepts of The Spiritual Excercises.