Catholic Reformation

Precursor Catholic Reformation

The Gregorian reforms of the late 11th century—intended to, e.g., reduce kingly and dynastic control of religious life and use of assets and to prevent parishes from becoming "family businesses"—flowed out from Rome, for example reaching Ireland around 35 years later with the Irish Synod of Ráth Breasail (1111); this established the episcopal system over the aristocracy-dominated monasteries in Ireland, resulting in the eventual dissolution of many monasteries in the 12th century, such as the Abbey of Kells. The reforms lead to the rise of the Canons Regular as alternatives to monks or friars. These were priests living, like monks, in perhaps-avowed communities but focused outwardly (e.g., serving parish or cathedral pastoral duties) rather than inwardly (e.g., cloistered or necessarily observing the full Liturgy of the Hours.) The reforms reached Germany in 1122 with the Concordat of Worms.