Mystic Profile: Francis of Assisi
When a voice told Francis to go and "repair my house," he started a new Order devoted to a life of poverty.
The Catholic Church, with over 1 billion members globally, is the world’s largest Christian church. The phrase ‘Catholic Church’ was first used in a letter from Ignatius in 110 CE, and throughout the first few centuries, the teachings of the Church began to take shape. The church faced its first major schism in 1054 when the Eastern Orthodox branch split, and later in the 16th century during the Reformation when Protestant movements left. Read articles about the Catholic Church below.
Mystic Profile: Bernard of Clairvaux
Another popular mystic of the 12th century, Bernard was born in 1090 and entered the monastery of Citeaux to escape the corruption of the world.
Mystic Profile: Hildegard of Bingen
At a time when very few woman were literate and held status, Hildegard wrote over 300 letters and was widely respected for her mystical visions, medical knowledge, and musical compositions.
How The Catholic Church Gradually Lost Power
With corruption plaguing the Catholic Church, Reform movements, science, and the rise of literacy gradually chipped away at its power.