| Summary |
The purpose of this thesis is to describe the importance of women in the survival of Catholicism in England. The role of women did not change within the Catholic community until 1570 during the reign of Elizabeth I. Due to the increasing threat of foreign invasion, the issuance of the papal bull, Regnans in Excelsis, and a domestic rebellion in Northern England, Elizabeth and Parliament were forced to legislate more harshly toward Catholics. With the passage of several laws between 1570 and 1610, Catholicism was outlawed. Once the religion was forbidden, Catholicism retreated into the home. With its retreat, women began to play a more important role in sustaining the faith than had been possible previously. In 1574, missionaries trained on the Continent began to arrive in England. They developed a system of hiding places throughout the country. Women played the largest roles in harboring the priests from authorities. Married women and widows participated in the harboring of priests equally, however, harboring was easier for widows since there was no patriarchal authority within the home. Margaret Clitherow and Dorothy Lawson helped maintain Catholicism through their active participation in the faith. There were few opportunities for unmarried women in England since Henry VIII abolished monasteries in the 1540's. There were few opportunities for unmarried women in England since Henry VIII abolished monasteries in the Mary Ward attempted to create an establishment where nuns could teach young girls without enclosure. The Church feared the reaction to women who administered themselves and worked openly among the public. The Church did not need further scandal during a time in which they were attempting to eradicate abuses in the pre-Reformation through the Council of Trent. Women attempted to create new roles for themselves within Catholicism. Unfortunately, the Church nor the English government were able to accept women capable of responsibility for themselves. Women like Margaret Clitherow, Dorothy Lawson, and Mary Ward, provided examples of strong, dedicated, capable women which may be the greatest contribution of English Catholics to women's history of the seventeenth century. |
