CONF MOB & ENG CATHOL COUNT-REF EUR C

In the wake of England's break with Rome and gradual reformation English Catholics took root outside of the country in Catholic countries across Europe. Their arrival and the foundation of convents and colleges on the Continent as attracted scholarly attention. However we need to understand their impact beyond that initial moment of change. <em>Confessional Mobility</em> therefore looks at the continued presence of English Catholics abroad and how the English Catholic community was shaped by these cross-Channel connections. <p/>Corens proposes a new interpretative model of 'confessional mobility'. She opens up the debate to include pilgrims grand tour travellers students and mobile scholars alongside exiles. The diversity of mobility highlights that those abroad were never cut off or isolated on the Continent. Rather through correspondence and constant travel they created a community without borders. This cross-Channel community was not defined by its status as victims of persecution but provided the lifeblood for English Catholics for generations. <p/><em>Confessional Mobility</em> also incorporates minority Catholics more closely into the history of the Counter-Reformation. Long side-lined as exceptions to the rule of a hierarchical triumphant territorial Catholic Church English Catholic have seldom been recognised as an instrumental part in the wider Counter-Reformation. Attention to movement and mission in the understanding of Catholics incorporates minority Catholics alongside extra-European missions and reinforces current moves to decentre Counter-Reformation scholarship.<br>