| the movement within the Roman Catholic Church that followed the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. |
[koun-ter-ref-er-mey-shuh
n] 
| a reformation opposed to or counteracting a previous reformation. |
| Coun·ter Reformation (koun'tər) n. A reform movement within the Roman Catholic Church that arose in 16th-century Europe in response to the Protestant Reformation. |
The reaction of the Roman Catholic Church to the Reformation. The chief aims of the Counter Reformation were to increase faith among church members, get rid of some of the abuses to which the leaders of the Reformation objected, and affirm some of the principles rejected by the Protestant churches, such as veneration of the saints and acceptance of the authority of the pope. Many Jesuits were leaders of the Counter Reformation.
The reaction of the Roman Catholic Church to the Reformation. The chief aims of the Counter Reformation were to increase faith among church members, end many of the abuses to which the leaders of the Reformation objected, and affirm some of the principles rejected by the Protestant churches, such as veneration of the saints and acceptance of the authority of the pope. Many Jesuits were leaders of the Counter Reformation.