In answer to the challenges presented to the Church by Protestant reformers, specifically
the issues raised by Martin Luther, war, and other political and social issues, in the sixteenth
century, the Council of Trent was convened. Originally scheduled to begin in 1542, due to war
and the complexities of European politics, it would not actually celebrate its solemn opening
until December of 1545. (It is interesting to me to note that at the original scheduled opening of
November 1542, one of the three papal legates who did attend was respected papal diplomat,
Reginald Pole who was a deacon at the time.) 28 The Council would cover eighteen years from
1545 to 1563. Certainly, the very important issues of doctrine and reform were the main topics of
discussion. In answer to Protestant reformers, especially Luther, Trent taught that justification
required good works in cooperation with God’s grace and did not come simply by a passive
reception of grace. The Council also reaffirmed that there were seven sacraments, and that the
28
Cf. Ditewig. Emerging Diaconate. 81
20