Today in history: the greatest canonization class to date

The canonizations of 1622 brought together 5 giants of Catholic spirituality. Each represents a different dimension of the Church’s renewal — mystical, missionary, pastoral, institutional and lay holiness. These canonizations resulted from the most symbolically charged time in early modern Catholic history -- the Reformation. Today in history, Pope Gregory XV declared these 5 individuals to be saints:

• Teresa of Ávila symbolized contemplative reform and the revitalization of religious life through her Carmelite renewal.
• Ignatius of Loyola represented disciplined spirituality and the formation of a new generation of clergy and laity through Spiritual Exercises. 
• Francis Xavier embodied the global missionary spirit that carried Catholicism across Asia and beyond. 
• Philip Neri stood for pastoral warmth, joy, and the renewal of parish life in Rome itself. 
• Isidore the Farmer represented sanctity in ordinary lay life, affirming that holiness was not limited to clergy or religious orders.

Together, they formed what historians call the “great canonization class.” 

The decision to canonize these 5 together was not accidental nor administrative. Each saint represented a distinct dimension of the Church’s response to the Protestant Reformation chaos. 

Their grouping also reflected the political and cultural landscape of the time. Spain, which had significant influence in Rome, celebrated the canonization of three of its own—Teresa, Ignatius, and Isidore. Elaborately, it funded their ceremonial structures erected in St. Peter’s Basilica. Yet the symbolism extended beyond national pride. By presenting a mystic, a founder, a missionary, a joyful pastor, and a humble laborer together; the Church offered a unified portrait of holiness accessible to every state of life.

The impact of this canonization class on the Counter-Reformation was profound.

• Teresa and Ignatius became foundational figures for spiritual formation, shaping religious orders and lay devotion for centuries.
• Francis Xavier’s missionary legacy energized global evangelization, especially in Asia.
• Philip Neri’s pastoral style influenced parish life, music, and catechesis; emphasizing joy as a path to God.
• Isidore’s canonization elevated the dignity of lay labor and reinforced the message that sanctity could be found in daily work rhythms.

Collectively, these saints helped define Catholic identity at a moment when clarity, renewal, and global vision were urgently needed. This is good news for us due to our tough times. The greatest of saints are made in the toughest of times.

 
A woman of fire and grace, found church in a turbulent place.

Her visions ran deep, and reforms lost no sleep;

As she led with a mystical pace.

A soldier who once loved the fray, found Christ in a new kind of way.

He shaped hearts best to hold (using Exercises bold) --

Love -- from discipline still used today.

He sailed where few others would roam, made islands and empires his home.

With zeal in his chest, he gave Asia his best;

And preached from Japan down to Rome.

A priest with a heart full of cheer, adopted the lost, far and near.

His laughter could mend, his counsel could bend;

with repentance, he swapped joy for fear.

A farmer so honest and fair, sought holiness simply in prayer.

Though humble his days, He lived in God’s ways,

Embracing sweat's dignity, in the hot summer air.

 
Sources:

Catholic Encyclopedia. 1912. Teresa of Avila. New Advent.

Catholic Encyclopedia. 1912. The Canonization of Saints. New Advent.

Catholic-Hierarchy. 2024. Chronology of Events and Dioceses.

Duffy, Eamon. 2006. Saints and Sinners: A History of the Popes. Yale University Press.

O’Malley, John W. 1993. The First Jesuits. Harvard University Press.

Weinstein, Donald, and RM Bell. 1982. Saints and Society. University of Chicago Press.