What major reforms for ordained ministry occurred at the Council of Trent?

The establishment of seminaries for clergy formation was a significant reform initiated by the Council of Trent, which took place between 1545 and 1563. The Council addressed various issues that had emerged in the Church, especially in response to the Protestant Reformation. One crucial area of focus was the need for a more educated and spiritually prepared clergy.

By instituting seminaries, the Council aimed to provide a structured program for the education and formation of priests. This included not only theological training but also moral and spiritual development to ensure that clergy could effectively lead their congregations and counter the challenges posed by Protestant teachings. The establishment of seminaries marked a shift towards a standardized approach to priestly education, emphasizing the importance of both knowledge and pastoral care in the life of the Church.

This reform had a profound and lasting impact on the Catholic Church, enhancing the quality of the ordained ministry and laying the groundwork for ongoing clergy formation practices. It also contributed to a revitalization of the Catholic Church in the years following the Council.