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What roles did the Capuchins and Theatines play in Roman Catholic renewal?

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Title page of a 1568 Welsh Christian doctrine book by Morys Clynnog, featuring Welsh text and a woodcut illustration of the crucifixion of Jesus at the center. — Counter-Reformation Title page of *Athravaeth Gristnogavl* (1568; “Christian Doctrine”), a Roman Catholic catechism translated into Welsh by Morys Clynnog as part of the church's Counter-Reformation efforts.

The Capuchins and Theatines were instrumental in the Roman Catholic renewal during the Counter-Reformation, serving as key religious orders that helped restore church life and discipline.

The Capuchins

The Capuchins emerged as a reform movement within the Franciscan order, seeking a return to the extreme austerity, poverty, and simplicity of St. Francis of Assisi. They played a vital role in the later stages of the Counter-Reformation by conducting missions that appealed directly to common and country people. Additionally, they were noted for their dedicated ministry during the deadly epidemics that struck Europe between the 16th and 18th centuries.12

The Theatines

Founded in 1524 by St. Cajetan of Thiene and Gian Pietro Carafa (later Pope Paul IV), the Theatines focused on promoting clerical reform. Their mission emphasized asceticism and apostolic work among diocesan priests to correct church abuses. Through their program, they sought to revitalize the church by fostering high standards of conduct and charity, including efforts to protect the poor from usury.13