The mystical movement whose Spanish adherents are…

The mystical movement whose Spanish adherents are known as the Alumbrados (Spanish: “Enlightened Ones”; Italian: “Illuminati”), originating primarily among the reformed Franciscans, claims that the human soul, having attained a certain degree of perfection, is permitted a vision of the divine and enters direct communication with the Holy Spirit.

As Alumbrados believe the soul can neither advance from this state nor retrogress, they regard participation in the liturgy, good works, and observance of the exterior forms of religious life as unnecessary for those who have received the “Light.” The historian Marcelino Menéndez y Pelayo found the name as early as 1492 (in the form aluminados, 1498), and traced the group to a Gnostic origin.

He thought their views were promoted in Spain through influences from Italy.