VOLUME 56 NUMBER 1 faith.org.uk January/February 2021

Faith

Promoting a new synthesis of faith and reason

Editorial Time to Pray

Articles Fratelli Tutti - In Search of a New Vision of Fraternal Love Fr.. Patrick Burke Archbishop John Wilson of Southwark talks to FAITH magazine Roger Penrose, Black Holes and the Human Mind Gregory Farrelly

Book Bishop Peter Elliott on The Next Pope Reviews Scott Coleman on The Beauty of Jesus Fr. Peter Edwards on A Rule for Clergy

Regular Holloway on… Holiness in the 21st Century Feature Volume 56 Number 1 Contents

Editorial 3 Time to Pray Articles 6 Fratelli Tutti - In Search of a New Vision of Fraternal Love Fr. Patrick Burke 12 Archbishop John Wilson of Southwark talks to FAITH magazine 16 A Christian View of Relationships and Sex Education Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali 21 Roger Penrose, Black Holes and the Human Mind Dr Gregory Farrelly 25 A Saint for Shrewsbury? Pravin Thevathasan Regular Features 27 Crossword 31 Holloway on… Holiness in the 21st Century Book Reviews 32 The Next Pope by George Weigel reviewed by Bishop Peter Elliott 34 The Beauty of Jesus Christ by Gerald O’Collins reviewed by Scott Coleman 37 A Rule for the Clergy by Fr. Gerard Bogan reviewed by Fr. Peter Edwards

PAGE 2 faith.org.uk EDITORIAL Time to Pray

Britain became familiar with a new vocabulary in 2020: Covid, lockdown, self-isolating. All bleak words, and the bleakness has been increased by their use in the sort of formal announcement that has become the background noise of our lives, and thus blurs into nothingness, merging with other slogans: wear a face-mask, stay safe, save the NHS, please take your luggage with you when you leave the train…

Does the Church have something to say “We have a message to about all of this? Yes – and, when we are proclaim that should soar above allowed, something to sing about, too. We have a message of hope, a message that the noise and offer hope.” can renew society and help us all to work But it has not been easy to proclaim with realism and courage as we face the the message over the past months. The problems and challenges that 2021 is going Church in her public sense in Britain was to bring. effectively silenced. God is the author of life, the creator of No public Masses, no family weddings or all things, and came into this world that baptisms, minimal funerals. No normal he had created, sharing fully our human parish life with no Rosary groups or confir- nature, living and working among us, and mation classes or choir practices or baptism in dying and rising from the dead, he fully preparation. No open events at Walsin- explained to us the purpose of it all. We gham in the summer with large crowds have a message to proclaim that should making their way, singing and praying, soar above the noise and offer hope and down the Holy Mile. No great gatherings spiritual sustenance in this and every age. of families and young people at “Celebrate” and “New Dawn” and the annual Youth 2000 pilgrimage. No summer retreats and conferences, from Bosco youth camps to the Faith Summer Session. No parish First Communions with children in traditional attire, no processions with the Blessed Sacrament through the streets, no open- air Masses. Even the mundane things – the parish fetes, and picnics, and the end-of- term Masses, were missing. In the strange and lonely lockdown days, when churches and schools and univer- sities and more were all closed, and the internet dominated our lives, conspiracy theories flourished. Some have,Deo gratias, slithered away, others have not.

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We cannot and should not seek to discern God’s purpose in every historical event, or to believe that our particular understanding of history is always the correct one. Catholics have a weakness for doing this, and for “putting trust in princes” in direct disobedience to Divine requests not to do so. Christ is Lord of history, and we should trust in him and seek to do his will - and he did explain to us that this could sometimes be difficult. “While obeying sensible health So, as 2021 opens, let’s pray for a breath of fresh air. Coronavirus doesn’t mean regulations, we can still have that these are the End Times: that time processions, open-air Masses, and is known to God alone. Nor does it mean other events that proclaim Christ” that there are any easy solutions to the problems raised by the spread of a virus. And the fresh air can also mean, literally, making use in the next spring and summer months, of the outdoors. This is not a silly point: if we are told that we must close our churches again, let us use the public spaces, where we have a right to be, and where over recent months we have learned about “social spacing”, and about the human need for community and neighbourliness. Let us – because in the future we may need it again, and because it means public and missionary witness – be seen in our prayers and in our Catholic life.

In facing the realities of 2021, some pointers might be: - Our Bishops should fight to keep churches open and do all they can to restore the normality of Sunday worship and regular reception of the Sacraments, including confession. - We should also make use of open spaces – streets, parks, our own church grounds and carparks. While obeying sensible health regulations, we can have processions, open-air Masses, and other events that proclaim Christ to the neighbourhood and the nation. - We need new prayer initiatives: again, these might usefully focus on outdoor activity. These need not involve large groups – in fact smaller gatherings could be more effective. Weekly morning prayer at an outdoor statue of Our Lady. Rosary-walks around local neigh- bourhoods. Evening candle-lit prayer at a shrine led, perhaps, by young people.

PAGE 4 faith.org.uk EDITORIAL - Catholic groups and organisations should be mobi- lised for all of this. People enjoy and need activity. And involvement in something relatively small that is part of something larger is an immense boost to morale. Groups that have their own status and identity find it satisfying to have this recognised as part of a wider campaign: think of banners held aloft at Papal events, youth groups wearing t-shirts at WYD and elsewhere… - Our Bishops should – with quiet, courteous firmness and urgency – affirm the Church’s right to freedom of action in her sacramental life – including the seal of con- fession - and the right to preach and teach the Chris- tian message in its fullness. Teaching, for example, that Christians understand marriage as the union of one man and one woman is not “hate speech” and should not be defined as such. - And people need to see clergy, and members of reli- gious orders in clerical dress and in their habits, out and about, showing an active presence in the community. “It does not follow that we should follow any particular political agenda, still less that the Church in her public voice should announce that agenda in detail for each nation at set times.”

Without healthy Catholic activity, things fill the void. There is a desire in all of us for order and a sense of common purpose. That is a good thing, and is one of God’s great gifts to us.

It does not follow that we should follow a particular political agenda, still less that the Church in her public voice should announce that agenda in detail for each nation at set times. So calls for this sort of thing should be avoided.

What our poor bleak society needs now is prayer, and God’s healing mercy.

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Fratelli Tutti: In Search of

ARTICLE a New Vision of Fraternal Love

Fr. Patrick Burke looks at Pope Francis’ latest encyclical Fratelli Tutti / Tutti Fratelli

A Very Personal Letter Fratelli Tutti (Italian for “Brothers All”) is the latest publication from the pen of Pope Francis. Although, historically speaking, papal encyclicals have varied in tone, content and doctrinal significance, the designation is usually understood to have a fairly high degree of formal authority. In Fratelli Tutti, however, Pope Francis makes it clear that he is elab- orating his own personal thoughts on the issues of “human fraterni- ty and social friendship” (5). The majority of quotes and references are to his own writings and public utterances on the subject and he emphasises that he is simply attempting to put his various interventions into “a broader context of reflection” (5) along with contributions he has received from other contemporary commen- tators, mostly non-believers. He says that he does not intend “to offer a complete teaching on fraternal love” (6) nor “to study every aspect of our present-day experience, [but] simply to consider certain trends in our world that hinder the development of universal fraternity” (9). He therefore makes no claim to authoritative teaching in this letter, describing it, rather, as “a modest contribution to continued reflection” (6) on these undoubtedly important topics. Strengths and Weaknesses Encyclicals are traditionally addressed by Roman Pontiffs to their fellow Bishops worldwide together with their clergy and the faithful, and then also to others outside the Church, in order to clarify and give authoritative guidance on the authentic development and application of some aspects of Catholic teaching, often with reference to contem- porary philosophies and events. In this letter, however, Francis says: “Although I have written it from the Christian convictions that inspire and sustain me, I have sought to make this reflection an invitation to dialogue among all people of good will” (6).

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PAGE 7 faith.org.uk He is worried that the emerging global society “lacks a global He is worried that the emerging and (26); horizons” “common and (31) roadmap” shared is family human a single to belonging of sense “that the together for justice and working and the dream of fading, Yet was this ever (30). peace seems an outdated utopia” and on the Church, outside of humanity true of the whole Jesus upon not it become so if or should basis could what , 22)? “reveals man to himself” (Gaudium et Spes who Christ are factors which He analyses, often acutely, various so- in our highly paradoxically creating deeper divisions out (9). He points world and interconnected phisticated grounds breeding become easily inequalities such that the corrupts and entraps only not which criminality for community. whole the affects later or sooner but poorest, the that ensure to interests everybody’s in is it why is This op- and benefits the to access have marginalised and poor portunities enjoyed by others (28). Concern for an Increasingly Divided World Divided an Increasingly Concern for range of issues. Fratelli Tutti is a long document that covers a wide glo- economic rapid that is concern principal Father’s Holy The from making far communication, digital ubiquitous and balisation This distinctly subjective frame of reference underlines the fact the fact underlines of reference frame subjective distinctly This that these reflections are purpose in his clearly stated And magisterial teaching. an act of more his own individual conversation without global — to prompt a letter this writing views than cons and whatever its pros — doctrine Christian reference to explicit as a it see not does he that implies strategy, also evangelical as an magisterial document. this letter of course of Rome the current Bishop by As a publication to surprising attention, however it is not commands our respectful find that it is marked throughout by the strengths and weaknesses The accordingly. weighed and be received it should of its author, and so dialogue, wider a of gambit’ ‘opening the as it offers himself Pope it in him at his word and respond to not be afraid to take we should those terms. greater in are resulting harmonious and more integrated world the and interpersonal alienation. inequalities, international conflict, to mend dialogue spirit of co-operation and So he calls for a new lan- The (8). world fragmented and polarised increasingly this guage of ‘dreams’, of yearning this and letter aspiration gives it used a throughout sense is often lacking in detailed analysis and precision of expression. of offering a broad-brush vision that Volume 56 Number 1

A Plea for Sincere Dialogue example, particularly his criticism of Adam and Encounter Smith’s classical ‘free market’ thinking (150), has irked some of the hawkish proponents He pleads for a rediscovery of the art of of that theory, especially in America where listening in sincere dialogue as central to there can be a tendency simply to equate authentic interpersonal encounter (48), Christian orthodoxy with support for every and warns against “employing a strategy of aspect of Republican party politics. The ridicule, suspicion and relentless criticism, accusation that Pope Francis’ understand-

/ ARTICLE Tutti Fratelli in a variety of ways (which) denies the right ing of economic theory can be a bit shallow of others to exist or to have an opinion” and uncritical is not without justification, (15). Many in the Church who have been but the same might be said of some of the on the receiving end of fierce criticism in criticisms made in response. recent years (for such sins as ‘clericalism’, The idea that the sum of individual self-in- for example) might raise an eyebrow, but terests inevitably results in the common the point is well made. good is not compatible with Catholic social He also calls for a more discerning ap- teaching. For Smith, the ‘invisible hand’ of proach to the search for truth in this the free market was his presumption that internet age of boundless information (50). all players in the marketplace accepted He points to St. Francis’ meeting with the basic Christian morality. There is a higher Sultan of Egypt during the fifth crusade as a law which can and should set limits on how paradigm because, “Francis did not wage a money is made and used. war of words aimed at imposing doctrines; There is a legitimate freedom of initiative he simply spread the love of God” (4). and operation in wealth creation, as there is It has been widely pointed out, however, a prima facie right to enjoy the fruits of one’s that St. Francis did in fact preach the Gospel labour. But Pope Francis rightly reminds us to the Sultan and his retinue and he did of the thoroughly traditional Catholic teach- seek their conversion to Christ. Doctrine ing that private property is not an absolute matters and is central to real dialogue, but right. The goods of the earth are a gift to it is true that it will fail to convince unless all and a common inheritance. And there it is presented respectfully out of genuine are demands of mutual care and charity love underpinned by personal holiness — between individuals, groups, nations, and integrity. As St. Peter wrote in his first, and across generations, even to those yet indisputably magisterial, letter: “Sanctify unborn — which also determine what we Christ as Lord in your hearts, therefore, and can morally do with our temporal posses- always be ready with an answer for every- sions. one who asks you the reason for the hope The Pope also confronts the notion that that is within you. But do this with gentle- the demands of charity should only be met ness and reverence, keeping a clear con- at the level of individual acts of generosity science” (1 Peter 3: 15-16). rather than through organs of the state. He reminds politicians that their vocation is Economics, Politics and the also one of “a lofty form of charity” to serve Demands of Social Charity the common good, not just the cynical manipulation for power and narrow Perhaps not surprisingly, many com- advantage (186). Drawing on his familiar mentators have focussed on some of the Latin American “Theology of the People”, he specific issues the Pope tackles in this tries to steer between the extremes of radical letter. His comments on economics, for individualism and socialist state control.

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- PAGE 9 faith.org.uk nature and grace. Human nature is nature grace. Human and nature mines the imperative to evangelise. mines the imperative often traditionalists this, reaction to In that view neo-scholastic a retreat into relationship intrinsic has no nature human man has means that fallen to grace , which restored is individually he until dignity no are not unbaptised the baptism. Since in redeeming grace, God through of children Christians that idea reject the some even can call all people “brothers” and “sisters”. bonds profound that there are is true It in- have been of grace among those who but corporated into the Body of Christ, familial no have we that mean cannot this Human Dignity and the and the Dignity Human of GodImage take Catholics minded traditionalist Many “human to the idea of universal exception Enlightenment as an it see They dignity”. original sin and the need that ignores notion a term in the grace. Using for supernatural as endorsement context is taken Catholic Chris- “anonymous of Karl Rahner’s idea of is already con- everyone tians”, whereby needs simply grace that saving in stituted them. awoken within to be actualized and it that is thinking of type this of danger The utopianism that under leads to a humanist based non-baptised the with relationship on our shared humanity. can and counter-reaction Such confusion dignity human derive we if avoided be the image and created in from our being souls. Then, spiritual likeness of God with in spirit matterand both as creatures of and are chosen we say that we person one for communion with God through destined the Incarnation of his Eternal Word, who is (Colossians God” invisible the of “Image the framed and is nature our whom in 1:15) (Christ) him from is it case, which In fulfilled. both worth, and created meaning all that natural and supernatural, derives. through Christ of gift the is dignity Human both

- On the thorny issue of mass migration he mass migration issue of thorny the On between strike a balance to also attempts justice, charity demands of the complex He does not call for and political reality. but peoples, of movement free unfettered against the rise of petty he inveighs equally and selfish nationalisms. to life comes things, Francis’ response As in so many across as primarily emotional; he is offend- or to be unjust ed by what he perceives Migration, the Death Penalty Penalty Death the Migration, Issues Life and Pro words can at times lack his but uncaring, and consistency. intellectual rigour in his remarks This is most evident on the caused also have which penalty, death he whether clear not is It comment. much in is forbidden death penalty the thinks be shelved in or just that it should principle he world. Possibly the modern practice in between distinction much make not does context and tone the again Yet two. the his personal make clear that he is giving view, not a magisterial pronouncement. environ- the care for links also Pope The abortion ment to pro-life issues, identifying and euthanasia as symptoms of a selfish can be culture where even human lives sacrificed toothers’ convenienceyet as “‘not useful’ – like the unborn, or ‘no longer frequent He (18). elderly” the like – needed’ absolute the respecting that asserts ly to key the is person every human of dignity justice and peace, but he does not enduring comes from. dignity that where on expound Volume 56 Number 1

severely damaged by the Fall and our eternal destiny in Christ was lost, but all human life still belongs to him by divine right as the Son of Man, and he came to seek out and save those who are lost because ARTICLE they are his. As to whether we should regard the unbaptised as our brothers and sisters in the flesh, even if not yet in the Spirit, Jesus himself told us that on judgment day we will discover how the help or neglect we have shown to our fellow human beings, no matter who they are, has been done to the Lord himself (Matthew 25:40). Fratelli Tutti / Tutti Fratelli The Truth at the Heart of Social Love The Holy Father does make one passing reference to our being created in the image and likeness of God (24), but he does not spell out the connection to his theme. Which is to say that any social synthesis based on a philosophy that reduces human nature to a material construct without any transcendent spiritual dimension will gradually dissolve its sense of the worth of the human person.

“Francis makes it clear that he is elaborating his own personal thoughts on the issues of ‘human fraternity and social friendship’.”

If the communal acceptance of that foundation is missing from the heart of society, then the erosion of human dignity and the subjection of the individual to social and political expediency and the ambitions of the power elite becomes sadly inevitable. The loss or denial of the fundamental truth that human beings are made in the image and likeness of God in the minds of so many is at the root of much of the widespread breakdown, both personal and social, which is so painfully evident right now. Pope Francis comes at this from a more oblique and tentative angle: “If everything is connected, it is hard to imagine that this global disaster is unrelated to our way of approaching reality, our claim to be absolute masters of our own lives and of all that exists. I do not want to speak of divine retribution, nor would it be sufficient to say that the harm we do to nature is itself the punishment for our offences. The world is itself crying out, in rebellion. We are reminded of the well-known verse of the poet Virgil that evokes the “tears of things”, the misfortunes of life and history” (34) A Christian World View As so often, one gets the impression that the Pope desperately wants to avoid using an older apologetic language which he feels makes God seem arbitrary and punitive, yet the alternative he embraces lacks systematic coherence. As a result, the distinction between God and creation can become worryingly blurred.

PAGE 10 ARTICLE PAGE 11 faith.org.uk They have a deep-seated aversion to an- aversion a deep-seated have They call they what in result might that ything it as part government’, seeing ’one world of a vast conspiracy to create a ‘New World Christ. Order’ without global as one humanity of integration The of inevitability an however, is, village governance of global history, and the idea evil. intrinsically law is not international and of that as the saga But it is also inevitable its climax so too does reaches humanity Lord and the its rightful the war between who seek to dethrone forces of anti-Christ present not do we that important is It him. ‘faith particular our of hero the just as Jesus him again vindicate tradition’. We must and the Omega, the creator as the Alpha and fulfiller of all things and the key to the of and history, cosmos, of the of meaning every human mind and heart. points Fratelli Tutti makes some incisive contemporary aspects of troubling about peace of and culture that threaten the unity the Pope’s community. And the worldwide who are trampled concern for those deep - in the race for techno on or left behind evident. logical and economic progress is he wants dialogue the global Hopefully lead to to initiate with this encyclical will further clarifications that helpdevelop an for our social ethic Catholic authentically to his times, which can then bring us closer true on built dream of a world compelling fraternal love. Archdiocese is a priest of the Burke Patrick Fr. and Edinburgh. of St Andrews

’). to admonish Veritate to admonish Caritas in 1. Edward Holloway proposes a solution to this critical debate avoiding the minefields to left andCatholic rightorthodoxy. He whilealso preserving demonstrates how “… the very concept of a ‘pure nature’ which ends in the created order … to us from the Fathers of the East or the West. It is not the is not an element of Catholic tradition as it has come down borrowed from Aristotle … but out common doctrine of the schoolmen and … is a purely extraneous element of speculation correction a basic introduce clear … reasons which very for opposite the teaches exactly (who) … Aquinas with keeping of which is overlooked by many modern Catholic theologians” (Edward Holloway, Matter into Aristotle’s philosophy & Mind, Appendix 3 ‘Nature and the Supernatural In Search of an Authentically of an Authentically In Search Vision Catholic - evan among particularly There are those, Catholics, traditionalist Christians, gelical American the of right the on others and are suspicious political spectrum, who to think that “we need the suggestion of more as a single more and ourselves of (17). home” common a in dwelling family In his plea for global integration and peace, and integration global plea for his In Benedict XVI’s quotes from Pope Francis encyclical light the “Charity needs readers that: his seek. That that we constantly of the truth light the reason and of light the both is light form of any admit not does and faith, of of warns also rightly He relativism” (185). espe- history, of ignorance dangers of the a and of cultivating cially among the young, tradition (13-14). mindset that despises subject this to approach Yet the decision a Catholic or it directly to without linking is a two-edged view even Christian world to win is Francis’ intention sword. Doubtless without non-believers among audience an preju- and over misperceptions tripping dices about specificthe that implying risk of the runs this But Catholic doctrines. among option one just is faith Catholic many possible paths to human flourishing, at times the encyclical can is why which cohesion social of vision a endorse seem to ideas and secular values purely on based in of human rights. Jesus is only mentioned the parable of the Fratelli Tutti to highlight template of Good Samaritan as an inspiring compassion and caring from the Christian tradition. Volume 56 Number 1

Archbishop John Wilson talks to FAITH magazine

“I love being a priest and I wouldn’t swap it for anything.” Joanna Bogle talks to Archbishop John Wilson about his first year as Archbishop of Southwark.

Archbishop John Wilson / ARTICLE John Archbishop You became Archbishop of South- overnight meetings JB wark, and within a year, you were with the clergy from in the nationwide lockdown for the the three pastoral Coronavirus – all normal events and areas of the Archdi- activities cancelled, churches and ocese. This gave a schools closed. And you had to preside chance to introduce over the funeral of your predecessor myself and share under these unusual circumstances. Tell something of what us a bit about how that has been. I understand to be our mission moving forward together. It was a great surprise to be appoint- JW ed as Archbishop of Southwark after At the end of March this year, just as the three and a half years as an Auxiliary Bishop lockdown began, I presided over the funeral in the Archdiocese of Westminster. Hesitant- of my predecessor Archbishop Peter Smith. ly, I accepted in faith, trusting the Lord and He had only retired the previous July and desiring to serve His Church and His people. sadly died after just a matter of months. We I never imagined this would be how my were a small number at his funeral – the vocation would unfold. priests who live on site at the Cathedral and a few family members. He was very much The first year was always going to bea a ‘no fuss’ kind of person and the simplicity steep learning curve, but the way things and dignity of the liturgy reflected his gentle progressed has been extraordinary. After straightforward faith. It was an honour to my installation last July, I began to get a be able to accompany him in his last days sense of the Archdiocese and its clergy, and to his resting place in the Cathedral religious, and laity. I also started visiting vault. The Cathedra sits above the under- parishes every Sunday. Unfortunately, lock- ground chamber where the former bishops down put pay to that, although I was able to and archbishops are buried. Every time I sit live-stream a Sunday Mass from St George’s there it’s a reminder that life is short and we Cathedral which helped me keep in touch, have to make it count for the Lord. along with video messages to different groups within the Archdiocese. I also wrote And your own story. When and how to the clergy every week, mainly to try and did you decide to become a priest? encourage them spiritually as well as pro- JB viding updates on the situation in terms of I became a Catholic when I was 16 the implications for the Church. Thankfully, JW years old. I was baptised as a baby in February 2020 I was able to hold three in the Church of England, but it was through

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PAGE 13 faith.org.uk to love Pope Francis calls every Catholic to Pope Francis calls Other Popes be a missionary disciple. God and why we are all here, and the and all here, we are and why God Christian joy of the Can the message? room for there help? And/or is internet old-style evangelisation,or street some work? mission veneration, for the love of him alone, Holy veneration, for the as his creation, and her teachings Church as his own.’ The first step in the joyful proc- in Salvation of News Good the lamation of hearts Jesus Christ is to be witnesses whose who have been captured by the Lord and are ablaze with the Holy Spirit. at the interesting It’s Rite of Election each year that so many people become Catho- lics because of another work, at – Catholic or in their family, or friendship a through or social connection. can Personal witness to the draw people through Jesus Lord we if wonderful be it Wouldn’t Church. His bringing of mission set ourselves the all in His at least one other person to Christ three years. Joyful every Catholic Church attractive faith. make for a joyful, Catholics baptised were not goes, we saying the As of wellspring from the water but vinegar, in salvation. Modern media and the internet have a nec- essary part to play in evangelisation today. to Christ, for internet the use to need We teach the Catholic faith and give testimo- God really is and ny to the truth of who the Lord Jesus and His Church, you have to the Lord Jesus and St In and His Church. love the Lord Jesus John Henry Newman’s words: ‘And I hold in before him have also stressed that to evan- to that stressed also have him before evangelised. Let’s put to be gelise, we need want others you If this another way. JW

‘the future of humanity passes Every Church is ultimate- crisis in the needwe Therefore, faith. of crisis a ly

For many people in Britain For many people the only thing they know about the We clearly have a problem with problem a clearly have We communicating Faith. Most the

- strength teach, to can we everything do to everyen, and nurture the life of faith at stage of life. In Familiaris Consortio, St John Paul II wrote by way of the family.’ Catholic schools haveby way of the family.’ Catholic schools faith toa vital role to play in passing on the to helpyoung people. With this we also need familythink I faith. of homes up build families Catho- of formation the and apostolate goodlic teachers are essential, alongside who areparish youth outreach ministry. We on theentrusted with the ministry of passing faith can only do so if that faith is alive within us. Formation of families, teachers and cate- chists is vital. Church is that it’s against abortion… against it’s Church is that or about some scandals. we How can about basic truths – communicate some

of the pupils at our Catholic secondary if Even Mass. Sunday to go not schools do when younger, attending been they have can most stop by the age of twelve. How we change this? JB

JW JB joining a Church choir that my faith came faith came that my choir a Church joining the appreciate came to gradually I life. to to me drew this and Eucharist the of beauty given such good Church. I was the Catholic met. I I that clergy Anglican the by example think my vocation first sparked because of their faith and witness. the Catholic Church, and As I came closer to a Catholic, the sense eventually became stronger. grew priesthood the to a call of in Leeds, I approached at university While Kon- David Bishop and Diocese of Leeds the as a seminarian. I was stant accepted me July years ago this year, on 29 ordained 25 St Martha. 1995, the Feast of Volume 56 Number 1

who we really are. We need to help people de Foucauld, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassiati, meet Christ: in their hearts though an inner Jacques Fesch, Caryll Houselander, Henri spiritual life of prayer, and in their minds Nouwen - the list goes on. through a catechetical and intellectual I have also been so inspired by parishioners formation, not least to counter distorted in the parishes where I have served: faith- or unreasonable supposed counter argu- ful and devout Catholics who live their faith, ments to Catholicism. The history of the through all the ups and downs of life, some- spread of the Catholic faith demonstrates times with largely unknown heroism, giving the courageous creativity of our forebears. of themselves for Christ and for others. Through personal witness, through invita- tion, through dialogue and explanation, as There often seems to be a problem well as through every form of evangelisa- with clergy morale – and the lock- tion – on the streets, in missions, through JB

Archbishop John Wilson / ARTICLE John Archbishop down probably hasn’t helped. Some people festivals, processions, pilgrimages, and talk about simply “managing decline”. movements – we are all necessary to build But do you see some alternatives? up the Body of Christ. There is a simple equation that Who are the saints and heroes that JW I have shared with the clergy JB have inspired you – now or at other of Southwark since I came here: a stages of your life? Saints of old? Modern holy priest makes for a holy Church; a heroes like St John Paul? Any personal happy priest makes for a happy Church; mentors among family or friends? and a loved priest makes for a loving Church. No deacon, priest, or Bishop is There are so many! Since childhood ordained to ‘manage decline.’ With our I have met so many people – clergy, JW baptised brothers and sisters, we are religious, and laity – who have inspired me. ordained to make disciples for Christ. When I was received into the Church a re- ligious sister I didn’t know came to me at In our time and place, we are charged to the sign of peace and put her rosary into ensure that our grassroots parish com- my hand. munities are active in evangelisation and mission. This takes many forms, more than I was fortunate to grow we are often currently willing to consider. It up with St John Paul II means looking at how we welcome people as a powerful figure, to our parishes, how we celebrate the whom I met on a liturgy, how we nourish our people spirit- number of occasions. ually and catechetically, how we serve and I also met Mother, reach out to the weakest and the poorest. now Saint Teresa of We need to rediscover the treasure of our Calcutta which had faith and represent them for today. It’s not a profound effect on so much constantly thinking up new ideas, me. I wrote to tell her even less so gimmicks. It’s about delighting and I cherish the letter in our Catholic faith and rediscovering, per- I received back from sonally and as parish communities, a fresh her. The English Martyrs, St Pio of Pietrelci- desire to be salt to the earth and light to na, St Bernadette of Lourdes, St Josemaria the world. Escriva, St Oscar Romero, Blessed Charles

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PAGE 15 faith.org.uk to the priesthood, called to lead others in in others lead to called priesthood, to the the Church, must - first, last,and always – to Him. and be faithful follow Christ The priesthood offers the most the most offers The priesthood of a life adventure wonderful selfless service. in By lived Lord the to close remaining Blessed in the Jesus, especially be will not just we Sacrament, need, we graces the all given ever could we than but more an outpouring of imagine, with for on top joy out-of-this-world a being I love good measure. it swap priest and I wouldn’t anything. for

Iordain four new overjoyed to was pastthis priests for Southwark

Finally: you have some new some have you Finally: in Southwark, young priests and

summer and I am delighted that we havesummer and I am for ordination atcandidates preparing their formation. If youvarious stages of to:go homilies ordination the read to want www.archbishopjohnwilson.com is this: The priesthood My message to them through in and lived vocation, is a beautiful However, people. His with Body Christ’s not even worth having, there is no outer life we priesthood, unless the of outer life the with have an inner life, alive and in love, become priests cannot We Christ. Jesus unless we are first each day, as priests, without, continue disciples. We cannot called us Those of disciples. remaining some men in some men training too. What is your to them? message

JW JB Volume 56 Number 1

A Christian View of Relationships and Sex Education

Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali sets out what is happening in the Depart- ment of Education’s plans for Relationships and Sex Education – and what parents and schools should do.

The United Kingdom’s Education Act ance with the teach- of 1996, the European Convention on ings of the faith Human Rights and the United Nations concerned Convention on the Rights of the Child all

recognise that parents have the primary responsibility for the education of their New Relation- children. This is also the teaching of the ships and Sex Bible and, therefore, of the Church. Education The Churches were the first providers of Requirements universal education and continue to be major players in this area. The state is a rel- All of this is relevant to the advent of new ative, but welcome, newcomer to this task. requirements on the teaching of Relation- A Christian View of Relationships and Sex Education / ARTICLE View of Relationships A Christian Its role, however, is strictly ancillary to that ships and Sex Education in schools, manda- of the parents and, especially, in the areas tory from the autumn of this year. Because of personal and social development of of restrictions brought about by the Covid- children, it should not arrogate to itself the 19 emergency, however, if schools are not fundamental responsibility of the parents ready for full implementation, they may now and the family generally. postpone the teaching of Relationships Edu- cation and Relationships and Sex Education “Marriage is a particular and inti- to the summer term of 2021, at the latest. mate kind of relationship which Any further postponement would require is ordered to certain ends.” parliamentary approval. Schools can use this time to consult with parents, as they The Human Rights Act of 1998 requires are required to do, before they write their schools to respect the rights of parents policies for delivery. This gives parents and to ensure that their children are taught churches an opportunity to engage with the in conformity with the religious and phil- issues and to adopt strategies of appropri- osophical convictions of the parents. ate response to the new requirements. The In addition, schools must take account guidance states that a good understanding of the particular religious background of of local faith communities is important for the pupils. the effective teaching of Relationships Edu- This does not mean some generic un- cation and Relationships and Sex Education. derstanding of a religion but specifically Clergy and other leaders in the churches what the parents and the child believe. thus have an opportunity to make a con- Where schools have a faith foundation, structive contribution to any consultation on education must be provided in accord- school policy.

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- PAGE 17 faith.org.uk styles or behaviour. Any such teaching teaching such Any or behaviour. styles account take and age-appropriate be must also be should It development. child’s the of reli- children’s in awareness of carried out the emerges from which gious background the parents. If with consultation required the particular foundation, school has a faith - also be stated. Teach should position faith views, their own about ers can tell children provided this is not teaching All views. other any or own their seen as ‘promoting’ must be ‘objective, critical and plural’. This Bible and the Church’s last means that the can as Christian opinion, teaching, as well in only not other views alongside out set be more generally, wherever but, schools faith so. it is possible to do Schools, and particularly faith-based particularly and Schools, schools, cannot be satisfied with just min- the imalist teaching about the Law and go on social situation as it is. They must also understand appropriate an about teach to Personhood, Relationships Relationships Personhood, and Marriage is formed this how and personhood of ing parents our with relationships through very and siblings, family and friends, and, importantly, teachers and fellow pupils. kind intimate a particular and Marriage is certain to ordered is which relationship of on a consensual con- ends. It is founded for mutual care a couple tract between it, puts song (as the companionship and me you still feed ”will you still need me, will procre- for the four?”) and am sixty I when ation and nurture of children (it is notori- grow to take offspring human long how ous relation- personal a deeply involves It up!). thick commitment through long life of ship and thin, prosperity and adversity, health and sickness. It is among the most impor- and tant of human experiences of unity intimacy. This is why, of course, the New - be able to distinguish to distinguish able be the the real world from in fantasy often found ex- social media are to amples that come - Where pornog mind. it is concerned, raphy made clear be should not is need the that separate fact to only from fantasy but that exploits pornography for men and women Although the statutory guidance gives an the statutory guidance Although important place to marriage, it places it as only one among other ‘committed, stable does not, of course, and relationships’ be in- discuss the proper persons who can volved in marriage. schools In faith-based this lacuna should be filled in with appro- rea- seems It teaching. material and priate children agree that to however, sonable, the of law the is what taught be should land, for example, about marriage between possibil the and same sex the of persons What the Statutory Guidance the What about Relationships says ity of at least a legal change of gender. A number of important caveats, however, teaching immediately: entered to be need clearly be social facts must and legal about various life- from promoting distinguished It should be said that there are be said that there It should elements welcome. The to guidance statutory the in protected be should that children concern and should on the internet from predators What Can be Welcomed Welcomed be What Can commercial gain and that the relationships and abusive. It is it portrays are unnatural see the should most important that pupils be not causes and pornography harm that be- on behaviour own their modelling to led haviour seen in pornographic material. Volume 56 Number 1

Testament speaks of Christian marriage regard for such equality is well understood as a sacrament (mysterion) of the rela- by their pupils. This is not about the equali- tionship between Christ, the Bridegroom ty of every kind of view about human iden- and the Church, his Bride (Eph 5:32) - just tity and of lifestyle and behaviour. Whilst as the husband and wife are one flesh diversity in these areas can be discussed, (Gen 2:24, Mark 10:2-9 and parallels) so in appropriate ways, this is not a licence for is the Church united to Christ its head. assuming that there is moral equivalence We cannot expect non-faith schools to between say traditional marriage and the teach about marriage in such a compre- numerous ways of sexual self-expression hensive way but they must teach about there seem to be around today or between all the goods of marriage, especially as respect for the person, at every stage of evidenced in empirical studies, for life, and radical views about abortion on example, by the Centre for Social Justice, demand or assisted killing. Nor can there the Marriage Foundation and the Coalition be equivalence between, for example, the for Marriage. Church schools, however, option of abortion for an unwanted child can be expected to teach about the full and the possibility of adoption, or between spectrum of Church teaching in this most abstention and precaution and the untram- important area of our lives. melled promiscuity which leads to epidem- ics of sexually transmitted diseases. Equality, Respect and Moral Equivalence The Right to be Consulted

Teaching about respect for persons, Parents have a right to be consulted about A Christian View of Relationships and Sex Education / ARTICLE View of Relationships A Christian whoever they are and whatever their back- what their children are to be taught and to ground, is central, of course, to helping see materials that are to be used in such children to become good citizens. Equality teaching. Any agreement with providers is about the equality of persons in dignity should specify the legal requirement for and liberty. Schools should make sure that consulting parents and showing them the materials to be used in classrooms. Exter- nal agencies, including local churches, can play a valuable role in assisting teachers to enhance what is taught in the classroom but recent guidance from the Department of Education warns schools to be extreme- ly careful about using such agencies and the resources they offer. In the last twenty years or so, campaigning groups in the areas of human sexuality, gender identity and other issues have been able to enter schools and campaign for their particular enthusiasm, without much regard for the views of parents and without much in the way of objectivity, self criticism and plurality of approaches.

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PAGE 19 faith.org.uk We live in challenging times and there there We live in challenging times and are are dangers all around but there of our opportunities also. For the sake informed well be we need to children, be wise about what help is available and to in in accessing assistance and discerning its use. Anglican retired is the Bishop Nazir-Ali and Chairman of Bishop of Rochester, Research, Training, for Centre Oxford the and Dialogue. Advocacy “Parents have a right to be be to a right have “Parents what their about consulted and be taught to are children be to are that see materials to teaching.” used in such

Parent power remains a largely untapped untapped remains a largely Parent power schools are making sure that source for enthusiasm of away by the not carried include The disadvantages of withdrawal peers, stigmatisation of the child among from information distorted up picking alternative suitable a having not and them these during sex education classes. For should reasons, it is important that parents and consult with the school to see how whether sex education can be delivered are, before there alternatives and what withdraw. to decision crucial the taking Parents can exercise considerable ence on what their children are taught. influ- of aware themselves make should They their rights and responsibilities by reading the guidance issued by the Department of Education and by accessing information Christian Power, Parent like websites on Concern and the Christian Institute. Parent Power! Power! Parent a member of the staff, a of member visiting a of or Governors of the Board of Parents should campaigning organisation. children their that expectation the have they beliefs, their with line taught in are consulted about teach- have the right to be also they and methods and materials ing have the specific right to withdraw education. Primary children from sex their required to teach about schools are only teach they choose to but if relationships parents about sex as well, the right of For to withdraw their children is absolute. qualified, more is it children age secondary but parents can still request withdrawal are which must be agreed unless there within exceptional circumstances. Pupils can, a year of their sixteenth birthday if even education, however, request sex withdrawn previously have parents the the them from it. If such a request is made, sex of term a with provided be must pupil education. faith.org.uk REGULAR

For RE teachers, years 7-11: Take part in this simple competition project, with no complicated lesson-planning, which has been run for over 30 years with schools across Britain

CASH PRIZES are awarded to schools producing entries of an exceptional standard, plus individual book prizes for the pupils. A large number of runner-up prizes are also awarded.

The main prizewinners are invited to London for a prizewinning ceremony which includes a TOUR OF PARLIAMENT and TEA at Westminster. 1st prize: £500 for the school • 2nd prize £250 for the school 3rd prize £100 for the school • 4th prize £50 for the school Pupils are invited to study an incident in the life of Christ as described in one of the Gospels, and then write about it as if they had been actually present. For full details visit our website: www.christianprojectsocu.org

[image: Jean Jouvenet – The Raising of Lazarus] PAGE 20

SBP A4 2021.indd 1 11/11/2020 19:23 ARTICLE

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It was in 1965 that It was in 1965 that proved Penrose holes have at black their heart a ‘singu which all larity’ in laws of the known nature cease, still regarded as the to the general most important contribution theory of relativity since Einstein. mathematical are well-known Singularities entities that are not defined or that lead to infinities, such as the function 1/x as x ap- proaches zero. In fact, there are different orders of infinity in number1,2,3…) etc. have natural numbers (counting theory. The no limit, i.e. they are infinite, yet theymath- proved are be can it whereas ‘countable’, ematically that the set of ‘real’ numbers (a things including term mathematical specific like the square root of 2) are also but ‘uncountable’. infinite Black Holes in The singularities concerned are regions at which the known as such laws, These valid. are not physics ‘laws’ of - of conservation of mass-en the principle all times at to be valid ergy, had been held essential Mathematics is places. all and physics but nowhere in understanding features of fundamental in than more so singular- as Black Hole such universe the state that they might one ities. Indeed, are mathematical measure or detect cannot foremost; we entities physical singularities. first and

Image credits: NASA/CXC/M.Weiss Roger Penrose, of the University of Oxford,Roger Penrose, of the University of Nobel2020 the of recipient joint the was Prize for Physics. The citation stated: Nobel “Three Laureates share this year’s about Prize in Physics for their discoveries in the one of the most exotic phenomena Roger Penrose hole. black the universe, theory of relativity that the general showed Re- holes. black of formation the to leads discovered Ghez Andrea and Genzel inhard and extremely heavy object that an invisible governs the orbits of stars at the centre of is the our galaxy. A supermassive black hole only currently known explanation.” The image above shows matter ‘falling into’ black are called Black Holes to a Black Hole. because they are so dense that their gravity even anything, prevent to enough strong is light, escaping. According to current astro- star neutron a as formed are they physics, collapses in on itself. Gregory Farrelly looks at the religious implications looks at the religious implications Gregory Farrelly and the Human Mind Human the and Roger Penrose, Black Holes Holes Black Penrose, Roger Roger Penrose. of the work of Volume 56 Number 1

The theory of General Relativity, invented by Einstein at the begin- ning of the twentieth century, involves the notion that the math- ematical fabric of spacetime is warped by masses (rather like a flexible, extendable/compressible sheet of graph paper), so a large gravitational force due to a star, for example, warps spacetime, causing light, particle trajectories, etc. to be curved. This theory has been verified by astronomical observations.

Penrose, often described as a mathematician, applied his intellect to showing that this theory implies the existence of Black Holes and, further, that at the centre of each Black Hole there is a singu- larity, the mathematical entity now a physical reality.

Einstein did not believe in the existence of Black Holes but in 2016 the first direct detection of gravitational waves occurred, the first observation of a Black Hole merger. It is now believed that they exist at the centre of every galaxy; the supermassive black hole at the centre of our own Milky Way galaxy is called Sagittarius A with a mass equal to about 4 million suns. Such black holes are thought to have been made at the same time as the galaxy they are in thus they are important in theories of cosmological evolution. For those who are not overly interested in cosmology, physics

Roger Penrose, Black Holes and the Human Mind / ARTICLE and the Holes Black Penrose, Roger or mathematics, this may seem to be of little interest, yet as Pope Saint John Paul II states at the beginning of his encyclical, Fides et Ratio: “...the more human beings know reality and the world, the more they know themselves in their uniqueness, with the question of the meaning of things and of their very existence becoming ever more pressing. This is why all that is the object of our knowledge becomes a part of our life” (1). It is a sad fact that the majority of western physicists are athe- ists. Their atheism is generally based on a positivist view in which since we know from experience that science works, we can trust it, unlike religious claims. Science is falsifiable, thus neither dog- matic nor arbitrary, whereas religious doctrine claims to transcend the physical universe and to have an external authority (which, however, only the believer trusts). Penrose, to his credit, has engaged in courteous and considered debate with theists, such as the debate between him and the philosopher William Lane Craig: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wLtCqm72-Y It is clear that we need some philosophical clarity here and in particular a modern metaphysics to make sense of scientific and human reality. Unfortunately, much modern philosophy has den- igrated metaphysics or allowed it to become a rather isolated study, irrelevant to most thinkers.

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PAGE 23 faith.org.uk “reality and of the “If the poising initial equations of energy contained we ourselves derive from which the necessary potential, a as man of future history then that flux of energies is only intelligible if correlatedit is mathematically to an existent Mind.” Unity which is also relates the tran- Holloway’s metaphysics both with mind human the of scendence as a unity reality physical structure of the transcendent being, and with the ultimate God. ‘Mind’ is viewed as in having control this over philosophy matter, the finality that such Mind God’s being universe the of has an underlying the physical universe tran- ´Unity-Law´. Holloway shows that this nature, scendence implies a supra-material something ‘spiritual’. The human transcendence over mere material require- mind’s a spiritual have that we ments indicates God context, this fact, in In soul. nature, the just ‘Environer’ human the be to said be can etc. as the physical earth and solar system, form our environment. It is essential, then, that in any description human the metaphysics, any reality, of complex a merely as regarded not is person re- of interacting cells, nor that collection ligious and moral beliefs be labelled as ‘stories’, an error in some educational and atheist catechetical approaches. Many Christians, usually theists, against debates indicate that the atheist is being completely pos- for the reductionist, i.e. not allowing beyond any being of the existence sibility what the sciences against the theist, whereas, in the odds’ describe, thus ‘fixing Paul II: the words of St. John the em- truth ...transcend the factual and being’s human the ...vindicate pirical, and and transcendent this know to capacity in a way that metaphysical dimension is true and certain, albeit imperfect and analogical.”

- - The physical universe seems to have first into bump be real. We literally claim to ‘objects’ all the time, but what about atoms into them bump We don’t really or quarks? directly. However, we nor can we see them trust in the scientific theories that describe radia- alpha as such phenomena, genuine If to describe. theories seek such that tion, to need alteration, the theories are found theory as Newton’s (such changed are they to the General changed of gravitation being Theory of Relativity). come? From the these theories Where do human mind. Furthermore, it is clear that achievements extraordinary intellectual the due are not others Penrose and Einstein, of dynamic. to some biological evolutionary advantage´ clear ´biological no There is What is Real? What is General resulting from Penrose’s analysis of thus mind, and Relativity. The human physi science itself, transcends the purely cal. This is of key importance. What of mathematical reality? Mathematics is ‘pure’, entirely a product of the of evidence mind; no other animals show human mathematics. of mathemat It is demanded not consistent, be they theories that ical thing, self-contradictory. The extraordinary at first glance, is that the physical universe mathematical. Mathe- be to prove should but matics is not, in and of itself, physical from a small set of logical, deriving purely that or width, no has line a that axioms, e.g. impossible in has no size, things a point physical reality (at least macroscopically). of understanding a fuller for needed is What is related to which reality is a metaphysics of modern science, coher- the philosophy aspects of all with correspondent and ent reality, physical and human. This is at the theology. perspective of Faith the heart of As Fr Edward Holloway put it: Volume 56 Number 1

It is equally important that Christian philosophers and theologians do not state or imply that the theological has no relation to the scientific or physical. Truth cannot contradict truth and since we believe rightly that God is the Creator of the universe: “the search for truth, even when it concerns a finite reality of the world ...always points beyond to something higher than the immediate object of study,” [FR 106] Atheistic ‘scientism’, the idea that the physical sciences alone contain what is true, generally has the upper hand in the popular western mind. It is time to change that with reasoned argument but it does require a suitable metaphysics, such, I would suggest, as in Fr Holloway’s theology. We should rejoice in the astounding intellectual achievement of Penrose and others as demonstrating the intellectual gifts that God has given to humanity, showing the transcendence of the human mind. As scientism ends up in a sort of ‘worship’ of science and a denigration of religion, objective morality, etc., it is worth recalling the words of St. Paul, concerning the worship of Zeus in Athens, the centre of the philosophical world at that time. Epimenides (6th or 7th century B.C.) had written a poem defending the immortality of Zeus as follows:

Roger Penrose They fashioned a tomb for you, holy and high one, Cretans, always liars, evil beasts, idle bellies. But you are not dead: you live and abide forever, For in you we live and move and have our being. “..Paul, standing in the middle of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What there- fore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all men life and breath and everything. And he made from one every nation of men to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their habita- tion, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel after him and find him. Yet he is not far from each one of us for ‘In him we live and move and have our being’” [Acts 17:22-28].

Gregory Farrelly is a teacher of physics and a lay theologian.

PAGE 24 ARTICLE - PAGE 25 faith.org.uk the area and several areaseveral the and Catholic churches damaged. been had support the With of Bishop Turner of Salford, she and Father Gaudentius established a new inand Congregation and Elizabeth Gaudentius gave 1852, Father Sisters. six companions their robes as religious Famine another and year, Elizabeth By the following school Joseph’s St in were teaching Sister in Manchester, filled with the childrenIrish families who had fled the great potato of the and were atrocious famine. Conditions Bishop Turner gave Sisters all fell ill. In 1854 The Levenshulme. in convent them a new timetable. They woke had a strenuous nuns meagre a After morning. the in four at up long the walk would breakfast, Elizabeth distance to St Joseph’s school. With the approach of winter, however, athey left the city and Elizabeth opened day school in Levenshulme and a boarding ofsix 1854, November In children. for school the seven Sisters took formal final vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in St Mary’s then on, Eliza- From church, Levenshulme. Joseph.Mary Mother as known became beth at Ashton-Un were foundations Further der Lyne, noted for being an anti-Catholic der Lyne, noted for being also was She St Helens. Sutton, area, and asked to open a convent in Parr Hall, and take charge of a boarding school and open

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- Passionist, Father Gaudenti able. Another that she take charge of us Rossi, suggested - Man area of a deprived in a girls’ school chester and she agreed to do so. duties, she visited the Apart from schooling sick and the poor. Moved by the wretched com- some and she people, these state of assist to community a formed panions them. She soon discerned that she was order, a cou- religious form a new to called the circumstances: rageous decision under in high anti-Catholic feelings were running Elizabeth tried her vocation as a nun in nun Elizabeth tried her vocation as a home return to had but Northampton tuberculosis. Her mother after contracting she would nursed her back to health, hoping not did give up her Catholic faith. Elizabeth unten at home became staying so and do Deprived Area Deprived Julian’s Anglican church. the family had moved to Stone By 1841, in Staffordshire.under the Here influence of the Passionist mis- Elizabeth was sionary, Father Dominic Barberi. She came much received into the Catholic Church, years to the dismay of her parents. (Many prac- return to the later, her father would also her mother would and his faith tice of become a Catholic). Elizabeth Prout was the foundress ofElizabeth Prout bornwas She Sisters. Passionist the in 1820. Herin Coleham, Shrewsbury Catholic and herfather was a lapsed fatherHer Anglican. devout a mother at the Colehamworked as a cooper in StBrewery. Elizabeth was baptised Bishop Mark Davies has urged that Elizabeth Prout be considered has urged that Elizabeth Bishop Mark Davies tells the story for canonisation. Pravin Thevathasan as a candidate woman of a courageous A Saint for Shrewsbury? for A Saint ARTICLE - - PAGE 26 faith.org.uk Finally ca- the for approval temporary the saw 1863 ThoughInstitute. the of establishment nonical first the as chosen was Elizabeth ill, terminally She Congregation. the of General Superior 1864.in convent Sutton the at peacefully died She was just forty three years old. Elizabeth of life from the learn we can What Savio Sister Dominic words of the Prout? In Hamer CP: “We can imitate her in many ways such was She confidence. with her to pray and practical person; so entirely God-centred; so a forgetful of self; so generous in giving herself Our with union in suffer to willing so others; to might so that God’s will Lord’s Passion, always protecting the and so charitable in be done; her enemies,great of even at reputation even loss to her own.” Dr Pravin Thevathasan is a consultant editor of the Catholic psychiatrist and Medical Quarterly. tion to the nuns in general and Elizabeth in Elizabeth general and in nuns to the tion have pained her greatly particular. It must about was put calumny the that to know her own Congregation. by ex-members of priest came to the But another Passionist who O’Loughlin, rescue, Father Bernard This of enquiry. a commission on insisted - blame wholly nuns the and Elizabeth found contin- to allowed was Institute the and less started soon Elizabeth but that only Not ue. from those who had a receiving vocations the purpose of the of real understanding Father assistance of the With Congregation. was Congregation the of rule the Ignatius, friend revised. But even here, the spiritual two great souls was mis- of these ship to her: said Father Ignatius understood. “Do you not see that God is asking you for your good Give can give? you the rarest thing it.” name freely and thank Him for taking Blamed for Elizabeth blamed Father Gaudentius Man- around spread Rumours troubles. the opposi there was increasing chester and

- “if I was to try to reflect on

Although she experienced desolation, she experienced desolation, Although that she obtained there can be no doubt continu her by poor the of great love her The Poor ous contemplation of Christ Crucified. She Father Gaudentius probably disappointed when by claiming to have no visions! Yet she was 1855, was moved to America in he by truly saddened. His place was taken son of Spencer, youngest Father Ignatius (and, incidentally, Earl Spencer of Althorp Diana). great-great-great uncle of Princess like Eliz- He too was a convert to the Faith of a great love had he her like and abeth her poverty. Under his spiritual direction, interior life flourished. To love Christ with her goal. been always an immortal love had to was she Father Ignatius, Like his. And humilia- accept all the contradictions and tions in a spirit of thanksgiving. One nun they came in abundance. And had incurred large debts on the Congre- to beg for funds, had Elizabeth and gation first locally and then in Ireland. When she she returned, she discovered that the nun had placed in charge had taken no care of Father to instead writing community, the a wholly giving America and in Gaudentius Congregation. the of impression negative the order to join was to leave in nun This Cistercians, only to leave them as well. a day and Sunday school in Blackbrook, Blackbrook, in school Sunday and a day of charge as taking as well Helens St in Sutton. day and Sunday school St Anne’s Joseph get her did Mother Mary So, where are available to From means that strength? daily sacraments and all of us: Mass, the abun- in given was she Crosses prayer. frequent the with deal to had She dance. Gaudentius, a priestdisapproval of Father more impressed bywho seemed much experiences innuns claiming extraordinary prayer was not easy.prayer. For Elizabeth, that said once She tosure am I Passion, Lord’s Our of part some worldly in a minute or two.” think of something

ARTICLE / Shrewsbury? for Saint A faith.org.uk REGULAR

Holloway on... Holiness in the Twenty-First Century

Part 1 Edward Holloway

Writing in 1986, Fr. Holloway asked which version of Christian- ity would be needed in the coming new century – the liberal dissent of the post-conciliar years or the joyful commitment of the early Christians?

The world of the twenty-first century is already on our doorstep. In that world, the shape of which we can already easily perceive, can we hope to teach and to instil the total, personal holiness of the original Christians, and the Early Christian Church? Should we want to define holiness of heart in exactly the same way as the original Christians? Should we want to instil precise- “There are some who despair ly the same teachings, the same ethos, and that we can ever teach the the same morals, especially in matters of marriage and divorce, sex and loving, abor- same as the original Christians tion, contraception, and masturbation, as did and get a hearing for it.” those original Christians? There are some who despair that we can ever teach the same as the original Christians and get a hearing for it. There are others, most of them fashionable and articulate theologians, who deplore that we should, and in our official teachings do, try to insist on the doctrines and attitudes of the original disciples of Christ. The Fences not “Good News”

Not all of those who pull up short before the ethos of the original

PAGE 27 Volume 56 Number 1

Christians, and what was for them ‘holiness Jesus the Polarizer in Christ’ are aware of what they are doing, or of the implications of their hesitancy. The ‘Good News’ is precisely the announce- They remind one of horses that ‘refuse a ment of the meaning of Man: the meaning fence’ in an important show-jumping com- of Mankind’s life and creation: the joy petition. Poor horse! It cannot go back; it and communion of love in God, and hap- is committed to that official track. There piness of heart. That is the Good News, is the fence horrendous before it. It can and it was presented and is presentable refuse with shame, but it cannot reshape to modern men and women as just that: the course. This likeness does not of course the happiness of fulfilment in God, and in apply to rationalist theologians. For them each other, in that communion of joy and the course is always a matter of cutting peace that stands in the face of the Christ, corners and pointing to the clear way God himself, Emmanuel, or ‘God with us’. In round the outside. It does, however, apply the days of Jesus Christ, that offering from to Bishops of the Church Catholic. They are God struck chords of joy and response, but the steeds of Christ. They are committed to in varying degrees of acceptance among the fences. Their courage must take them men. The parable of the sower going forth over the top. Like most of the horses in to sow his seed (Luke 8.5), the reminder on show-jumping, they may of course attempt the solemn commissioning of the Twelve to the fence, but dislodge a beam or drop a go and preach to all the nations, that if they brick. Penalty four points: not a clear round. have accepted Me, they will accept you, and Sometimes, during television torture from if they have rejected Me, they will reject smooth cynics of the media, they do just you also (Matt. 10.11-16), hold a timeless that. At least, they did try! message. Let us forget a while about that egregious There comes to mind cliché, the ‘Good News’ and speak and think the anguished remark instead of ‘The Gospel’. For we all recognise of a Bishop to this writer in the word ‘Gospel’ God’s Speak or Word. on one occasion. It was We are brought spiritually and cultural- made in all sincerity ly into the presence of the Personality of and with a certain inno- Jesus Christ. It is a mistake to think, or to cence. He was not trying hope that everyone, or even a majority of to ‘knock’ the Church. mankind will respond with joy and true faith Speaking conversation- to the presence, person, and word of the ally of the Church’s doc- Word of God. When the sower went forth Image credit: Lothar Wolleh trine of sex, friendship, to sow his seed, some fell by the wayside, and love, he remarked that the message of where ‘Satan snatches the word out of their the Second Vatican Council had surely been hearts’ as soon as the word falls upon their to bring the Good News to modern men. In- ear and into their minds and hearts. There dicating with a hand a group of teenagers are the casualties of the stony ground, and (it was a Youth occasion) he confessed that the casualties of the seed that fell among he was terrified of talking to them. He was thorns... the riches, cares, pleasures and even more terrified of debating with them. passions of life, so that it brought forth They did not find the Church’s teaching on no fruit. Even when the word did bring ‘relationships’ as they are now called by the forth fruit, there were vast differences of theological bureaucracy (the kids call it ‘sex degree and of perfection in response: some and love’) to be at all ‘Good News’. He felt so thirty-fold, some sixty-fold, and some, alone, so archaic... so negative. certainly not many, even one hundred-fold.

PAGE 28 faith.org.uk REGULAR The New Testament, especially the pasto- the sacral, contemplative, and reverential ral letters of St. Paul, are constant in the nature of the Church’s liturgy. What has distinction made between those, the rela- derogated in those spheres since cannot be tively many, that God gathered to Himself, argued from the documents of the Council. because ‘they were called to be saved’, and It is argued by appealing from the letter the others, in number doubtless more, to the ‘spirit of Vatican Two’; it is argued who did not respond. We cannot, and we by appealing to a future ‘Vatican Three’. It dare not, argue from this expression to the is simply a dissent and a cheat. It is in fact relative numbers of the saved and the the age old enemy of Christ in the world... damned. We can argue that the first preach- heresy against the revelation of God. ing of the original Christians did make an enormous impact upon the personalities of One submits that the very first heresy in men and women of very diverse tempera- the Church is contained in Genesis 2.17. ment, education, and culture. Some it drew, The word of God revealed was: ‘But of the with a sense of enormous relief and joy, tree of the knowledge of good and evil, to a homecoming in God. They embraced you shall not eat. For in the day that you Christ in Christianity as one ‘found at last’, shall eat of it, you will die the death’. The the end of a long, heart-aching search. ‘theological dissent’ is expressed in Genesis They did not know what they were looking 3:4-5, spoken by the Doctor Emeritus and for. They did recognize it, and Him, when Laureatus of all dissident theologians: ‘No, once found! The original Christians, and the you shall not die with death. For God does original Christianity, polarized people just know that what day you shall eat of it, your as Jesus Christ polarized people. It was not eyes shall be opened [i.e. you will become unkind, merciless, or militant. It was total, an aware, progressive, and liberated intel- definite, dynamic and intolerant of ‘It is. lectual] and you shall be as Gods, knowing . . and yet it is not’, that specific response good and evil’. The response is also intimat- of much modern theology which fails to ed: ‘And the woman saw that the tree was feed the soul, and denies a living witness to good to eat, and fair to the eyes, and seduc- Christ. St. Paul refers to it, the first stirrings tive to behold, and she took of the fruit of it in his own day of what now is called and did eat. And she gave to her husband technically ‘Neo-Modernism’. He is very who did eat of it...’ scathing about it and repudiates it in his, And so it has been ever since. If there were usual trenchant language (2 Cor. 1-18). needed a proof of the objectivity, the not- It empties out the Divinity of Christ. relative nature of human holiness through history, it is contained in this inspired and The Original Heresy simple vision. For this writer, it is also relevant that the first consequence of If the Second Vatican Council was called to heresy as socially perceived, was that effect an ‘updating’ in the life of the Church, ‘when they found themselves to be naked, if the ages bring in some decline and crum- they sewed together fig-leaves to make bling in the perfect relevance of her life, if themselves loin-clothes’; whereas before, you truly believe in the Holy Spirit, then you ‘they were naked, the man and his wife, and must accept the final word of the Spirit, who felt no shame’. Then as now, the impact ‘will receive of Mine, and show it to you’. of sin has fallen most disastrously on You accept the new vision of the Council, the harmonious control of the soul over and you accept also the conservatism of the pleasures of the flesh in mankind. The the Council. The Council abrogated nothing force of sinful pride has always been to from the doctrine, the morals, the tradition- denature the peace of love with greed and al spirituality, the celibacy of the priest, or addictive drives. PAGE 29 Volume 56 Number 1

The Acid Test Polarizing around Christ The first and most common derogation Polarization is not a dirty word. It is the law from the doctrine of the original Christians of the earth’s magnetic field, and all move- is the refusal of the horrendous fence. The ment and direction depends upon it. It is, second is the philosophy expressed by the as the authority of God’s Law of life, and priests and the scribes at the foot of the movement to Himself, the necessary in- Cross and roared up to dicator of all true life — in the person, in the dying ears of Jesus the parish, in the liturgy, in the Church as Christ: ‘If He is the Son local community and universal community. of God, He will be looked Without the ‘But I say to you’ of the Eternal after and rescued, we Word, the compass needle of the Gospel, have His word for it!’ (cf. and the finding of perfect spiritual com- Mt.27.39-44) The third munion with God, swings crazily in every line of derogation is the direction, according to human opinion hard line of frank denial and human pressure. If Jesus is more than of the truth of God’s ob- a Guru, then the apostles, and especially jective, transcendent, Peter, must find courage to polarize the and eternally true Reve- Church. Minimal profession will not do. The lation. It is the open con- profession must mean the spiritual and de- tradiction contained in votional follow through. Whether in faith, Genesis 3:4. or in chastity, it will not do that one thing is taught in one parish and another in the The acid test which uncovers this reality in next. It will not do that you have to ask who the layman or in the theologian of our time is the parish priest there, before you rec- tends to be the doctrine and confession of ommend a youth, a young couple, someone the Eternal Pre-existence of Christ in the moving house, to attend a given parish Being of God, before the Incarnation of God church, or send children to a given school. as Christ. Upon this test Hans Kung finally For far too long have we lived with this situ- lost his right to be called a Catholic theolo- ation. On the continent of Europe and in the gian, but he is at least a clear and honest USA it is much, much worse than in Britain. writer. There are many who hold exactly the same opinions, but are too devious to admit it. They remain in the Church — it is Abridged from the Editorial of the a ‘living’ if you are a priest or Religious — September/October 1986 issue of FAITH. hoping that the way of thinking and loving It will be concluded in our next issue. which follows from their vision of Man as the source and origin of Religion and Rev- elation, will do its work in due time. So it Fr. Edward Holloway (1917-99), a parish will, so it will, unless the Bishop of Rome priest in the South of England, was the and the Bishops basically loyal to him find author of Catholicism: A New Synthesis courage to polarize the Church around the and other theological and philosophical Divinity of Christ, and around the objective, works. He was the founder of the unchanging law of human holiness, and the Faith Movement and the editor of this unchanging moral law of life and love. magazine for 22 years.

PAGE 30 faith.org.uk

We invite you to complete this crossword. REGULAR Crossword 26 The clues in bold involve general religious knowledge. by Aurora Borealis The others are cryptic clues with secular answers.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Across 1. In the mist, if left alone, take breath

9 10 away (6) 5. Youngest son of Jacob (8) 9. Silly fool starts to draw lake; it’s totally 11 bathed in light (8) 12 10. Might primate be served at a party? (6) 13 14 15 11. Love bananas perhaps, or other dessert 16 (7, 5)

17 18 13. Leave before I desert (4)

19 14. Former Papal power over territory (8)

20 21 17. Usual Italian lands formal garden (8)

22 18. Disgusting bird, by the sound of it! (4) 20. He maintains the gate at matches (6-6) 23 24 23. Had roe cooked - what a shame (2, 4) 24. The man who does everything to put in 25 26 truth with hesitation (8) 25. The practice of singing psalms in A prize will go to the sender of the first correct worship (8) solution opened by February 1st 2021. Entries may 26. Find needle in dusty Lusaka (6) be the original page or a photocopy. Entries should be sent to 45 East St. Helen Street, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 5EE. Please include your full postal address. Down 2. Starts to involve long trips, an The winner of Crossword 25 was inclination (4) D. Bannister of Wallington. 3. Mark follows measurement to give sole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 impression (9) M A R Y M A G D A L E E E 4. Sign up most of men: Inventory to E U U O N N X follow (6) 8 9 O M E N S Y N A G O G U E S 5. Takes a run up the church tower?

E U K E O R G Completely mad (4,2,3,6) 10 11 S N I P E R W A R G A N E S 6. Appropriate call for handle (8)

T A I A V T 7. King Saul’s cousin and commander- 12 13 14 in-chief (5) H O T P O T A T O R I C E 8. The Church’s official licence to print (10) A H N 15 16 17 18 12. Alright, so Head of Maths produces C O R K S T R O N G A R N tools for calculation (10) 19 L A S H R A 15. Part of the Mass which includes the 20 21 22 R O U L E T T E L I Q U I D preparation of the bread and wine (9) 16. Musical composition on a sacred S Y E W A U N 23 24 theme for orchestra and voices (8) T E R T U L L I A N A M B O 19. Agents, about a hundred, brought in U I L N D I O from the east perhaps (6) 25 P A C K A N D F O L L O W 21. Genuflect, avoiding end of aisle and starting to look for ring (5) Solution Crossword 25 22. You, you French! Get a dress! (4) PAGE 31 Volume 56 Number 1

The Next Pope, the Office of Peter and a Church in Mission by George Weigel

Ignatius Press After Francis 141pp £16.50 Hardback Reviewed by Bishop Peter J. Elliott £12.53 Kindle The last book written by Peter Hebblethwaite was entitled The Next Pope, an Enquiry. It appeared after he died in 1994. This experienced Vaticanologist delved into the forces that he believed would produce the Pope to succeed St. John Paul II. He was not particularly attached to the Polish Pope; and, as I recall, he implied that he hoped that the pontificate would soon end. As it turned out, eleven years were to pass before the next Pontiff was elected, Benedict XVI, who in turn stepped aside to be replaced by Pope Francis in 2013. Speculating about the future of the Papacy is always a precarious business. We never really know what is coming around the pontifical corner. A Pope for a Church in Mission The Next Pope, the Office of Peter and a Church in Mission takes a very different approach to what was implicit in Hebblethwaite’s writing. George Weigel, the biographer of St. John Paul, does not engage in speculation, nor does he lecture, regret or rebuke Popes living

PAGE 32 faith.org.uk or deceased. He carefully avoids imposing Hope any ideological agenda on a Pope. This is BOOKS not one of those querulous traditionalist He prioritizes ten areas. ‘The Pope and…‘: rants, nor is it a liberal shopping list for the New Evangelization, the Office of some deranged papal Santa Claus. Peter, the Fullness of the Catholic Faith, the Crisis of the Human Person and Chris- Reading Weigel’s small book, one soon tian Humanism, the Bishops, the Church’s realizes that he only focuses on “the Office Priests, the Lay Apostolate, the Reform of of Peter” in order to explore the wider the Vatican, Ecumenism and Interreligious and more urgent theme of “a Church in Dialogue, and World Affairs. The ten prop- Mission”, the People of God as we move ositions and how they could be implement- forward in this surprising twenty-first ed in the Petrine ministry are preceded by century. This book is about us. a chapter on “The Holy Spirit and the Catho- lic Moment”, which sets the positive and The Next Pope Must... hope-filled context. The book is rounded However, in that broad ecclesial context, off by an appeal that all must be “Centred he does not hesitate to place a series of on Christ and the Gospel”. moral imperatives on the Pope who will serve and lead us in the future. His ten Insane or Heroic propositions or small theses appear in Some will put the little book down and ask, dark type preceding each chapter. Each “But how could any man live up to George begins firmly with “the next Pope must ...”, Weigel’s ten imperatives?” There is always then focusing on the areas that he consid- grace. The Holy Spirit sustains and guides ers to be of priority in the life and future of the man elected to hold the office of Peter “a Church in mission”. in the Church. On the other hand, having In shaping these imperatives, George served for ten years in the Roman Curia, his Weigel draws upon the achievements, book only reinforces my opinion that any teachings, hopes and vision of the popes of Cardinal who yearns to be Pope must be our times, from St Paul VI to Pope Francis. either insane or a person of heroic sanctity. He draws on his personal knowledge of Therefore, it is appropriate that, at the three of these Popes, especially St John conclusion of this book, George Weigel Paul II, who is obviously his benchmark for should affirm that “…the next pope must the Office of Peter; after all, he is hisbi- be above all, a radically converted disciple: ographer. At the same time, he reveals his a man formed in the depth of his being endorsement of St Paul VI on evangeli- by the conviction that Jesus Christ is the zation. Did not his exhortation Evangelii incarnate Son of God, who reveals to the Nuntiandi set the gold standard world the face of God the merciful Father for post-conciliar papal teachings? He and the truth about humanity, its dignity, underlines the need for intellectually and its destiny.” and spiritually coherent Catholicism as proposed by Pope Benedict, and he endorses Pope Francis’ hopes for reform The retired Auxiliary Bishop in and peace. Underlying his approach to Melbourne, Bishop Peter Elliott has had the Petrine Office is a consistent loyalty links with the Faith Movement since he to the teachings of the Second Vatican was a seminarian in 1971. Council.

PAGE 33 Volume 56 Number 1

The Beauty of Jesus Christ by Gerald O’Collins S.J.

Oxford University Our Lord the Beautiful Press 176pp Review by Scott Coleman £25.00 God’s truth and goodness are well worn themes in Catholic theology and philosophy, but his beauty is an underdeveloped concept. In The Beauty of Jesus Christ O’Collins, building on the work of von Balthasar and Bentley Hart, encourages us to attend to this important way of looking at God, as reflected in Jesus Christ. A Scheme of St Augustine O’Collins takes as his starting point a comment from St Augustine in the Expositions of the Psalms that Christ is “beautiful in heaven, and beautiful on earth; beautiful in the womb …” and beautiful throughout and beyond His life on earth. St Augustine points to Christ’s beauty in these various ways, and this book explores each of them in turn, as well as adding a few of the author’s own (“beautiful in his baptism”). We are led mainly by a rigorous, but not overly critical, reading of the Scriptures (principally the Gospels, of course, but taking in the Old Testament, St Paul, and Revelation). But the author also draws on a variety of theology (fundamental, dogmat- ic, liturgical, sacramental, mystic) and culture (Rembrandt, Bach, Bernini, Dostoevsky, Gerard Manley Hopkins).

PAGE 34 faith.org.uk

The first chapter offers some suggestions fine, scholarly distinctions in Scriptural in-

to the vexed question “what is beauty?” We terpretation. The beauty of Christ is evident BOOKS move further than the unhelpful platitude in the effect it produces on others (as in the ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ to see Visitation, when St John leaps in Elizabeth’s that it is a real characteristic of things, and womb in response), and this continues in that beauty can be seen and appreciated our musical settings of Mary’s outpouring by all. Nevertheless, O’Collins avoids overly of joy in the Magnificat and the beauty of precise solutions to complex philosoph- paintings of the nativity. ical debates, and tends to offer a ‘both/ In his miracles, the interior beauty of Christ and’ view and allows beauty to blur gently is made clear. Jesus’ reaction to the leper in into related ideas of glory, light, holiness, Mk 1:40-45 could be called compassion, but unity, perfection etc. This allows a fruitful this underestimates the force of the original engagement with the variety of Scriptural splanchnistheis, which might better be ren- images we encounter. dered ‘his heart went out to him’ (though Beautiful ‘in Heaven’ its Greek meaning actually evokes the en- trails). This verb has an immediacy and The chapter on the beauty of Jesus as the weight that captures the emotional beauty pre-existent Word delves immediately into of Christ, and occurs in other passages such the account of creation, with the images of as the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus’ light, glory, wisdom, and logos. Typical of miracles have a still greater significance, O’Collins’ imaginative approach is his link of though; his beauty is seen in the raising of radiant light in Genesis and the Psalms to the widow’s son in Nain, where he hints at its discussion in 1 John and to the medieval a new relationship between parents and obsession with light that led to the devel- children, and calls us all to life. This ‘calling opment of Gothic architecture. He likewise to life’ is summed up in the beautiful new uses a variety of patristic material to analyse vision of Christian life in the beatitudes. both sophia and logos, so that we can see how Jesus reveals divine beauty and glory. Beautiful on the Cross In particular, he considers the Apologists’ O’Collins acknowledges immediately the dialogue with pagans, using the concept of difficulty and paradox of the beauty of the logos to show how the beauty of Jesus can Cross, not least in the light of the song of be discerned by all people, not just Chris- the suffering servant: “He had no form or tians. He leaves us with some tantalising majesty that we should look at him” (Isaiah thoughts about how this might fit into the 53:2). The physical beauty of Christ is no ‘science vs. religion’ debate: discoveries in longer evident, and the image of him beaten, modern science lead us to marvel about the scourged, and wounded is indeed a horri- universe and thus wonder about the Logos ble one. But throughout the passion we see who creates it and renders it intelligible. aspects of his interior beauty: his courage Beautiful on Earth in washing his disciples’ feet; his dignity and offer of forgiveness, even when betrayed As we progress to Christ’s life on earth and by a friend; his “stunning self-forgetfulness” public ministry, we continue with a fruitful (p. 109) when having compassion on the engagement with the whole of Scripture. women of Jerusalem. Especially striking is When discussing the man born blind from Christ’s beauty in giving birth to the Church John 9, we also take in a growing idea of from his wounded side on the Cross (which light from Genesis (light as God’s creative O’Collins compares to the beauty, and yet act) to 1 John (light as an image of God suffering, of a woman giving birth to her Himself). But there is more here than mere child). We are also offered a more personal

PAGE 35 Volume 56 Number 1

encounter with Christ’s tragic beauty as he in the Gospels, St Paul, and Revelation, describes the spiritual experience of cele- as well as Christ sending the beautiful brating the Eucharist in the Church of the Holy Spirit. Holy Sepulchre. The book has effectively raised an unusual Some of the limitations of O’Collins’ ap- way of reading the Gospels that naturally proach are evident in this section, however. incorporates a wide range of the reader’s He considers the historicity of the words of experiences. Its modest aim was to flesh institution at the Last Supper but does not out St Augustine’s brief comments, but it have space to give an adequate account of raises much wider, fascinating issues. The extensive scholarly debate on this issue. In question repeatedly on my mind was how the end, however, he incorporates ideas the beauty and attractiveness of Christ from both Marcan and Lukan traditions and relate to evangelisation in the Church rather glosses over the problematic ques- today. We, as members of Christ’s body, tions. Would it not be better simply to take already share in his beauty (p. 137) - so the Gospel accounts as they are, and move how do we show this to the world? This

/ BOOK REVIEW Christ Jesus The of Beauty more swiftly into his admirable treatment hitherto unfamiliar territory will no doubt of their representation in Christian art? provoke other readers to further reflec- tions on the role of beauty in the faith and Beautiful in His Risen Life in the world. The themes of light, glory and the rev- elation of divine beauty come to their Scott Coleman is studying for the expected and joyful conclusion in the final priesthood. chapter, which discusses the risen Christ

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PAGE 36 faith.org.uk BOOKS

A Rule for the Clergy - Meditations on Ordained Pastoral Ministry by Fr Gerard Bogan

Catholic Truth Society 128pp A Vade-mecum for Priests £12.95 Review by Fr. Peter Edwards, Cong. Orat. The Rule of St Augustine, that of St Benedict, and Pope St Gregory the Great’s lesser-known ‘Pastoral Rule’, have set a certain genre which is mirrored even in the modern Rule of Taizé and is reflected in Fr. Michael Woodgate’s helpful CTS booklet A Rule of Life which guides the composition of a person- al Rule for people in any state of life. A Rule for the Clergy is quite different from all of the above and - for those who mightbe led by the title to expect something along those classical lines - will be a disappointment. Its subtitle ‘Meditations on Ordained Pastoral Ministry’ more accurately describes what it sets out to do, in which it covers a fair field and follows the format of Fr. Gerard Bogan’s other CTS booklet A-Z of Spiritual Living. Prayer and Pastoral Activity In his preface the author refers to the original title of the Rule of Taizé, ‘A Parable of Community’, as ‘an encouragement for the Brothers in their search for God as part of a community of faith’. It is this which gave him the inspiration for this book, in which he offers short but comprehensive coverage of many aspects of

PAGE 37 Volume 56 Number 1

prayer and pastoral activity, drawn from advises that ‘if our pastoral ministry is so his personal experience, and presented in busy at the expense of our search for God, an engaging manner. then we need to re-balance things.’ The thirty-eight brief chapters treat Action Time to Challenge & Contemplation, Administration & Finance, Alone with the Alone, Building on Each His longer section on Silence sees us as Other’s Work, Celebrating Sacraments, ‘people ready for transformation. No longer Celibacy, Confession and Spiritual Direc- distracted by our escapist media, we can be tion, Creative Space, Daily Mass and Prayer attacked by demons. They do not bother us without the Priest, Deacons, Developing a when we are living on the surface; however, Culture of Space, Devotions, Divine Office, once we attempt to move deeper, they Ecumenical Relations, Finding Silence, Free target us.’ He encourages us to ‘live with Time, Homiletics, Identifying Gifts, Leader or as much silence as possible’, and provides

/ BOOK REVIEW the Clergy for A Rule Servant, Lectio Divina as a Model for Minis- practical hints from Thomas Merton and a try, Mary the Contemplative, Mysticism and Buddhist monk. Perhaps prophetically he the Saints, Obedience, Open Church, Pas- says: ‘Maybe we have passed the time of toral Planning, Personal Prayer, Preferen- trying to fit in with the wider society, telling tial Option for the Poor, Priest or Minister, ourselves that in such a way we might bring Prophecy not Survival, Schools of Prayer, influence to bear. Maybe now is the time Searching for God, Simplicity & Marginality, to challenge the wider society with our Stabilitas, Study & Reading, Sunday Mass, simplicity, with our marginal living. Then Visiting the Sick & Housebound, We are the this form of asceticism might proclaim the Same but Different, and Young People. Each Gospel in a fresh way to a world lost in chapter is less than two (A6) pages, except pleasure seeking.’ for four pages each on Silence, Lectio Divina, Prophecy, and Searching for God. Quotations and Prayers Spiritual Direction Addressing the wide variety of circumstanc- es in which Priests and Deacons engage day ‘Whoever directs his own spiritual life has by day, Fr. Bogan both reassures and chal- a fool for a director’ - a maxim variously at- lenges us in our search for God, and in doing tributed to Cassian, St Bernard of Clairvaux his will. He reminds us of familiar ground, and St Philip Neri – should encourage us all while pointing us to see beyond the imme- to seek out a Spiritual Director. This little diate. Each section concludes with a related book could serve as a useful vade mecum quotation or prayer from such as St John of for topic-by-topic discussion with one’s the Cross (2) St Paul VI St John Paul II, Pope Spiritual Director, or could be recommend- Benedict XVI, Pope Francis, St Teresa of ed for such a purpose to a priest’s own Calcutta, the Atlas Martyrs, Henri Nouwen clergy penitents, or his spiritual directees. (3), Jean Venier (3), Thomas Merton (2), Br Roger of Taize (3), Hans Urs Von Balthasar, The thought-provoking and refreshing Rowan Williams, Edward Schillebeeckx, reflections help the reader to re-examine T. S. Eliot, Karl Rahner, R. S. Thomas, and the our own prayerful and pastoral practices Congregation for the Clergy (2). On one of and what we draw from these experiences. his summer visits to Taizé the author com- Fr. Bogan encourages priests and deacons, posed twenty ‘Prayers of Wonder’ which for example, to see Spiritual Direction as feature as a supplement. ‘an important element in our journeying into the depths of God’s love’; and wisely

PAGE 38 Volume 56 Number 1

Not Pseudo-psychology into the car’s glove box or cassock pocket for those moments between engagements ‘I am advocating’, he says in conclusion, when it can be dipped into for reminder ‘that we keep looking afresh at traditional and refreshment, like the scribe ‘bringing practices. I am not, however, sympathet- from the treasury things both old and new’. ic to ways of speaking about the spiritual and pastoral life in terms of trendy pseu- do-psychology. We are not self-help gurus. Fr. Peter Edwards is Moderator and Nor should we see ourselves as religious Parish Priest of the Bournemouth equivalents of health professionals or care Oratory in Formation (www.bourne- workers. Both of these groups have very mouthoratory.org.uk) and co-founder important responsibilities in our society, of the Academy of the Annunciation but who we are is of another order’. (www.aoa-edu.com). This handy little volume, handsomely bound in black flexi-leatherette, will slip

CATHOLICISM: A NEW SYNTHESIS SEXUAL ORDER AND HOLY ORDER

Edward Holloway’s major work in which The Church through the ages has always he shows in detail how orthodox Catholic taught that priests should be male. But in an theology can be synthesised with the age when woman has, through the cultural philosophy of evolution to produce a and intellectual development of society, been coherent understanding of Catholic able to vindicate that status of equality with Christianity for the modern age. The the male which was always hers by right thinking behind the Faith movement, of nature and grace, we have to look for this theological vision has been inspiring the intrinsic reasons behind the works and Catholics, especially the young, for over words of God in Christ about the priesthood. 50 years. It provides a way forward for the Fr. Holloway explores why human beings Church to meet the intellectual challenge are created male and female and the role of the modern secular worldview. of sexuality in God’s self-giving to us which climaxes in the Incarnation and the Eucharist.

PAGE Available39 as free downloads or to buy as printed pamphlets at: www.faith.org.uk/shop This winter the world is battling the coronavirus — but across COVID-19 the globe the Church is showing Christ’s compassion to those Winter Emergency suffering because of the virus. Please help those affected by A registered charity in England and Wales (1097984) and Scotland (SC040748) the COVID-19 crisis Aid to the Church in Need ACN 12-14 Benhill Avenue, Sutton, Surrey SM1 4DA Donations can be given online at www.acnuk.org/covid Rev/Sr/Mr/Mrs/Miss...... Address:...... Postcode: ......

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Cheques made payable Postcode/Zipcode to “Faith Magazine”. Telephone Our new email address is Diocese [email protected]