Yesterday evening saw the start of the Winter Conference of the Faith Movement, at Stonyhurst College in Lancashire.The conference began with Mass in the magnificent chapel, filled with the 212 participants at this year’s Conference. Fr John Paul Leonard was principal celebrant in a sanctuary crowded with over 25 concelebrants.The first talk was given by Fr Luiz Ruscillo. He began in characteristically amusing style by quoting some questions and answers from a book produced by the New Scientist called something like “Why don’t penguins’ feet freeze?” As he said, we expect answers to scientific questions, and when we have the answer, we do not expect to be told “that is just your opinion” or “that may be true for you.” Similarly in matters of faith, we seek the truth. He went through an argument from science for the existence of God, spoke about the uniqueness of the human person with a spiritual soul, and presented the importance of our relationship with the living and true God.
In the discussion afterwards, somebody asked about the different styles of retreat, some offering the enneagram and other novelties. This was answered well, with one priest referring to the letter of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith on Some Aspects of Christian Meditation. Several in the room were itching to make mention of the Prayer of the Frog and so reference is given here also to the Notification concerning the writings of Fr Anthony de Mello SJ.)
After the talk, there was Compline in the chapel followed by an opportunity to chat in the bar. There are several seminarians here and it was good to catch up with how things are in the various colleges. Anna-Marie who travelled up with me, is studying English Literature at A-Level. In the car on the way up, we were all discussing the ramifications of various views on literature. Tonight, we somehow got onto a discussion of the nature of numbers and mathematics. I roped in Fr Stephen Dingley for some help on that one.
16 comments:
It all seems very jovial and such a beautiful setting - I was wondering if there was a 'bursary' of some kind, so those less affluent amoung us could have the opportunity of attending?
The normal student/unwaged cost is £75. Nobody in the relevant age group (16-30) would be refused if they wanted to come but could not afford the whole fee. Contact details etc. can be found on the Faith website.
Why don't penguins' feet freeze?
Thank's that's good to know - I'm sure there are lots of young people who would love to attend this sort of Winter Conference but find the whole 'Faith' movement a bit exclusive. Maybe there is something you can do dispel it's insular feeling and reach out to new people?
Wish I could be there. We lived in Clitheroe for a few years and the picture of Stonyhurst made me homesick for England.
Dear anon - most movements or groups get called "elitist" or "exclusive" from time to time. Faith does not require any "membership" as such to attend these things. It puts on public talks in London, publishes a magazine, has a website where you can get everything free of charge and book onto events. Its events are advertised elsewhere as much as we can afford.
the faith movement was described to me as an elitist group of people, but i was pleasantly proved wrong and recieved such a warmth of welcome that can only be descrubd as of the lord himself. as the trendy worship song goes....all are welcome here!
Dear Fr. Tim - Yes I think the Faith Movement has been perceived as 'exclusive' and 'as an elitist group of people' - arguable, this may be the result of it emanating from one educational institution that could be described as a bit 'leafy Surrey'. But the website is an excellent way to try and bridge that gap - Thanks.
I went to the John Fisher School after passing the 11+ exam at my school in Croydon. I did feel a bit out of things to start with.
The Faith Movement in its early years had little to do with the school as such - Fr Nesbitt worked at it with a certain amount of opposition and little active support. That has changed in more recent years as the school has appreciated the value ofthe Faith Movement.
The other thing is that because Faith offers intellectual answers to the current crisis, it does attract and hold some quite high-powered types at universities. But I think there is a great need for this and we do our best to convey things in an accessible way.
Aha! Faith must be a bit elitist: You're not letting on why penguins' feet don't freeze. Is this part of your secret knowledge???
Oh no! You've found us out. Just to put you off the scent, there is a commonly believed answer here.
But we know the real reason (conspiratorially taps nose).
Dear Fr. Tim - Really interested in the whole faith / education / mission 'interface' thing. Thinking of making it the focus for my dissertation - How is it that John Fisher school produces so many Priests? Should be a fair few thousands words there!
I am sure you would be welcome at the John Fisher School if you wanted to go down and interview "Sir Dan of the Nesbitry". There is a board in the Hall along with the Rugby Captains etc. of priests who have been ordained. I would be happy to give you various contacts to help in your research.
Dear Ft. Tim - that's great - thanks. I'm setting up a Parish Mission Team at the moment and making it the basis of my investigation into applied ecclesiology. Hopefully that will give me a good basis for my dissertation so I may well be in touch re. 'various contacts'.
I'm sure that I'll be shot down for saying this, but...
I'm slightly concerned about the Faith movement. I can't criticise what they have to say or publish because it is straight forward orthodox Catholic teaching. Good.
However, having met a number of "products" of the Faith movement, I do worry that something must get lost in translation!
While there seems to be a good solid base if "facts" regarding our faith, there does seem to be a certain lack of compassion in how this knowledge is expressed by people who have grown up with the movement. Particularly to more vulnerable "explorers" of their faith.
There doesn't seem to be a lot of personal growth or discovery encouraged. It's our way or no way...
What do you think? Too harsh?
James - It may well be that some people may lack compassion at times and obviously that is not good. I suppose that we have people with all the usual character faults. However, there are also those with a great deal of compassion, I think.
Personal growth? Certainly - growth in the spiritual and moral life in accord with the classical spiritual doctrine of the Church.
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