A real transformation #1

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Saint Athanasius, whose feast is commemorated today, was one of the most significant Christian figures of the fourth century. An Egyptian bishop and theologian, he died in A.D. 373 and is best remembered as the principal defender of Nicene orthodoxy against the Arian heresy, which sought to deny the full divinity of Jesus Christ. He is often described by the phrase Athanasius contra mundum –  ‘Athanasius against the world’ – reflecting his steadfast resistance to both ecclesiastical and imperial pressures in defence of the Catholic faith at a time when Arianism had gained influence throughout the Roman Empire, including among senior clergy.

The dignity of work in the Eucharist

Picture Credit:

Today is traditionally regarded as the first day of summer in Ireland. Lá Bealtaine, the 1st of May, marks an ancient turning point of the year. Today is also the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, a feast day inaugurated in 1955 by Pope Pius XII in honour of Saint Joseph as a model of human labour and as an inspiration for workers throughout the world.

The choice of date was no accident. Originating in 1886, May Day has had significance in trade union and political calendars ever since. Over time, it became firmly associated with left‑wing, socialist and Marxist movements. In the febrile atmosphere of the 1950s, Christians and Catholics were under pressure to defend social and moral ground that was increasingly being contested by hostile ideologies—particularly, though not exclusively, in Italy, where communist and socialist movements were in the ascendant.

Women’s ordination – weighing up the arguments

Pic: Vatican News

I am not sure whether the US Vice-President, J. D. Vance, is taking time to read this blog series. Regardless, his advice to Pope Leo XIV — “I think it’s very, very important for the pope to be careful when he talks about matters of theology” — applies all the more to me, since I cannot claim any particular depth of theological training or experience. However, I am certain of at least one thing: neither the Vice-President nor I is the Pope.

Could women serve as deacons at the Eucharist in the Roman Catholic church? (#2)

Leading Liturgists Reaffirm the Ordination of Women to the Diaconate - Public Orthodoxy

Unlike the case of priestly ordination, objections to the ordination of women to the diaconate cannot rest on apostolic precedent or on Eucharistic sacramental symbolism. This raises the question of what, precisely, distinguishes a priest from a deacon within the catholic apostolic tradition—Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican.

Could women serve as deacons at the Eucharist in the Roman Catholic church? (#1)

Picture:  Codex Barberini gr. 336 (780 AD) with the opening of the ordination rite for women deacons

Let us set aside the question of the priesthood for the moment – I will return to it later. Today, I want to focus instead on the office and function of the diaconate within the Church’s three‑fold clerical order of deacon, priest, and bishop.

Sufficient evidence?

The lie detector machine

Sunday 3 May 2026

Acts 6:1-7 Psalm 33(32)

1 Peter 2:4-9 John 14:1-12

There are two questions I consider this Sunday: the how of belief and the so what of belief. 

 

Lectio Divina:*

Meditatio:

‘Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves.’   (John 14:11)

 Commentary:

How do we know that God exists—and does it matter?

Joining the dawn chorus

I managed to get up reasonably early this morning (for a retired gentleman, that is) to inspect the world of nature outside before joining the monks for Lauds. The sun was rising and the birds were singing. Another day was in the offering.

Across the world, millions are already on the move in so many time zones - to and from schools and workplaces, hospitals and holiday destinations, visits both joyful and necessary. Millions more are still wrapped in sleep or waiting anxiously in some residential institution or place of care. Some, having no shelter, have passed the night beneath the open sky. Some live in constant terror of drones, missiles or violence.  Today is a wholly new day, rich with possibilities and marked also by challenges, hopes, and anxieties.