Catholic theology study week with the Dominicans

Fr. Vivian Boland OP beginning his lecture.

Yesterday I returned home from a magnificent week spent at Buckfast Abbey, in Devon. The English Province of the Dominican Order organised a study week in Catholic theology for undergraduate students in the stunning grounds of Buckfast Abbey, with three Dominicans offering lectures and seminars in different aspects of Catholic theology with a, not surprisingly, Thomist slant. Fr. Simon Gaine OP, Fr. Vivian Boland OP, and Sr. Ann Catherine OP led us through the week in a number of intellectually stimulating sessions. I certainly feel that I know my Catholic theology much better now than before I set off for Devon.  Even though I have graduated with a degree in Theology and Religious Studies, it wasn't strictly Catholic theology, so this week gave me an opportunity to learn more about my own theological tradition. 

The high altar in the abbey church.

As I shall continue to be involved with Catholic-Jewish dialogue, and will still have my interest in dialogue with the Eastern Churches,  I think it is very important for me to know my tradition well so that I know where I am coming from, and can share the beauty of my religious tradition with others. What has struck me the most in my dialogue with the Jewish people is that the young Jews tend to know their tradition very well; they have a lot of catechesis, not just at the synagogue, but also in the 'domestic synagogue': the home. I can't help but lament the lack of catechesis I have had during my upbringing. I recall looking through my first Holy Communion work book not too long ago and was struck by the fact that there was not a single mention in it of Christ being made truly present in the consecrated gifts of the altar; there were plenty of pictures of loaves and grape vines however!

This Dominican study week which I was fortunate enough to attend, was a great opportunity for young Catholics to learn more about their faith, and it has equipped me with the tools to better defend my faith in a society which seeks to ridicule and dismiss it. I am positive that this will not be the last study week put on by the Dominicans. I, for one, am very grateful for all the effort that was put in by Br. Nicholas from Blackfriars, and to all the speakers who were absolutely superb.

On another note: I found this to be rather interesting. It belongs to an Anglican church which the group popped into on our walk through the Devon countryside. 

Benedicite.