Dr. Birrell went on to describe how, through scandals and controversy from 17th and 18th century heretics, teaching about mental prayer was surpressed. In the 19th century discursive and affective prayer were emphasised at times at the expense of the quiet 'loving attention to God' (St. Francis de Sales). In this century there has been a swing in the opposite direction, to disregard the systematic meditation that is part of the natural progression to the higher levels of prayer.
As a psychologist, Dr. Birrell voiced his concern for the psychological consequences of missing the systematic mental prayer. Contemplative prayer is not something to pick up instantly or do a course in over a weekend. Unfortunately that's pretty much where the talk ended, but be sure that next session we'll get to hear more on this subject.
For further reading he recommends The Catechism of the Catholic Church (a brilliant place to look for all your questions) and Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales (esp. the Doubleday edition). Check the university library, I saw they had some of St. John's books on level 3. A quick author search for the saints already mentioned will yield a wealth of reading to last for ages.
This week's talk discusses the changing roles of men and women in society today and the impact this has had on men especially. The common negative masculine stereotype has been advanced by the media so that now "there are no longer the positive role models for our young men in popular culture" (Alan Barron, 1998). This has also weakened the fundamental struture in society, the family. The role of the father is integral in the working of the family. The role of the father is also vital in understanding the richness of Church teaching about God. You'll notice the posters feature, not a picture of Superman (as suggested by some), but of St. Joseph. St. Joseph is a shining example of a worker, husband and father in the Holy Family. Superman wasn't even properly human. Referring back to the previous talk, St. Teresa of Avila recommended that, in the case where a spiritual director is unavailable, you should entrust your soul to St. Joseph.
Anyway, I'll have more to write about next week, I hope to see you all there in room 107 (on the Arcade level) of the Mathews building. For some more reading, without having to get to the library, try this site: http://www.rtforum.org The Roman Theological Forum.
To organise things like convenient lunchtimes, advertising, membership and to let you know all the latest developments there will be a meeting after Friday's movie at about 6pm. This is your chance to make a difference at uni and to meet all the people behind this club. Good Luck in your studies!
Patron saints for students: St. Joseph of Cupertino, St. Francis de Sales, St. Thomas Aquinas, please help me with this list.
| Next Week | Back to index | Home |