This turbulent priest
Episodes
161 episodes
What can the death of Ann Widdecombe teach us?
In this week's episode I pay homage to the murdered politician Ann Widdecombe. I contemplate her life and the witness of her Christian faith and I ask what legacy she leaves us. May she rest in peace.
Unity versus Truth: reflecting on the SSPX schism
In this week's episode I reflect on the schism that occurred when the SSPX took themselves out of communion with the Catholic Church when they consecrated new bishops without a papal mandate. Are they victims or aggressors? Do they merit our sy...
Against the machine: C R Ashbee and the fight for beauty!
In this week's episode I reflect on the beautiful reredos located in the sacred heard chapel at St Anselm's in Pembury which was created by C R Ashbee a prominent member of the Arts and Crafts movement. This reflection leads me to ponder the ro...
Should Christians believe in progress?
In this week's episode I try and distinguish between technological advance in society and genuine progress. I challenge the common assumption that humanity is evolving as time goes on...
Do religions really cause war?
In this week's episode I ponder the accusation, so often hurled at Christians, that religion causes war. Is it true? Does this claim stand up to scrutiny? What does the church have to say about this?
Is modern parenting too safe?
In this week's episode I pick up on the education secretary's claim that modern children are too risk averse and cosseted and ask if we need to re-asses parenting especially in light of our faith as Catholics.
A Catholic reflects on the murder of Henry Nowak
In this week's episode I try and give a Catholic response to the senseless murder of University student Henry Nowak. I suggest that a loss of Christian anthropology is leading to struggles in our society to deal with matters of justice and trut...
Magnifica Humanitas: first impressions of Pope Leo's first encyclical
In this week's episode I give my first impressions on the first encyclical of Pope Leo which centres on anthropological questioning- what does it mean to be human in a fast evolving world with Ai?
The death of the local community
In this week's episode I ponder the breakdown of the parish system and of local community in recent years and its impact on the faith and life of England.
Catholicism didn't abandon the left, the left has abandoned Catholicism
In this week's episode I ponder why Christianity has been largely abandoned by all political parties but especially the left, which once had a strong alliance with Catholicism in working class areas of Britain. I ask how Christians should engag...
Does the world need a new 'just war' theory?
In this week's episode I share my concerns that global conflict is in the air and ask if the complexities of modern warfare make a traditional understanding of just war theory somewhat obsolete and difficult to discern. Is it time for the churc...
A blessing too far: when ecumenism forgets truth
In this week's episode I ponder the scandal that was caused when the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullaly, gave an apparent blessing in the basilica of St Peter in Rome and, more alarmingly, when a Catholic prelate appeared to accept it...
When Popes and Presidents clash!
In this week's episode I ponder the recent spat between Pope Leo and President Trump and try to ponder not only what caused it but also what the solution to such conflict might be...
Vatican backs the Ordinariate
In this week's episode I ponder a wonderful document, produced by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith, which explores the patrimony of the Ordinariate and examines how it is working on the ground. It is essentially a huge boost to those of ...
Passiontide reflection
In this episode I ponder how we can fully enter into passion tide as we prepare for a good Holy Week
The crisis of masculinity in the world and the church
In this week's episode I highlight how a serious crisis of masculinity in both the world and the church is deeply damaging both.
On the edge of the abyss: pondering the situation in Iran
In this week's episode I attempt to sidestep the politics of the situation in Iran and ask instead what we should make of it all as Catholics?
Hunger for God: a deep dive on fasting
In this Lenten episode I deep dive on the subject of fasting. It is a practice that was once entirely normative for Christians but which has fallen out of us for many. Is it time to re-evaluate our need for it?
Altar serving: a school of reverence
In this week's episode I ponder the role of altar serving, noting what aspects of this vital work has been lost in the modern era and asking how it might be reformed to help us in our future.
Epstein & the grooming gangs of England; a Catholic response.
In this week's episode I contemplate the grotesque scandals of Epstein in America and the Muslim grooming gangs in the North of England. And I ask what they have in common and what this reveals, from a Catholic perspective, about the loss of an...
Before the fast begins: the lost wisdom of pre-Lent
In this week's episode I ponder the ancient season of Pre-Lent which was lost to most modern Catholics at the Second Vatican council.
Indulgences: corruption or compassion?
In this week's episode I look into one of the most misunderstood and neglected aspect of Catholic teaching- the use of indulgences!
The bare bones of belief
In this episode I explore the theme of relics. What are they? Are they biblical? What does the church teach us about them?