Dominican Seminar 2011

The annual seminar organised by the Dominican Association of Great Britain and Ireland took place at Hinsley Hall, Leeds from January 7th to January 9th. The theme this year was Blessed John Henry Newman.

Dr Paul Parvis opened the batting with an exploration of Newman's comments about the laity, exploring whether or not it can be said that he had a 'theology' of the laity. Dr Padraic Conway's paper, read in his absence by fr Thomas  McCarthy of the Irish Province, presented varying appraisals of Newman's time as rector of the Catholic University in Dublin. Was it a success or a failure? is a much more complicated question than it seems.

fr Richard Conrad and fr Vivian Boland enacted 'a Puginesque disputation' on the theme of conscience between Dr Newman and a contemporary Dominican friar of the Torquemada family. While the disputants seem to have agreed that the match was a draw, fr Vivian's pseudo-Oratorian garb was judged the better costume, if only for the purposes of the debate.

Sr Honor McCabe was unable to travel due to illness but her paper, on Newman's spirituality as seen in his preaching, was read for her by Sr Elizabeth Healy, regional prioress for Ireland of the Cabra congregation of Dominican sisters. 

The first full day finished with a relaxing presentation of Elgar's musical adaptation of Newman's Dream of Gerontius. fr Brendan Slevin held a discerning audience captive: they did not want to leave the lecture room even though a social evening beckoned. (Honestly, it was the music that held us back, not the thought of fraternising - again - with each other!)

The final day brought us a very fascinating account of Newman's poetry (not very good) and hymns (excellent), presented with characteristic wit and humour by Sr Anna Mary of the Stone congregation.

At the business meeting that followed it was agreed that the seminar should continue, at the same time and venue, and that next year's seminar would treat of the future of Vatican II (1962-2012), the body, and the arts - the committee is working hard at weaving all that into one theme.

The seminar was very enjoyable as well as informative, serious without becoming heavy. Some familiar faces were missed - nobody will object if Br Vincent gets special mention. The forty odd (!) Dominicans who did attend returned home encouraged and refreshed, inspired once again by the life and work of one of England's greatest sons, John Henry Newman.