 This journal first appeared shortly after the opening of Vatican II. While providing a forum for dealing with concerns that are specific to those in religious life, RLR also enables the treasures of the traditions of consecrated life to be shared more widely in the Church and beyond. It appears six times a year.
Religious Life Review
September/October 2010
Volume 49, no 264
The Cover
The cover features a bronze crucifixion plaque, one of a number to be seen in the National Museum of Ireland. It dates from the tenth or eleventh century and was most likely attached at the corners to a gospel book cover. The Christ figure is shown alive with his hands not yet pierced; great decorative use is made of the lance and spongebearers. Particularly intriguing is that the supporting angels on Christ's arms wear the same military helmets as the soldiers.
Hope: the ‘future tense of faith’
One of the most influential contemporary teachers of theology within the English-speaking world of consecrated life is Anthony Gittins. Originally from Manchester, Tony teaches now in Chicago, but is also a regular writer for RLR and a lecturer much in demand internationally. The editor of RLR, Thomas McCarthy, op, caught up with Tony on a recent visit to Ireland, and interviewed him in Kimmage this summer. It is a text brimming with hope, which (Tony says) can be said to be the ‘future tense of faith’.
Preach? We have only just begun!
Irish Dominican Joseph Kavanagh publishes his reaction to an energetic paper presented by Dominican novices to the Council of the Province! The youthful text awoke in Joe an urgency to say that in a society (Ireland) that has witnessed the demise of its golden calf – or tiger – we must address the prevailing mood of confusion, anger, disillusionment and alienation, both within ourselves and around us. Hope lies within us: let us plumb its depths and witness that hope in our preaching of the gospel!
God’s Spirit shall give comfort
In an editorial comment, Thomas McCarthy speaks of the current crisis in Catholic priesthood and outlines what he believes is necessary as the next step to reform.
Book reviews
In this edition, reviews are included of recent books by Mark Patrick Hederman, OSB, Thomas Morrissey, SJ, Sister Maire Kealy, OP and a major collaborative work on Dominican approaches in education, with contributions from Suzanne Noffke, Vivian Boland, Timothy Radcliffe, Albert Nolan and Marian O’Sullivan.
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