“I was brought up in the truly ancient Roman Catholic apostolic religion, which taught me that the sum of the only true Christian profession is to die…, which I gladly take to follow my dear Saviour“
–St John Southworth
Allen Hall welcomed a host of guests as Rector Canon John O’Leary gave the first of a series of talks for the Jubilee Year of Hope. The Rector asked everyone to consider what first came to mind when we think about the word hope and from there addressed the various ideas that prevail in our society. Given that Allen Hall’s motto is ‘Vivamus in spe‘, the seminary was an appropriate place for the pilgrims of Hope to gather. Canon John spoke about the legacy of the College Martyrs and the Christian hope we received as a seal on our souls during baptism. With Christ as our centre, the Rector announced that we have nothing to fear because Hope is a theological virtue, infused in our souls by baptism, allowing us to die and rise with Christ.
As the talk progressed, Canon John pointed out that this year marks the 1700th Anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. Highlighting the importance of this council for Christian Orthodoxy, the Rector shared Nicaea’s key insights as to why Jesus Christ as the Son of God is consubstantial with the Father. Summing up his talk with the teaching of St Athanasius, “The Son of God became the Son of Man that sons of man could become Sons of God”. Canon John concluded that in Hope’s incarnation and call to follow him, we as pilgrims of Hope (notice that Christ and Hope are interchangeable here!) receive the Grace to carry our crosses each day. As the Pilgrim Church journies to her Heavenly homeland and along the way overcomes her trials, we recall that the ‘great Church victorious will be the Church at rest’.
After the talks, everyone was welcomed to refreshments and a social in the refectory. The Rector then announced that the seminarians were to give group tours of Allen Hall to all the guests. The groups finished their tours in time for Solemn Vespers which featured the veneration of a relic of St John Southworth. The Allen Hall community extends their deepest gratitude to all those who joined for the day in the talks, tours, and prayer.
The next talk is scheduled for Saturday, 7th June (Eve of Pentecost).
See the button below for: general information on the talks, how to sign up for them, and the Zoom link (in case all the places fill up again!).
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