TCMeetings

Theologians’ Corner – January 2026 – Visio Divina

Visio Divina Guide: Fr David Romero SJ

We walked down the stairs to the basement room where the TC meeting was going to be
held already expectant and feeling lighter, our problems and the madness of the world left
behind if only for a short while.

A few days earlier, we had received a copy of an 18th century painting of the Sacred Heart
of Jesus by Pompeo Batoni together with two questions to reflect on its meaning and the
effect it had on us:
What feeling(s) or realisation(s) did the image stir in me?
How might the Lord be speaking to me OR what might he want to show me?
As usual, we were noisy at the beginning, talking to each other, but the atmosphere soon
changed as Fr David began, leading us in a mixture of prayer and meditation (Visio
Divina). We looked at the picture of Jesus projected on the wall and listened to peaceful
music while Father spoke.
He told us about his own experience of prayer and shared some very powerful quotes, most
of which preached a common message: we mustn’t worry too much if we don’t pray
perfectly, there is always room for improvement. Prayer has more to do with God than with
us, and God is always going to reach out and offer his love unconditionally.
Afterwards, Father told us to exchange opinions about how the image made us feel in small
groups. And finally, some of us also shared in front of the whole group. It was very
interesting to listen to what others thought of the painting as it helped us understand some
very valuable perspectives.
Father’s kindness and approachability made the experience one of a kind and we are
thankful for that.
I have to say I left the room with a renewed sensation of happiness, feeling refreshed and
invigorated by the prayer, and I can only assume all the others experienced similar
emotions.

-Maria Jose

Theologians’ Corner – October 2025 – AI a faith inspired response

What is a question that can be answered?

What is intelligence?

How can discernment becomes our superpower?

Materials from the discussion.

Handout used during the discussion

Theologians’ Corner – September 2025 – St John Henry Newman

Coming soon

Materials from the discussion.

Handout used during the discussion

Alexander Armstrong reading Saint John Henry Newman Meditation | Genesis Foundation

"Lead Kindly Light" - 300 Voice Mass Choir- Classic Hymns Album

Books by St John Henry Newman

National Institue for Newman studies

Redemptoris Mater – Theologians’ Corner April ’24

REDEMPTORIS MATER – https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_25031987_redemptoris-mater.html
Guide: Fr Alex

Father took us through the document giving us insights on Pope John Paul II’s vision of Mother Mary as protector and the mosaic that marks the spot of the vision in St Peter’s square. The image has two captions.The first is Totus Tuus (all yours), John Paul II’s motto, from a book of St Louis Grignon de Montfort. The second is “Mother of the Church”

The Encyclical offers much insight, however, the discussion highlighted three important points:

“The Annunciation” is an opportunity for faith to join our will and intellect. When we do, we receive God’s grace allows us to encounter him and live out our vocation. Like Mary, she gives her total self to God and in return she is “full of grace” because God acknowledges the goodness in her, and it is a recognition of who she is in salvation history–a vessel prepared to receive Christ.
“The Pieta” is the reality of Mary’s vocation. As a mother, she witnessed the brutality of her son’s passion and by holding him reminds us the depths of a mother’s love. This closeness binds her to him. She becomes a mother to us all.
In “Pentecost” we receive new life in the resurrection and the Holy Spirit gives us gifts to go out and preach the Gospel. Now, Mary moves from being the receiver of the message to going out and being the messenger. All Christians are called to imitate Mary’s closeness and faithfulness so that we can hold Christ in our hearts and preach the Gospel.

One of our participants talked about how it is our mission to learn languages to spread the Word. Another shared her experience of how French brought her closer to Mother Mary. A spirited discussion followed on intercession, apostles, saints, heaven, iconography and other insights into faith across different cultures.

The presentation is available here.

If conversations on Catholic Theology interest you, join us and indulge!