Courtney McGrailA Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation: Aspects of Priesthood and Baptism
edited by Joseph Briody
(Smenos Publications, €25.00 plus p+p)
This is the eighth publication in the Fota Liturgy Series, the outcome of the regular Fota Conferences, which have drawn select liturgists from all over Europe. The editor is both a priest of the Diocese of Raphoe and Professor of Sacred Liturgy at St John’s Seminary, in Boston. The other 10 contributors are also of international reputation.
While this book is aimed at those with a special interest in the liturgy and might seem therefore to be largely aimed at a clerical readership, the theme of the papers is the role of the lay person in both the church and the world, arising from the concept of Baptism itself as a form of ordination, distinguishing the ministerial priesthood with the common priesthood of the baptised. Thus it attempts to affirm the true nature of the Church as a whole.
The insights of the papers are, of course, expressed in diffuse language for the untrained. But the very notion of the lay vocation is certainly enriched by what the scholars have to say. But, some will wonder, what light this may in due course shed on the role of women in the Church?
God Has Spoken
by J. I. Packer
(Hodder & Stoughton. £8.99)
This short book, by the eminent Anglican theologian, who teaches at Regent College in Vancouver, provides an overview of what many Chrstians would agree with, that to hear the true voice of God, we have in the Bible the ultimate resource.
Doctrinal issues often intervene in biblical matters, but Dr Packer’s main contention is that all Chrstians should read, and be aware of the Bible, would have total agreement. This, of course, means not reading selectively, but actually reading through the texts, in all their variety, so that we are familiar with all the various kinds of expression that are to found in the Bible from Genesis through to the Apocalypse.
This, I suspect, is among Catholics a rare thing, despite the efforts of schools and Church groups. This book is aimed, in straight forward language, largely at students and parish groups. The general outline is perhaps more fundamental that is often encountered in Catholic circles these days. But for some readers that may well provide the main interest of the book.
Liffey Green Danube Blue: The Musical Life and Loves of László Gede
by Eibhlín Mac Máighistir Gede, with Antoinette Walker
(Merrion Press, €24.99)
This remarkable book touches on the experience of European history in many extraordinary ways. It tells the story of an Hungarian musician, growing up in that country’s unique culture, whose experiences of war troubled Eastern Europe, led him to escape to South Africa, only to find there yet more turmoil.
Immigrating to Ireland he married there author. Music failing him, he turned into a jack of many trades, before they moved on to Luxembourg, where he died aged 90. This is a wonderful tale of humanity and survival, in which music plays an essential part.