Tags: Salesian Education
Summum Opus Dei
Posted: Thu, 11 Mar 2021 13:23
In this week's Catholic Teacher article, Mike ponders the importance of the phrase "summum opus Dei".
The great Franciscan philosopher and theologian John Duns Scotus called Christ the "summum opus Dei"; literally translated to the "highest work of God". Christ was, is and will always be the ultimate revelation of God—spirit and matter combined in perfect unity and relationship. Christ is in all... Read More »
Setting the World on Fire
Posted: Wed, 03 Mar 2021 15:32
For Catholic teacher and deacon, Michael Bennett, righteous anger at the inequalities faced by so many children fuels the hope and courage educators need to help all children achieve their full potential, and to be the people God made them to be. (Image: adapted from a photo by Timon Studler on Unsplash)
This morning I woke up to these words of wisdom attributed to St Catherine of Siena:
"If you are... Read More »
Let The Healing Begin
Posted: Thu, 25 Feb 2021 13:26
In this week's Catholic Teacher Article, Mike reflects on Mark 1:40-45 and how it ties into modern Catholic education.
The Gospel reading for Sunday 14 February is truly beautiful. It has touched me at a profound level:
A man with leprosy came to Jesus and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean."
Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing,"... Read More »
Come and See
Posted: Thu, 28 Jan 2021 15:11
In this week's Catholic Teacher Article, Mike reflects on the gospel reading John 1:35-42.
My study at home has three icons on display.
First, The Trinity created by Russian painter Andrei Rublev in the 15th century.
Second, a painting of St John Bosco.
And finally, a painting of St Jean-Baptise de la Salle.
These sacred images ground me in the reality that the divine flow of the Trinity is the constant... Read More »
When the Divine Speaks
Posted: Tue, 12 Jan 2021 11:19
In this week's Catholic Teacher Article, Mike details the importance of listening to the Lord.
Since my undergraduate days, I have been attracted to the mystics. The mystics speak with a gentle authority, which comes from an experiential knowing. Through their attentive seeking they have attained a union with God that is infinitely possible. The mystic way is open to all; it is not something that is... Read More »
The Hands of the Father
Posted: Wed, 16 Dec 2020 15:09
In this week's Catholic Teacher Article, Mike reflects on Duetronomy 1:3, and explores how it has helped him cope with what has been a very tough year.
Recently I attended a retreat—it was over the October break—due to the restrictions it was conducted via Zoom. My retreat master was a wise Jesuit. On our first session, this saintly soul asked me how I was feeling. My reply was, ''I am angry!... Read More »
Ancient Wisdom
Posted: Thu, 26 Nov 2020 13:15
In this week's Catholic Teacher Article, Mike uses the teachings of Aristotle to explore the duty of a teacher.
Many years ago, when head of RE in Chorley, I came across the following quote by the Hellenistic thinker Aristotle:
Teachers, who educate children, deserve more honour than parents, who merely gave them birth; for the latter provided mere life, while the former ensure a good life.
It made me... Read More »
The Courage to Hope
Posted: Thu, 19 Nov 2020 13:32
In this week's Catholic Teacher Article, Mike explores the courage it requires to follow the vocational path of education, particularly in these trying times.
I cycle to school most days. It can be tough when the weather is poor. Yet, after prayer and poached eggs, it is a great way to start the day. I must admit, I prefer to cycle in the dark mornings. A significant part of the route is on the Liverpool... Read More »
We are all in this together
Posted: Thu, 12 Nov 2020 14:43
In this week's Catholic Teacher Article, Mike explores the radical idea of unity within Catholic education and the importance of a loving approach to teaching.
In St James Bootle, I always wait until last to receive Holy Communion. The journey towards the Eucharist is my weekly pilgrimage. The beautiful long aisle, the marble altar, the oil paintings of St John Bosco and St James which adorn the sanctuary... Read More »
The Courage to Love
Posted: Thu, 05 Nov 2020 14:43
In this week's Catholic Teacher Article, Mike explores the need for courage when teaching the poor and marginalised.
The Franciscan Priest and spiritual master, Fr. Richard Rohr, refers to "falling in love" as counterintuitive. Love, he says, is something we "fall" into as no one would willingly go there, in the knowledge that to love is to open oneself up to vulnerability and the real possibility that... Read More »