In this engaging discussion, award-winning poet and Catholic convert Sally Read reveals how poetry intertwines with faith. She explains that poetry is akin to prayer and highlights the cultural impact of Catholic poetry through the ages. Read shares her transformative journey from atheism to embracing the Catholic faith, emphasizing how literature can deepen one's spiritual connection. The conversation also touches on the evolution of poetic forms, the significance of accessibility, and her efforts in curating '100 Great Catholic Poems,' illuminating the beauty of faith through art.
Sally Read discusses the profound connection between poetry and spirituality, highlighting poetry's role as a bridge between human experience and divine communication.
Her personal journey from atheism to Catholicism illustrates how encounters with human vulnerability catalyze faith and deepen appreciation for poetic expression in worship.
Reed emphasizes that beauty, embodied in poetry, serves as a powerful tool for evangelization, inviting individuals to explore deeper spiritual truths.
Deep dives
The Role of Poetry in the Catholic Faith
The Catholic faith is intricately connected to poetry, as highlighted by Sally Reed's exploration of its presence in scripture, liturgy, and prayer. Poetry serves as a means through which God communicates with humanity, acting as a bridge between the divine and the earthly experience. Reed's work emphasizes that poetic expression is not only a reflective act but also a profound form of worship and devotion, enabling both writers and readers to engage more deeply with their faith. The understanding of poetry as a sacred art form enriches the spiritual life of individuals, making it a cornerstone of Catholic tradition.
A Journey from Atheism to Faith
Sally Reed's personal narrative details her transformative journey from atheism to Catholicism, revealing how profound experiences in her nursing career acted as catalysts for reflection and change. Her encounter with human vulnerability and the dignity of patients provided a unique lens through which she began to question her previous beliefs. During a time of significant personal loss, Reed found herself yearning for something greater than herself, ultimately leading to her conversion. This nine-month period marked a dramatic shift, culminating in her full communion with the Catholic Church and a newfound passion for the faith and its poetic expressions.
The Passion of Converts
Converts to Catholicism often exhibit a fervent passion for their newfound faith, the origins of which can be traced to their distinct life experiences prior to conversion. Reed articulates that this heightened enthusiasm stems from having previously experienced a life devoid of God, thus deeply appreciating the transformative power of faith. Their backgrounds allow them to advocate for their beliefs with a compelling intensity that can sometimes surprise cradle Catholics. This fervent devotion enriches the Catholic community, as converts often bring fresh enthusiasm and perspectives that can inspire others.
The Relationship Between Literature and Spirituality
Reed emphasizes the integral connection between literature, particularly poetry, and spirituality, suggesting that artistic expression often serves as a surrogate for divine connection. Many artists, including poets, utilize writing as a means of coping with their inner turmoil and searching for meaning, sometimes filling a void that spirituality could otherwise occupy. The longing for connection with something greater aligns literature with the fundamental human search for God. Reed's insights illuminate the role of poetry as a conduit that can guide individuals toward a closer relationship with the divine by touching on shared human experiences.
Beauty as a Tool for Evangelization
The notion that beauty can serve as an effective instrument for evangelization is a core principle in Reed's discussion of faith and art. Bishop Barron recently highlighted this idea, positing that experiences of beauty can pave the way to profound good and ultimate truth in one's spiritual journey. Poetry, as an embodiment of beauty, has the capacity to open hearts and minds, inviting individuals to contemplate deeper truths and their relationship with God. This emphasis on beauty highlights the essential role of the arts in evangelization efforts, demonstrating how artistic expression can enrich the spiritual lives of believers and seekers alike.
The Anthology of 100 Great Catholic Poems
Sally Reed's anthology, 100 Great Catholic Poems, presents an extensive collection that spans 2,000 years of Catholic literary tradition, showcasing the work of influential poets who contributed to the faith. This carefully curated selection reflects the beauty, depth, and spirituality inherent in Catholic poetry, drawing from a diverse range of historical contexts and cultural backgrounds. Reed's commentary alongside each poem provides insight into the poets' experiences and the theological significance of their works, making the anthology a powerful tool for both reflection and inspiration. Through this compilation, Reed seeks to not only celebrate the poetic canon but also to make the profound expressions of faith accessible to a wider audience.
Catholicism is the inspiration for soaring architecture, exquisite artwork, and sublime music. But what about poetry? And where should one begin? Eminent poet and Catholic convert Sally Read tells us that, “Poetry is the sister of prayer.” Join me and Sally Read as we discuss the extraordinary works of Catholic verse over two millennia in 100 Great Catholic Poems.
Stay up-to-date with the latest episodes of the Evangelization & Culture Podcast biweekly on WordOnFire.org, on YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can get more content like this in the quarterly print journal of the Word on Fire Institute, Evangelization & Culture.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode