Radio Maria England THE FRIARSIDE SPECIAL - Fr Toby - Catholicism, Identity, Culture and Evangelisation
Jan 2, 2026
Benedict Freely, a seminarian with a finance background, and Fr Matthew Jarvis, a Dominican friar and prior, delve into the intersection of faith and culture. They discuss the nuances of bilingual identities and cultural Catholicism, contrasting experiences from various countries. The duo explores urban versus rural parish vitality, emphasizing the role of creative apostolates in France. Topics like public preaching and the use of social media for evangelization are highlighted, along with strategies for fostering spiritual conversations.
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From Finance To Formation
- Benedict Freely left a 12-year finance career to pursue the priesthood with Communauté Saint-Martin in France.
- He completed a year of formal discernment and began philosophical formation after joining in November.
Cultural Catholicism Vs. Urban Revival
- Benedict contrasts Austria's cultural Catholicism with France's pockets of active practice and urban revival.
- He notes rural priest shortages in France and Saint-Martin's small-community response to fill gaps.
Faith Needs A Social Substrate
- Fr Matthew links thriving urban churches to social and economic conditions that allow community formation.
- He warns faith cannot be built in a vacuum when rural social substrate has collapsed.