Mark Oakley says that poetry is faith’s native language: a language of wonder, beauty and mystery that enlarges the mind and heart. In this talk about his book The Splash of Words, he introduces why and how to read poetry and some of the poems that he loves.

Novelist Catherine Fox and Biblical theologian Paula Gooder talk about the importance of stories in understanding ourselves, the world, faith and even God. They talk about their writing lives, the power of good stories to change us, and explore some of their favourite Bible stories.

Theologians Anna Rowlands and Paula Gooder explore Catholic Social Teaching, including its foundations in the Gospels and its universality for all Christians. It can help us, they say, find hopeful transformative stories in dark times, and inspire us to work for justice, freedom and the common good.

Andrew Nunn and Paula Gooder explore the meanings of Holy Week and Easter, and how we can grow closer to Jesus through keeping the seasons well.

Brother Sam SSF introduces St Francis and his great hymn of praise to God. Recorded live at St Paul’s reflective day.

Br Sam SSF explores the last verses of St Francis’ Canticle of Creation, about peace, peacemaking, and death. Recorded live at St Paul’s reflective day.

Stephen Cottrell, who describes himself as an experienced beginner in prayer, explores some of what prayer is and isn’t, and suggests some ways to pray. He says that at its heart it is simply the longing for God, and gives practical suggestions about how to begin and to keep going.