Great Catholic Writers
The Devil presenting Augustine with the book of vices painted by Michael Pacher
Peter Onesta, Johannesburg – Thank you for Günther Simmermacher’s enlightening article on the Franciscans’ 800 years in the Holy Land . There have long been differences between the Orthodox and the Franciscans, although, as Mr Simmermacher mentioned, matters are improving.
Most notable in the article are the excavations by Franciscan archaeologists Frs Corbo and Loffreda at Capernaum: the 4th-century synagogue and St Peter’s house.
Outstanding Writers – Locals as well
May I remind readers of the work of some outstanding Catholic writers? Those who know the poems of Gerard Manley Hopkins will also associate his name with Professor WH Gardner of then-Natal, who wrote a fine two-volume study on him. Hopkins is regarded as the equal of Keats or Donne.
Many of us recall Professor Martin Versfeld, head of the department of philosophy at the University of Cape Town. An article on him appeared in The Southern Cross in 1992 by Owen Williams. Versfeld wrote an excellent essay on St Augustine, and Mr Williams quoted: “Our godless culture offers us not too much pleasure but too little. It offers us no joy.” Versfeld has also written an outstanding article on Aquinas and Chesterton (English Studies in Africa, September 1961).
Finally, may we mention Professor Oswald Doughty, also of UCT? He produced the monumental study of DG Rossetti, A Victorian Romantic.
Where are the equals of these authors?
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