The Essential Role of Women in the History of the Church

AN INTERVIEW WITH REV. HUBERTUS DROBNER, S.T.D., PH.D.

When one speaks of the Fathers of the Church, people ask: “What about the Mothers of the Church?" That's a question that Rev. Hubertus Drobner intends to discuss in his February 2024 talk organized by the Pontifical Faculty of Theology at St. Augustine's Seminary. Secure your spot for this and other talks by registering in advance. Online attendance is available for participants not residing in Toronto.

Rev. Drobner is Chair of Early Church History at the Theologische Fakultiit Paderborn, Germany, author of the popular book, The Fathers of the Church: A Comprehensive Introduction (which replaces Johannes Quasten's four-volume foundational work, Patrology), and a part-time professor for St. Augustine's new Licentiate in Patristics. His talk on February 27, 2024, will trace the relationships of three siblings, Basil of Caesarea, Macrina and Gregory of Nyssa, in the context of their family history. Special attention will be given to Macrina's role in shaping the person, spirituality and theology of her brothers.

"Macrina the Younger and her grandmother Macrina the Elder are two of those most prominent women in the history of Christianity;' he says. "They do not stand out by their writings but by their life, their personal influence and their teaching, in this case, of their siblings and grandsons, who became to be called the 'Great Cappadocians' especially because those two great women taught them, and they readily acknowledged it. The talk intends to highlight the essential role of women in the history of the Church and their indispensable contribution to greatness not only in ancient times but as an example for all centuries:'

Rev. Drobner believes the "study of the patristic period is important and indispensable. It shows how the foundations of our faith were laid and why they carry us reliably to this very day both as individuals and as Christ's Church:'

He says it is important for people to understand where they come from - not just in their personal lives but in their faith lives.

"Ancestry.com has become a popular website because people realize more and more how important it is for one's person and life to know one's roots;' he explains. "This is also and especially true for our faith. We need to make sure of the solid foundation we are standing on:'

"For who can confidently act in the present and go towards the future without being firmly rooted in the family and the community of faith?" he continues. "Who decided that the Old Testament needs to be read as preparation towards Christ and not be discarded as superseded? The Early Church under the leadership of their bishops, the Fathers of the Church:'

Aside from his talk next February, Rev. Drobner will also teach a course on Trinity and Christology in the Fathers of the Church at the Seminary as part of the Licentiate in Theology and Patristic Studies. "The course will explain the development and meaning of the trinitarian and Christological doctrines:'

Please visit our website to view recordings of previous Patristic Talks: https://staugustines.on.ca/divina-eloquia.