The Christology of the 'Rocking-Horse Catholic'

St Mary's College, Oscott, Credit: St Mary's College

On Thursday 13th November, the Christology of Caryll Houselander was the subject of a compelling lecture at St Mary's College, Oscott. Entitled 'The Crucified Christ and the Rocking-Horse Catholic,' the lecture was given by Fr Andrew Allman, the College's Vice-Rector, who has undertaken extensive research into Houselander's work.

Fr Allman introduced the audience to Houselander's personal journey. They learned about her early life, including her parents' separation when she was nine, and her time at the Convent of Our Lady of Compassion at Olton. Received into the Church at the age of six, she famously described herself as a 'rocking-horse' Catholic, as opposed to a 'cradle' Catholic.

Fr Allman recounted Houselander's three mystical visions, including the profound experience she had while travelling on the London Underground where she saw Jesus present in every single person. Her visions informed the theological concepts that became central to her work, including her strong emphasis on the Mystical Body of Christ and on the need for the soul to be open to God.

The lecture also detailed the influences on Houselander's life, including spiritual directors such as Fr Geoffrey Bliss, the writings of Carl Jung, and her own therapeutic work with children who were sent to her by psychiatrist Dr Eric Strauss. Furthermore, Fr Allman mentioned her striking artistic rendering of the Stations of the Cross, which can be seen at the former Grail Centre in Pinner.

Houselander's unique understanding of salvation was a core focus of the lecture, particularly her influential views that there is no such thing as useless suffering and that Christ has given all human suffering a sacramental quality.

Fr Allman concluded by emphasizing Caryll Houselander's ongoing relevance and the sense of freshness that her work continues to offer today.