Quiet Day: Astounded by Love

The poems of the Metaphysical poets Donne and Herbert are as spiritually resonant and adventurous as ever. Very Rev’d Dr Mark Oakley will guide us through some of those poems,  exploring the different characters of the poets, their relationship with God, and the images with which they explore both their faith and rebellion, their devotion and times of dereliction. We will also be introduced to some poems by contemporary poets written in response to their work. We will be reminded in the words and silence of the day that poetry is the native language of faith.

Mark Oakley was formerly Dean of St John’s College, Cambridge; Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral and since early December 2023 the Dean of Southwark.

He is author of several books on theology and poetry, including the ‘Splash of Words’, and a popular speaker. He is a regular columnist for the Church Times and The Tablet and frequently broadcasts on BBC Radio 4.