Saturday 15th September 2001 at 3 pm
Venue:room No. 7 on ground floor Miltown Park, Sandford Rd., Dublin 6
A lecture on the subject of the Czech Protestant martyr Jan Hus, and a recent subsequent re-appraisal of his role by the Catholic Church will by presented by Society's dear friend Josef Stuchly.
Everybody welcome.
On Saturday 15th September the Irish Czech Slovak Society was honored with a lecture by Josef Stuchly at Milltown Park. Despite the fact that he was leaving Dublin early next morning to continue his studies in the London, Josef kindly gave up much of his time to prepare and give an excellent lecture on Why Pope John Paul II expressed his regret for the execution of Jan Hus.
Somewhat like the Beatles, it appears that Jan Hus maintains a more central role today in the consciousness of the Czech people than Jesus Christ and it is his philosophical work in Church reformation and subsequent martyrdom that has given him such a long lived reputation.
Josef described the situation, which occurred and gave a further insight into the recent regret of the Pope concerning Hus' execution. He explained that though "legally correct" that a man who was excommunicated from the Church and who was continually flying in the face of the Church' doctrine be put to death it was obviously a personal tragedy and a huge loss to the Church' reform that such a unique individual be executed.
Josef succeeded in clarifying a rather complicated and involved historical theological event and with his obvious love and passion of the subject made the political intrigue and Machiavellian machinations of the time both interesting and involving. It'is a great pity that he has now left these shores but hopefully others will take up the gauntlet he has thrown down!! More lectures of this caliber and insight would be a welcome addition to the events calendar of the society. ( Pavel, this means you!!!)
Thanks must be given to Tomas, Jindrich and his girlfriend Jana who went to a great deal of trouble preparing the room, the food and pouring the drink!! Thanks to everyone who gave their support by being an involved and interested audience member. And thanks to Josef Stuchly who put so much work and effort into a very interesting lecture.
Miriam Delahunt, October 2001