Join Canonically Speaking host Fr Paul Hayward as he speaks with Dr Pia Matthews.

Dr Matthews is a senior lecturer at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, and a member of the formation team at Allen Hall Seminary Chelsea. Her PhD doctorate explored the notion of the person in patristic theology and philosophy, applying insights from Trinitarian theology and Christology to contemporary issues concerning the person in bioethics. Her research interests include the vocation, contribution, and spirituality of people with disabilities and of people living with dementia.

In 2015 Pope Francis appointed Pia as an expert to the XIV Ordinary General Assembly Synod of Bishops, on the Family.

Pia has co-authored a book – along with Deacon Joseph Cortis, founder of Caritas Leeds, and former healthcare lecturer – entitled “Journeying Together: Accompanying People Living With Dementia” (2023, ISBN 0852316267), which is intended as a practical, spiritual, and ethical guide to supporting those with dementia.

One of the topics the book deals with is the question of the administration of the sacraments to those suffering from dementia, which is the central theme of this podcast.

Host - Fr Paul Hayward

Music - Solfeggietto in C minor - C.P.E. Bach played by Imma Setiadi [https://www.immasetiadi.com]

Artwork - the opening page of Gratian’s Decretum or Concordia discordantium canonum.For questions, comments and suggestions, feel free to contact the show:

canonicallyspeakingpodcast@gmail.com