In an age where many seek deeper meaning and connection to tradition, Fr Marcus Holden’s upcoming talk The Beauty of the Nicene Creed-The Truths of Faith seen through Christian Art offers a unique perspective that bridges art, history, and faith.
As the newly-appointed rector of the Pontifical Beda College in Rome, Fr Holden brings his profound theological insights to a special Fidelis event, hosted by Sydney Catholic Youth in partnership with the Parish Renewal Team at the ACU Strathfield Campus on 13 May, offering Sydney’s faithful, young adults, families and young at heart a rare opportunity to deepen their understanding of one of Christianity’s foundational texts.
As the church celebrates 1700 years since the Council of Nicaea, affirming the faith we still profess today, Fr Holden revealed his distinctive approach to exploring the creed through artistic expression. “Art is a way of expressing the faith that can reach people in a way that words sometimes can’t,” Fr Holden explained.
Fr Holden’s talks will showcase how artists throughout history have interpreted and expressed the profound truths contained within the creed. “When we look at these artistic representations, we’re not just seeing beautiful images—we’re witnessing centuries of faith and understanding made visible,” he noted.
For Fr Holden, the Nicene Creed is far from a mere historical document. “The Creed contains the essential truths of our faith. It’s not just something we recite—it’s something we live,” he emphasised. His aim is to unpack these truths in ways that resonate with audiences while remaining faithful to tradition.
“Understanding the creed helps us understand who we are as Christians,” Fr Holden remarked. “It connects us to the earliest councils of the church and to believers across time and space who have professed these same truths.”
The co-author of the Evangelium Series, used internationally for 20 years in adult catechesis and RCIA, will also hold a special talk exclusively for clergy on 15 May at St Martha’s on evangelisation.
“I want to talk about evangelisation. Some people have a strange idea about it. They think it’s kind of shouting at people at a street corner or trying to coerce someone to think exactly as you think, but it is not.”
As the former Episcopal Vicar for Evangelisation and Catechesis and Dean of Lambeth in the UK, his perspective on evangelisation in secular environments is particularly relevant to Australia. Drawing parallels between London and Sydney, he observed, “Both cities face similar challenges as secular societies, but both also have vibrant faith communities that are growing and engaging with the culture around them. And I’m going to talk about the ‘Seven doors of Evangelisation’.
“There are many different things that attract people to the beauty of Christ. That’s what evangelisation is. And people may be evangelising, but don’t realise it. It’s all sorts of different things, different doors that we open to Christ, and I’m going to be talking about opening some of those doors.”
He expressed optimism about the state of faith in Sydney: “There’s a real hunger for authentic spirituality here. People are seeking something deeper than what secular society offers, and the church has an opportunity to meet that need.”
As the newly-appointed rector of the Pontifical Beda College in Rome, Fr Holden brings fresh insights from his role forming priests. “Working with seminarians from around the world gives me hope for the future of the church,” he shared. “These men bring diverse perspectives but share a common commitment to serving God’s people.”
Fr Holden expressed equal enthusiasm about connecting with Sydney Catholics at the Fidelis event. “I hope these talks will help people, especially young people, see the Creed not as a dry formula but as a living expression of our faith—one that has inspired believers and artists for centuries.”
He added, “My goal is that participants will leave with a renewed appreciation for the creed and its ability to nourish our spiritual lives today.”
Sydney’s faithful are invited to embrace this opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Nicene Creed, guided with theological depth and artistic appreciation by Fr Marcus Holden, to illuminate one of Christianity’s most enduring expressions of faith.
To register to the Fidelis event go to: https://gomakedisciples.org.au/portfolio-item/the-beauty-of-the-nicene-creed-the-truths-of-faith-seen-through-christian-art/
If Sydney clergy would like to attend the event on 15 May at St Martha’s please contact Helen Wagner from the Parish Renewal Team: [email protected].