11 Facts About Illtyd Trethowan

Illtyd Trethowan, born Kenneth Trethowan, was an English Benedictine monk, Roman Catholic priest, philosopher, theologian, and author.

Illtyd Trethowan was baptised as William Kenneth in the Church of England and educated at Felsted School and Brasenose College, Oxford.

In 1929 Illtyd Trethowan was received into the Roman Catholic Church and took a job as a schoolmaster at the Oratory School, London, later transferring to Ampleforth.

Illtyd Trethowan was the author of several religious books and many learned articles, translations and book reviews.

Illtyd Trethowan served as sub-prior of Downside Abbey between 1958 and 1991 and, when he retired, was given the honorary title of "Cathedral Prior of Ely".

Illtyd Trethowan was a visiting professor in theology at Brown University.

Illtyd Trethowan died at Bath, Somerset, on 30 October 1993, having said shortly before that he was happy to die.

Illtyd Trethowan was a man for whom God was the priority.

Illtyd Trethowan worked to gain a greater audience for some less well-known writers, including Maurice Blondel and Dominique Dubarle.

In relation to the mid-20th century tensions about the relation of philosophy to theology, Illtyd Trethowan found a fellow spirit in Maurice Blondel.

Illtyd Trethowan understood the apophatic tradition but, like Cuthbert Butler, Abbot of Downside an influential voice in that tradition, always understood contemplative prayer as an interplay of light and darkness.