There were over eighty entrants to the competition from a range of schools in England and Wales. Matthew’s winning piece was a highly sophisticated piece of theological writing, and received high praise from St Mary’s University staff.

The competition required entrants to respond to the question: ‘Philosophical arguments for the existence of God alone cannot lead to belief in God.’ Matthew, who is in his final year at St Benedict’s, received his winning certificate from Cardinal Vincent Nichols, along with a prize of £250.

This is the third time Matthew has been successful in a national essay competition. Mr Walls, Head of Theology and Religious Studies, said: “Matthew has been a dedicated theologian during his time at St Benedict’s and fully deserves the credit he has received for this award. This is further evidence that Religious Studies as an academic discipline continues to go from strength to strength at St Benedict’s.”