Proud Potent Titles

Joyce writes, "The potent titles clanged over Stephen's memory the triumph of their brazen bells: et unam sanctam catholicam et apostolicam ecclesiam: the slow growth and change of rite and dogma like his own rare thoughts, a chemistry of stars." I understand this passage to be a comparison between the rich history of Catholicism and the churning layers of Dedalus's thoughts. Does Joyce use the word "triumph" sarcastically, or is he earnestly lauding Catholicism for staying true to itself despite the challenges of Photius, Arius, Valentine, and Sabellius, just as an active mind tries to remain unchanged in the face of new ideas?