In May I had a wonderful opportunity to spend a month with the Basilian Sisters of the Province of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Romania — a blessing and an enrichment, culturally and spiritually.
For me, mothering and fathering is the art of emptying out of self for the growth of another being. Mothering and fathering are not pampering or dominating, but empowering through one's life example.
The faithful love of God invites us to be "de-crucifiers," and to dream and work for a world where no one is crucified and where all have the same rights.
We are all Simon of Cyrene, writes Sr. Jeannine Gramick. We're asked to carry a huge, splinter-filled cross and we don't know why. We don't know where we're going. But when we trust, we're not lost.
In the midst of fear, uncertainty and persecution under a nefarious dictatorship, we try to continue to announce, with our lives, the presence of Jesus, who is also a witness of this very harsh reality.
Almost every day near our convent in San Antonio, I pass a memorial mural and see Claudia's resolute face. She stands as a witness that something is wrong in our human family, because we do not yet recognize each other.
Life, the ancients knew, all depends on our willingness to collaborate, to do the things together that are important for us all. That's something we need to remember in this time of agitation and uncertainty.
Contemplate This - I led the day retreat and opening prayers for the 2023 meeting of the Association of U.S. Catholic Priests. And in the priests' dialogue with laywomen, I saw the spirit of synodality prevail.
As a spiritual director it is a sacred privilege to journey with others in their relationship with God. So it has been a sacred experience to live life in the presence of God in New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment.
The only way to achieve a good and truly human life in a place like the Andes mountains, far from the cities that have more resources, is the support and protection of the community.
Summer reminds us that we all need rest. We rest so that we can better love, and by resting, we recognize that rest — the very act of sabbath-making — is part of our call as people of faith.
In everything I do, wherever I am, I can create a peaceful atmosphere. I try to be consciously aware of and dwell in God's presence in my daily encounters with myself, my sisters and brothers, and with all of creation.
The Latin American sisters' encounter with Pope Francis transformed my life, just as the encounter with Jesus did for Peter, James and John on Mount Tabor on the day of the Lord's transfiguration.
Jesus never shied away from teaching the truth — after all, he came that we may have life and have it to the full. Therefore, let us come out boldly and condemn the evil of blind faith.
Intercultural life in our communities can be compared to the process of baking bread. Different ingredients come together successfully in their diversity, and the bread becomes a gift for everyone in the community.
Horizons - Consider revisiting a prayer that once brought you comfort or challenge when you last prayed it. Take some time to imagine Jesus saying these words to you. What additional words would deepen the meaning?
St. Veronica Medical Centre is already making a difference in the life of the local community of Ttomi Buloba, Uganda, thanks to a collaboration born of a shared name — Good Samaritan Sisters — and a shared charism.
Justice and hope are indeed partners on life's journey, despite being surrounded by overwhelming injustice. It is through hope that we know there are people who still continue to fight for justice.
Whether Communion, confirmation, ordination, graduation or even coronation, how much do I understand about the rituals I encounter? Why do we do what we do and how could we help people (and maybe ourselves) understand?
