Nothing new is created without love, creativity and courage. When we refuse by staying in our comfortable space, we lose the opportunity to expand our spirituality and experience newness.
Horizons - What could our society look like if everyone had access to resources to put food on the table, live in decent housing, and have the security to work toward their dreams? There is enough to go around.
As the waves of feminism evolve, let the changes to which we aspire not be equivalent to male dominance; rather let it focus on the innate power and strength of woman herself.
Sometimes, in religious life, we feel discouragement, fear, and insecurity about the future. But Sarah, Elizabeth and the prophetess Anna, old women with barren "wombs," are signs of hope for religious life today, centuries later.
Although unspoken, all of us in religious life live an "extra vow" of care. Look around — there are so many needs, and we've done well meeting them. That led me to this question: How do I take care of myself?
At times, we find these worries intruding on our prayer and community life and we do not give either the time we need. But, in spite of these struggles — in the end — it is our spirituality that gives us courage to keep going and trying new things.
I was totally aware that my yes to religious life would have both beautiful and painful implications beyond my imagining. And as I recited the vows, there was a deep peace and longing in me to live that out. I wanted it all.
Contemplate This - The capacity to see things in new ways and the openness to try to understand those who are different, or the viewpoints that challenge my current beliefs — this doesn't just happen.
This is the spirit of the moment: a strong spirit, a wind, and a force that transforms the cowardly into courageous, the mute into preachers, and the discouraged into faithful followers committed to the cause of Jesus.
Shopping for food in a large market on Saturday requires nerves of steel. I could not walk well due to a foot condition, and I decided to drive a motorized cart. The question was: How do I operate it?
The lack of vocations to religious life is a chance for us to trust God and let the Holy Spirit change everything in our structures and hearts that takes life and does not give it.
I chose to call 2023 "a year of collaboration." For any progress to happen, everyone's talent and opinion counts. This requires people to value, appreciate and listen to each other.
A simple act of making a sandwich, of welcoming the stranger, of ignoring danger is required. This is what my mother taught her children. Wherever she is, I believe her expectation to this day is that we listened.
Horizons - Recently I reached out to the nurse and executive director of a senior center, to find out about experiences of food insecurity that their members might be facing. The stories they shared were profound.
We need to create a mother-friendly and child-friendly environment because the church should be a place where people come to find solace and peace for all their problems. It should be a "mother's house" for all people.
Last year, the Presentation Sisters gave use of their unoccupied flat in Bratislava, Slovakia, to Ukrainian refugees. The need for accommodation and safety is still vital for many families fleeing the war.
A dedicated social worker shocked me when she revealed she was going through burnout. I understood my friend's pain but felt that she would navigate it. I discovered three stages to resolve this issue.
