This is a story of land, its history in Ipswich, Massachusetts, and its relationship to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, in the spirit of "Laudato Si', on Care for Our Common Home" — long before it was written.
It is the responsibility of every citizen, every baptized Christian, to save democracy. The more the church isolates itself and goes away from people, the further it moves from the teaching of Christ.
Three times in one week I encountered things from the "You're not supposed to be here" category, such as bunnies in a window well. I started to wonder about other experiences of "What are you doing here?"
Is there anyone there to hear what the other is crying out, whether physically or emotionally? Until each individual resolves to listen to the other. we will continue to remain obstinate, no better than that pharaoh of old.
When the presence of God is no longer in us, we become weak, and the need for things, power, position and security arises. My search for God can get clouded or I can be led astray.
Horizons - Jesus' story shows us that new life can come from death, that we can find meaning in tough times, that there is light in the darkness. With the inevitable passing away, something new springs forth.
As part of my sabbatical I planned to spend three months in the Aran Islands. Why Aran? For some time I wanted to give myself time in neutral ground offshore where I could touch, feel and sense again my own Celtic roots.
As an African woman, the place of women and girls in South Sudan makes my heart grieve almost every waking day of my life. I am also a firm believer in the power and determination of will.
How can I bring healing to wounded people? How could I help restore the damage to our Mother Earth? How could I animate more people to join me in this advocacy?
Upon baptism, each Christian becomes eligible to replace the apostles. Many dedicated Christians have gone before us, and we are standing on their shoulders.
Let us look for evidence of God's grace in the midst of predator attacks, storms, disasters, upheaval, polarities and the shifting landscapes of religion. Let us search for grace in the uncertainty.
Young people in Aruba, whose generation had no actual experience with the sisters there, took the initiative to restore and use the former chapel the Dominican Sisters of Bethany, who ministered there from 1952 to 1995.
In every Indian culture the birth of a son is preferred. The son is considered the preserver of the family name and heritage, and he is accorded preferential treatment. This also applies to the priest in the church.
Relics of the two murdered sisters from South Sudan have been brought to the Basilica of St. Bartolomeo in Rome, so the church and the world can honor their lives.
Weeks ago, I was listening to a podcast, and a meditation at the end caught my attention. The meditation presented an alternative value for the way we write our life story – the service of our hands.
Horizons – In the Diocese of Can Tho, Sisters of the Lovers of the Cross help those in poverty, such as older adults and children who cannot afford school. They provide gifts and have opened a free children's class.
Women religious under 50 yearn to live joyfully amid the myriad complexities of our suffering yet beautiful world. We are called to imagine possible futures that will be sustainable and life-giving for all creation.
As sisters, we are called to hold the pain, grief and joy of the world in our hands and to unite ourselves with our siblings around the world. This prophetic call wasn't far from my mind as I headed to the airport.
Contemplate This - Too often, we get used to what we see and hear, and we forget that there is so much more to look at or know that can give us a new perspective. I think I need that additional perspective right now.