Those of us who are both white and Christian must begin to atone for the ways these intersecting identities build upon each other to create spaces where we can dominate the narrative and the expectations.
The approximately 30 members of St. Giles' Prayer Shawl Ministry knit and crochet shawls for those who are in need of comfort and healing. There are no limits to the requests for the loving warmth of a shawl.
As long as COVID-19 persists, so will challenges. But at Chateau de Notre Dame, a New Orleans Archdiocese nursing home and apartments facility, life is enhanced by the spiritual and filled with enduring hope.
Perhaps my generation could be called the "greatest generation" of women religious, but I must trust there is another generation coming — a generation who is equally great.
Learning to play the organ brought challenges and stress, as well as humor and musical joy. Today I am happy to rest in the satisfaction that I am faithful only to what gifts God has given me.
Amidst the pressing demands of work and the noise of every conceivable need in the world, God was speaking to my heart. I just needed to stop long enough to let myself listen.
Lent is a time to let in some fresh air, blow away the spiritual cobwebs and renew the soul. As with a physical spring cleaning when we get rid of excess "stuff," the soul must be freed of ideas that weigh down faith.
Christianity, though born out of bloodshed and pain, embraces peace and fraternity, hope and harmony. It shows concern for others, reaches out to the needy.
Even in retirement, the joy and grace of past service can be reawakened and experienced in new ways. We are still able to dream new dreams for today's world. And we can still see the world through others' eyes.
Contemplate this: Consider contemplative prayer to deal with the powerless and grief you feel over Russia's war with Ukraine and other places that need God's love and peace.
When Pope Francis announced the Year of St. Joseph, it befitted our hidden lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, with millions of people in troubled waters, homeless and separated from their loved ones.
Understanding the poverty of citizens in the Xuan Loc Diocese, Dominican Missionary sisters established a charity clinic in 2002; since then, the clinic has provided free care for those who cannot afford a hospital.
The position of the average Indian woman in family and society often reinforces and legitimizes discrimination against them. Understanding their situation through the lens of learned helplessness made me less judgmental.
It doesn't take a genius or a saint to change the world. It just takes a generous heart and a willingness to be open to the moment. That moment creates itself at unexpected times and in unexpected places.
Living as an American in Ireland has, I pray, made me a better Christian. At the very least, the experience has given me the space and the reason to evaluate my default positions and grow in self-knowledge, empathy, and cultural awareness.
Sr. Yeremiya Steblyna in Ukraine: "People were fleeing with small children, babies and old grandparents. … Looking into their eyes, I saw pain and tears. How could this be happening in the heart of 21st century Europe?"
The mission of a new center in India is to promote a more harmonious living with all of creation in the spirit of coexistence. That will help people experience healing, health and wholeness.
Being able to voice our concerns — and being heard — have a huge impact on how we perceive the church, or any relationship. Sometimes people get clarity just by talking.
