The memory of a bird floating on a stream of air is an image for my spiritual life. In the beginning, there were things to learn, practices that are part of praying with others. There is another way that has developed over time for me.
Horizons - When we probe more deeply into the practice of ministry of presence — being actively present to the people in front of us — we discover that what seems to be simple is, in reality, rather complex.
One morning on my way to the chapel I was stopped by purple button flowers in our drawing room. I expressed surprise at the tiny white blossoms within the flowers: God's creativity never stops. He is creatively creating.
Our mission community in Thailand serves 21 villages through many ministries. Though COVID-19 lockdowns have restricted some work, sisters have used extra time to plan for the future development of the people they serve.
I live in an outlying area of Lima, Peru. For me, the pandemic has been a call to live my commitments as a Franciscan Missionary of Mary with great intensity, in a new way.
"What do you need?" I asked. She never made eye contact with me. I would like a sandwich for my daughter and me. That's all she said. I tried to chat a little. Not what they needed. They needed food for their bodies.
Horizons - When both a billionaire and a minimum wage worker have to rent an apartment for $3,000 a month, that's equality of opportunity, but it leaves the worker homeless. Equity says that is not enough.
In Vietnam, many are showing charity to those facing difficulties due to the pandemic. Small groups in parishes and large communities like dioceses, religious orders and charity organizations are working to serve those in need.
The online gathering "Being Benedictine in the 21st Century " brought together vowed members, oblates, volunteers, staff and others who see monastic spirituality as a vital source of healing for an unsettled world.
The Suffering Face of Christ is everywhere to behold. Two lesbians are being evicted. The grammar school teacher throws up his hands after a year's shutdown and moves out. A 60-year-old neighbor cares for his 98-year-old cousin.
What is the collective toll on individuals — Afghan, Syrian and American — of the 20-year war on terrorism? Is the world safer for anyone? Was it fair to wage destruction and mayhem on an entire country for the perceived actions of a few?
In the 1980s, Basilian Sisters from Croatia made visits to Ukraine, establishing connections with the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. While watched by KGB officers at every turn, the sisters brought God's blessing.
For us Africans, dance is as important in life as eating and breathing. It is a complete and independent language. It comes naturally to us; we are born into it and live it, as we are taught the meaning of dance steps and the drumming that goes with it.
Singing, dancing, and other body movements are ways I express myself and worship God. Sometimes, I am so grateful to God that I just want my whole being to express this.
Horizons - My vocation comes along with an abundance of God's unconditional love and blessings, as I share the gift of my life, especially with the poor and vulnerable ones whom God is calling me to care for.
When we sisters started the Women's Global Connection ministry, we didn't know that the seeds would blossom with young people in conversations with participants all over the world. In 2021, young women worked together for successful presentations at the UN's NGO CSW Forum.
Having spoken with Catholics in Ireland, we knew there was a need for witness to the faith and for evangelization. We would open a convent there. It was a small way to say "thank you" to the church that had given us so much.
Sisters in Nigeria go out daily to give hope to people all over the country, in spite of physical dangers. Our experiences as sisters in Nigeria will be an encouragement to others in other parts of the world.
The thought of retirement has not even entered my consciousness yet. I've got a lot of life left in me – God willing. But I am getting older. For those who come after me: I have done what I can, I'm sharing what I can, and I'm letting you run with things now.