Category: Reflections
Violence Itself by Paul Nyklicek
Parasitic violence feeds on the suffering and fears of human beings.
Temples of the Holy Spirit by Pauline Little
There are always opportunities to “be the church” in service to others.
A Poem by John Zedolik
"Saint Francis freezing in his concrete skin / and within, no birds to shoulder and share . . ."
Poverty Is More Than Lack of Money by William Droel
We must refute our culture’s presumption that all problems are caused by an individual’s defect.
A Poem by Jeannine M. Pitas
"There’s a need to find the point where Life 1 and Life 2 intersect."
Experiencing Christness by Wally Swist
In trying to imitate Christ, we begin to actively love Christ.
A Poem by Gerard Garrigan, OSB
"Nothing in this broken world can last / As long, even half as long, as the past . . ."
Witnessing to Our Good by William Droel
Fr. Isaac Hecker sought to shape an American Catholicism that harmonized with the country's pluralism.
Words by William John Fitzgerald
We should strive for the beauty of liturgical language even in the midst of our day-to-day lives.
The Future Needs the Franciscan Spirit by Rev. Cameron Trimble
The Franciscan charism offers a pattern, a melody line in a larger symphony of sacred living. It’s a witness we need.
“From the Death of Mary” by Rainer Maria Rilke
A selection from Rilke's "Marienleben" sequence of poems on the life of Mary, translated by Wally Swist.
The Faithfulness of Black Catholics in the Promise of Christ Resurrected by Leslye Colvin
Catholic institutions must learn to recognize and resist the sins of anti-Black racism and white supremacy.
Taking the Vow of Dialogue by Patrick Henry
Rather than being alone in solitude, one becomes aware of a unity of spiritual endeavor that encompasses all faith traditions.
Words of Life Spoken in the Whisper of Death by Fran Salone-Pelletier
I suspect that Jesus's laughter was so deeply implanted in his being that it could only be expressed in the twinkling of his eyes.