Columns

My travels over much of the past 30 years have revolved around visits to Benedictine monasteries. Some might believe that an itinerary involving stays at monasteries would get boring. I can attest that such is not the case.

God knew I was not going to move beyond some spirited yet non-specific manifesting. So God moved to me — like these two Jehovah's Witnesses. They met me where I am.

Scripture for Life: In Jesus' vision of God's reign, the measure of every action and relationship rests simply on how it fosters or impedes love and human thriving.

Horizons: I'm grateful that my 20-something self didn't know all the blessings that could come from being a part of an international community. It's been a wonderful surprise to discover again and again.

"I like Ana's cathedral. It is close to the majestic Catholic and Episcopalian cathedrals of New York; but like Jesus, it breaks away from the temple and its rigidities to become the embrace of Abba in the street, in the snow, amidst alcoholism and illness," writes Sr. Magda Bennásar. 

Would it help if the vestiges of women's participatory roles in the ancient churches were simply copied and pasted into contemporary contexts? How about fresh perspectives, instead?

Rome's Dicastery for the Clergy recently upheld an unprecedented third merger appeal from St. Louis Catholics determined to defend their parish homes. Could this be a sign of change?

From the Argentine mountain range of Neuquén, Sr. Ana María Siufi tells of her experience with nomadic families, with whom she shares bread, fire and faith.

Scripture for Life: With each communion, we repeat our own "I do," to the invitation to strengthen our blood bond with one another and with God, to the invitation to share in the very life of God. 

Sr. Begoña Costillo narrates her encounter with a woman and her children, who live in a small wooden room on the roof of a building. In the midst of precariousness, she discovers the divine presence and resilience of a mother who relies on God to overcome adversity. 

A community of Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus has been living in El Ejido, a municipality in the Andalusian province of Almeria, for 50 years. The Bantabá project is focused on migrants arriving from many parts of the Mediterranean; practically all the people who come are in an irregular situation in Spain. 

"Ordinary Time, with its routines and generally less expectations, can be a great gift." writes Sr. Jane Marie Bradish. "I find we can often encounter God in new, unusual, unexpected and much-needed ways."

“I was 15 years old, and my mind and heart were full of dreams. That young Marist brother (…) presented us with a Jesus who understood our rebellions, shared our ideals and made them bigger and higher,” writes Sr. Lucía Herrerías.

Sr. Dorothy Fernandes laments conditions in India. "Thank God, there are many awakened individuals in this great country who have taken it upon themselves to organize and spread the truth," she writes. 

At the Annunciation, Mary felt afraid but ready at the same time, unsure of how all this would unfold but sure that God would be with her every step along the way. Her life had prepared her for this moment.

Scripture for Life: A community that lives mission will be an ever-growing and changing image of God in our world.

We are, it seems, not asking the right questions, argues Sr. Joan Chittister. Which means that we will therefore be without the answers we need to save the entire country.

The daily routine of my life at the Salvatorian Sisters' School in Nazareth, Israel, used to be lively, with kids arriving at school with broad smiles. But the horrifying war now casts shadows of fear and insecurity.

At their hospital in a remote rural area of Chibombo district, the Daughters of the Redeemer began noticing increased cholera cases when people returned from trips to Lusaka, the epicenter of the disease in Zambia.

Trusting the energy of the adventure, I encountered the Holy Spirit "renewing the face of the Earth," teaching us how to live sustainably with the billions of years of development found in soil, sea and stars.