From Where I Stand

Erie Benedictine Sr. Joan Chittister looks at American social issues and politics through the lens of Catholic social teaching.

A worshipper wears a face mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on Holy Thursday in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem's Old City April 1. This year, Joan Chittister celebrated Palm Sunday in a monastery still under a form of COVID-19 lockdown

COVID-19 and Holy Week stretch us again, for the better

by Joan Chittister

Apr 8, 2021

From Where I Stand: COVID-19 lockdowns didn't deprive us of anything in the realm of faith. Instead, they are simply requiring us to dig deeper for spirituality ourselves — which is what we have always been meant to do.

Bare trees seen in the distance grouped on an island

Space, time, change, reflection: Lent as it should be

by Joan Chittister

Mar 17, 2021

From Where I Stand: Lent is not about giving up our adult candy or immersing ourselves in pain. Lent is about being honest with ourselves, changing what needs to change in our lives, making our world a better place and growing into the Light.

People experiencing homelessness in San Francisco, March 27, 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic (CNS/Reuters/Shannon Stapleton)

The heart of our country must be considered when rebuilding our economy

by Joan Chittister

Feb 11, 2021

From Where I Stand: We are clearly a people in transition. But going from what to what? Abba Pambo, a Coptic desert monastic of the fourth century preached, "If you have a heart, you can be saved," and his words offer us wisdom now.

It takes courage to go on facing the winds

by Joan Chittister

Jan 21, 2021

From Where I Stand: If you want to resolve a problem, you must be willing to face it, to address it consciously, to confront it. We must stand up to the wind that's shaking the pillars of our republic.

Columns ›

COVID-19 and Holy Week stretch us again, for the better

Space, time, change, reflection: Lent as it should be

The heart of our country must be considered when rebuilding our economy

It takes courage to go on facing the winds

Who needs Democrats and Republicans anyway?

Wisdom stands the test of time over rules that come and go

Thanks, President Trump — I learned a lot from you

When people stop listening: Keep it up

And Jesus wept: a good idea

Land of the free, home of the self-centered

The mortal end of truth: when leadership becomes nothing but lies

Hobson's choice or a new beginning

Ten commandments for a pandemic moment in American history

Blind to equality yet?

Racism is the temptation white people have yet to overcome

Is it news or propaganda, and how do we know?

What are we looking for? Power or leadership?

Principles for a pandemic

You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. Really?

Be you either hot or cold: Jesus' words, not mine

Disavowal: Some promises should not be forever

It's time for our biases to grow

I'd be skeptical if I were you

Anger: A virtue for our time, because silence is not working

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