Prison reform and COVID-19
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Prison reform and COVID-19

Quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic forced many of us into involuntary confinement and isolation. The painful experience reminded us that humans are social animals who long to be free — free to move about, associate, make choices and form bonds. For the two million Americans who are currently incarcerated, quarantine merely extended the punitive logic…

A Story of Our History: Trauma and Systemic Racism

A Story of Our History: Trauma and Systemic Racism

Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Meg Earsley, who celebrates the anniversary of her first vows on Aug. 7, is currently ministering in Bolivia and serving with the Tertiary Sisters of St. Francis. Sister Meg is sharing her Bolivian journey of Jesus business, which we all know is sometimes messy, in her photo/reflection blog “Wanderings and…

Calm in the Chaos: A Review of “The Soul’s Slow Ripening”
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Calm in the Chaos: A Review of “The Soul’s Slow Ripening”

In the glow of the dawn light, I gaze at the green leaves thirsty for a fresh rainfall. I notice the longing of my heart in the quiet, the peace before another overpacked, life-to-the-fullest day. This is the time of year when I tend to reminisce, when my mind wanders back to the ease of…

Messy Jesus Business Podcast Celebrates 50 Episodes
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Messy Jesus Business Podcast Celebrates 50 Episodes

Episode 1, Season 6 of Messy Jesus Business podcast, with Sister Julia Walsh. “When you are in a place of paradox, you’re on holy ground.” – Sister Julia Walsh LISTEN HERE: IN THIS EPISODE: In this very special episode of Messy Jesus Business podcast, Sister Julia Walsh takes on the role of podcast guest, and…

Sister Helen Prejean: Legalized Vengeance and Waking Up to Justice
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Sister Helen Prejean: Legalized Vengeance and Waking Up to Justice

Season 5, episode 5, of Messy Jesus Business podcast, hosted by Sister Julia Walsh. Photos by Scott Langley. “We are called to create, where nothing exists.” – Sister Helen Prejean LISTEN HERE: IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode of Messy Jesus Business podcast, Sister Julia Walsh talks with Sister Helen Prejean, who is known for…

To Listen to the Trees: A Review of “The Overstory”
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To Listen to the Trees: A Review of “The Overstory”

When I was in first grade, I made a stapled-together picture book about the pear tree in our yard called “My Friend the Tree.” I drew her in each of the four seasons with me, a smiling face attached to legs, right alongside her. I sensed that before I knew how to talk about it…

Jennifer Grant: Childlike Wonder and the Mystery of Faith
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Jennifer Grant: Childlike Wonder and the Mystery of Faith

Season 5, Episode 1 of Messy Jesus Business podcast, hosted by Sister Julia Walsh. “I want to dignify and honor the real emotions that kids have, whether it’s joy or grief.” – Jennifer Grant LISTEN HERE: IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode of Messy Jesus Business, Sister Julia Walsh talks with author Jennifer Grant about…

AnaYelsi Velasco-Sanchez: Discipleship, Decolonization, and Discomfort
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AnaYelsi Velasco-Sanchez: Discipleship, Decolonization, and Discomfort

Season 4, Episode 10 of Messy Jesus Business, hosted by Sister Julia Walsh. “When I say everyone belongs, everyone belongs.” – AnaYelsi Velasco-Sanchez LISTEN HERE: IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode of Messy Jesus Business, Sister Julia Walsh talks with AnaYelsi Velasco-Sanchez about how she found her way to Christianity and justice work. They talk…

Beverly Lanzetta: The Freedom of Surrender to the Divine
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Beverly Lanzetta: The Freedom of Surrender to the Divine

Season 4, Episode 8 of Messy Jesus Business podcast, hosted by Sister Julia Walsh. “Once we surrender into that place of the Divine…we’re moving in the waters of the holy.”-Beverly Lanzetta LISTEN HERE: IN THIS EPISODE: Sister Julia Walsh talks with theologian, author and teacher Beverly Lanzetta how she lives out her call to surrender…

Being Catholic on Indigenous Peoples’ Day: We need to do more
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Being Catholic on Indigenous Peoples’ Day: We need to do more

In hope, in prayer, we find ourselves here … I sang these words with a chorus of climate and Indigenous activists on a humid June morning in front of the White House. In hope, in prayer. The words became a refuge, an embodied cry that gave me courage as my timid self stood steady, as…