I am in the woods on Mount Subasio above Assisi, Italy, at a sacred place of prayer called La Carceri. It’s July 20, 2014. I am on a pilgrimage, thrilled to be praying in this holy place where St. Francis and the early friars spent much time in contemplation. I too am in contemplation on…
The light is dim and the air is frigid. With Advent’s arrival in this part of the world, we continue to feel the days shorten and the darkness increase. Whether the light is dimming or not, though, another type of darkness is also apparent: the darkness of suffering. Far and near, people experience violence, injustice and…
Gospel living is messy. It takes a lot of work, prayer, devotion and love to be God’s instrument and to build God’s reign of peace and justice. This 2-minute video offers a colorful meditation on this Truth. Let us pray that God’s will is done in each of us, on earth while we awake to…
This past summer I had a profound experience that helped me to remember that heaven and earth are one. I was in Assisi, Italy, on pilgrimage. I was there with other Franciscans who were preparing for (or discerning) final vows, and participating in a study pilgrimage sponsored by Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs. As a Franciscan sister,…
I hate it when my children are sick: when their normally endless energy is replaced by a whimpering lethargy. When their bleary eyes can muster no enthusiasm for treats or excursions. When I know they are suffering and there’s nothing I can do to make it better. Except for snuggles. Oh, how I love to…
Those who spare their words are truly knowledgeable, and those who are discreet are intelligent. Even fools, keeping silent, are considered wise; if they keep their lips closed, intelligent. – Proverbs 17:27-28 I am no stranger to silence. In fact, I love it and have often chose to lean into it. Silence is powerful and…
I’m in Assisi, in Italy. I’ve been here for over a week now. As I mentioned in my last post, I am here on pilgrimage, participating in a program with Franciscan Pilgrimages. It’s an incredible 24-day program. We are a group of newer Franciscans who mostly are discerning/preparing for final vows. Basically, each day has a format:…
During prayer this morning, I tried to count up all the major changes that have happened or are happening in my life lately. I totally lost count. The school year ended just four days ago. My youngest sister got married about a week and a half ago. Now, I am in the middle of packing for…
During this sacred week there are certain songs that, without fail, end up on repeat in my head. Perhaps you’re interested, as the music could enrich your Holy Week too. Palm Sunday “Hosana” from Jesus Christ Superstar Holy Thursday “Stay With Me” by the Taize community Good Friday “Were You There (When They Crucified My…
We’re all broken. Broken by our pain and suffering, broken by injustice, broken by the Truth. The activities of Lent help me encounter my brokenness. Or, more like, confront my brokenness. I am tuned into social injustices in a great volume. In particular, I am praying and thinking about poverty and hunger a lot due…
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