COLUMNS

Learning lessons from a peacock's feet

Nature has always fascinated me, especially animals. Like many people, I feel a particular bond with animals of all kinds, and am delighted with any chance encounter with my feathered or four-legged friends.

My top book recommendations for 2012

Concerning taste, there should be no disputes! St. Augustine wrote those words 1,700 years ago and their truth applies not just to taste in food, but also to taste in literature.

An Alaskan cruise, a path to priesthood

Matthew Bearth was 17 when he set out on an Alaskan cruise that changed the course of his life and led him to the seminary. Today the 2o-year-old college junior loves to recount that northern voyage.

You play a big part in evangelization and communication

For as long as the Church has existed, the individuals who advanced the faith were the ones to break new ground and set out on new journeys. The early evangelizers risked their lives to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ...

'Cast thy burden on the Lord' is an invitation to faith

Lately, at the end of a busy day, on my long drive home from work, I’ve been turning off the car radio for a welcome time of silence. But, inevitably, interrupting the silence are the soulful tune and lyrics from an Otis Reading song that keep running through my head: …

Recalling the life and wisdom of a Capuchin

God-incidences I like to call them.Just a few days ago, as I was drifting off to sleep I had thoughts of a story I had written almost 15 years ago about a 90-year-old Capuchin priest, Father Hyacinth Dabrowski.

Honoring an abundant, prodigal God

There’s a disturbing trend within our churches today. Simply put, we are seeing the embrace of our churches become less-and-less inclusive. More-and-more, our churches are demanding a purity and exclusivity not demanded by Jesus in Gospels.

Deep roots and online ancestry

TWENTY SOMETHING | Christina Capecchi Last night, while many of my peers tuned into the finale of ABC’s “The Bachelor,” a three-hour event dubbed “historic” by the show’s ratings-minded host, I delved into some real history.

Praying in a crisis

HOLY LONGINGHow do we lift our darkest, most depressed, most lonely moments up to God? How can we pray when we are most deeply alone, helpless, and our whole world seems to be collapsing?

Times of silence connect us to God and the authentic self

THINGS MY FATHER TAUGHT MEEvery year, as my youngest son’s March 19 birthday comes and goes, I am reminded of an unusual encounter on the feast of St. Joseph many celebrations ago when I met Elvis in the parking lot of Dunkin’ Donuts.

A woman's mind is like a teleprompter of to-dos that never stops turning.

Unanswered email, unwritten thank-yous, unfolded laundry. Tupperware that needs to be washed and returned. Overdue RSVPs and expired milk. Empty gas tank, full memory card. Birthdays and deadlines, the personal and the professional knotted together beyond the point of repair.

The paradox of a sunset reveals God's Wisdom

“Teach us to count our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.” Psalm 90:12It seems an unlikely marriage, beauty and despair, but creations of the human spirit in crisis are among the most meaningful and beautiful in existence.

Putting things in perspective for ourselves, our families

Sometimes in life you think about “what ifs” and “I wish” but then you may be jarred or more appropriately awakened by an experience that puts things in perspective for you.

Flexibility helps to weather life's changes

Recently a friend, who has been dealing with a frustrating family issue, came to me and burst out, “I really think that stubbornness is a major cause of death and injury in seniors!”

A journey that inspired a dream

Sometimes a night out with the girls ends up being more than just a chance to tickle your taste buds. Sometimes, your take-home box includes a wonderful lesson for reflection.


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