Reflections from Our Directors
Mortality and What Matters Most
Maybe it’s because I work in hospice that I find the season of Lent to be a beautiful time to not just reflect on Jesus’ death but to contemplate and plan for our own. We start this season each year by hearing the words, “Remember that you are dust and to dust you...
PRAYER SHAWLS: Everyday reminders of God’s love, compassion and mercy.
While busy with fall closet cleaning at Loyola, I came across three beautifully knit prayer shawls! What a pleasant surprise! Those three shawls immediately raised up in me powerful memories of my own experiences with prayer shawls…warm reminders of how God loves us...
Be Mindful of What You Wish For
There is sometimes (often?) irony to be found in the reflectiveness and goal-setting of January. I rang in the New Year bemoaning how creatively on-fire – to the point of agitation – I was in 2019 for a vision that has met only roadblocks. Then today, I came across my...
Peace Article
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. John 14:27 Over the years, I have watched as we share the peace at church for many to want to hide or hold...
Encounter and Conversation: Dialogue in Ignatian Prayer
“How do you prepare for a meaningful conversation with a friend?” –Dan Johnson, Spiritual Director When my Loyola colleague Dan Johnson framed his “Simple Prayer” retreat with this essential question, a deep part of me was moved. How do I prepare for a meaningful...
Tender Mercy
I have been attending many Christmas musical events this season and they have fed my waiting Advent soul. One Christmas prayer service in particular was profound in its message. The art on the cover of the program was titled “Tender Mercy” and is done by Robyn Sand...
Where are YOU in the Sacred Stories of Advent?
When I was a little girl, my December ritual was to sit alone in our living room beside the twinkling tree lights and imagine myself into the coffee table manger scene. I visualized myself with the shepherds underneath a Bethlehem sky full of angels until the angels...
Ignatian Contemplation this Advent
“Contemplating a [Biblical] scene is not simply remembering it or going back in time. Through the act of contemplation, the Holy Spirit makes present a mystery of [God’s Love] in a way that is meaningful for [us] now.” – Fr. Kevin O’Brien, SJ The Ignatian...
Grief and the Holidays
It is that time of year again and Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year are fast approaching. When someone you love dies the future you thought you were going to have with your loved one is gone as suddenly as his or her life is done. Throughout the year there...