Reflections from Our Directors
The Franciscan Way of Life – for ordinary people
What is the Franciscan way of life? It is Gospel based, focused on prayer, the Sacraments, simple living, self-denial, love and care of Creation and the poor and peace-making.
The Changing Seasons: Autumn is a Time of Transition
I know family and friends who love the change of seasons, especially from summer to Autumn (also acknowledged as Fall). Watermelon, floating in the lake on a flotation device, noticing the warm summer breeze, flowers blooming in gardens and if you’re lucky when...
Finding God in Everyday Places: Survivor Tree Resilience Symbolizes Hope
This little pear tree, the “Survivor Tree,” between the Memorial Pools at the 9/11 site in lower Manhattan, continues to evoke a sense of survivorship following duress and loss…
Pilgrimage
I was yearning to see in person each of my 16 grandchildren – 9 of whom live in the Twin Cities, but the other 7 live out of town.
Balancing Spiritual Gifts
Jesus’ message of peace might have had a more transformative impact in the world had the Christian movement followed Jesus’ example in his relationship with women.
Life on the Vine – Accompaniment
Realize that Sacred moments will be revealed when we pause. When we Abide as God wants us to Abide. Connected to the vine and sustained with Love.
Good Habits: Habits of the Heart
Ignatian Spirituality uses imagination and emotional intelligence to develop good habits.
Contemplating Ignatian Lament
As you consider the life of St. Ignatius, and weigh your own spiritual circumstances today, how does lament play a part in your practices? What crises of individual and collective nature call you to enter into Ignatian contemplation, or break into your own lamenting of present-day issues of injustice, death, destruction?
Ignatius and Gratitude
Practicing gratitude leads to trusting that God will be present in all things – the “positive” and the “challenging.” It leads to trusting that one can live in the present moment, rather than getting lost in past or future.