As I write this in the early morning, the sun is just starting to show pink and yellow through the trees on the east side of the convent. One of our Matin hymns is running through my head, “Behold, another day is given for us to journey on towards heaven, when Christ invites us to awake, to work and love for Love’s own sake.”   Today is Shrove Tuesday. At the convent we are preparing for tomorrow’s observation of Ash Wednesday and for beginning our journey through Lent. It se

Each year, as November becomes December, I remember how my mother decorated early and beautifully for Christmas. Colored lights were hung on the house, and a giant wreath could be seen from the street. A pine tree stood as tall as the living room ceiling with ornaments, lights, and silver tinsel icicles.  The “Christmas lamp,” a porcelain angel holding a lighted candle, stood in a cloud of white angel hair. A creche of plaster figures with paint loved off edges and faces sat

One of my friends was a chaplain at University Hospital during the first year of the pandemic. He told me that during that time his...

There is something to be said for the Spirit of peace and concord, the Spirit who smooths ruffled feathers and soothes our souls. She’s...