A favourite millennium joke concerns a tableau staged in Heaven to celebrate 2000 years since the birth of Christ Jesus. As I remember it, it goes like this: It was a great celebration. The angels were in fine voice, and Jesus consented to be a baby again. He lay in Mary’s arms while Joseph sat Read more
Discernment is one of the words Pope Francis repeats most, especially when speaking to priests and seminarians. He often expresses his desire for greater formation in discernment – a concept that may seem obscure without an understanding its importance to the Pope’s Jesuit formation. “When a Jesuit says ‘discernment,’ they’re employing a term that has Read more
As a teacher in our parish school, I often ask the kids what they want to be when they grow up. The most popular answer is a sports star (I’m not alone!). Veterinarian, scientist, and doctor are also frequently mentioned. Asking questions about why you’re here and what will make you happy is too often neglected. When planning for the Read more
Researchers in America found that Ignatian spiritual exercises affected the brain’s ‘feel-good’ systems Ignatian retreats appear to cause “significant changes” in the brain, scientists in America have discovered. Researchers at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Thomas Jefferson University studied the brain responses of pilgrims on an Ignatian retreat and published their results in Read more
Near the end of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises is a curious section titled, “Some Notes Concerning Scruples.” Scrupulosity is one of those pesky spiritual problems that we don’t always recognize but can give us a lot a grief if left unchecked. Believe me, I know! Never heard of scrupulosity? How about Catholic Guilt? Read more
I often see scaffolding wrapped around buildings. Rigid metal poles bolted together. Planks and ladders providing safe passage from one place of work to another. Scaffolding is needed for major repairs and maintenance, such as replacing a roof, or painting a tall building. Sometimes, this scaffolding is then plastic-wrapped, to provide privacy, safety, and a Read more
We hear so little positive news about the many and varied countries in Africa – most given the Catholic faith along with their subjugation by European powers intent on despoiling them. I want to redress the balance by sharing two stories from one of the poorest countries where Christian Life Community (CLC) is making a Read more