Welcome to Day 7 of the Saints of Color Novena. Nhan Nguyen, acj, introduces us to Venerable Francis-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận, a man who had great love for the Eucharist and sought to bring the peace of Christ wherever he was, including prison. Novena Prayer:...
The following reflection is part of our “Jesuit 101” series, celebrating the Ignatian Year. This piece helps us to dive deeper into the “Presupposition” from the Spiritual Exercises. To learn more, check out our explainer article: “Jesuit 101: The Presupposition, A...
Welcome to Day 6 of the Saints of Color Novena. Sr. Cathy Doherty, SSND introduces us to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico. Novena Prayer: Almighty Father, we pray as one Church, through the intercession of these holy people, that we may...
This is the eighth installment of A Deacon’s Diary. In the seventh installment, Steve wondered what it really meant to be free. I. One weekend recently, I was shadowing another Jesuit. He was preaching a retreat in Louisiana and brought three of us deacons with him. ...
Welcome to Day 5 of the Saints of Color Novena. Emmanuel Arenas, SJ introduces us to Saint Toribio Romo, the patron saint of immigrants. Novena Prayer: Almighty Father, we pray as one Church, through the intercession of these holy people, that we may experience...
“You are not far from the kingdom of God.” These words from Christ struck me in the twelfth chapter of Mark’s Gospel one morning as I prepared to give a reflection at an upcoming prayer service. Over the weeks I’d been teaching theology to middle schoolers in Omaha, I...
Welcome to Day 4 of the Saints of Color Novena. Danielle Harrison introduces us to Venerable Pierre Toussaint. His life highlights the importance of our relationship with God and each other. Novena Prayer: Almighty Father, we pray as one Church, through the...
“All shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well.” These words were written by a Medieval English anchoress and mystic, Julian of Norwich. The Lord spoke them to her in one of her visions. Julian of Norwich lived from the end of the 14th Century to the early...
Welcome to Day 3 of the Saints of Color Novena. Esperanza Rodriguez introduces us to Blessed Concepción Cabrera de Armida, also known as “Conchita.” She is a mother and mystic who spread love and joy to others, even in the face of pain and tragedy. ...
Who are the Church? I have long loved this question. I love its deliberately awkward grammar, which snaps us out of complacency and challenges us to think and reflect on how we will answer. ————– The pandemic has upended church life and our...
