Each fall, the Catholic Church in the US and Canada remembers the lives and witness of the nine Jesuit missionaries’ whose martyrdoms helped plant the seeds of faith in the vast regions of North America. In today’s piece, three Jesuits share the graces they encountered praying in the footsteps of the Jesuit North American Martyrs during their annual 8-day retreat at the Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland, ON.
All posts by Brennan Dour, SJ
Brennan is originally from Bremerton, Washington and entered the Society of Jesus in 2020, right after graduating from the University of Notre Dame. Currently, he teaches theology and English at Fe y Alegría #44 in Andahuaylillas, Perú, and helps out around the Jesuit parishes of the Quispicanchi region. In his free time, you can find him reading or out exploring.
Joined in 2023 11 posts bdoursj@thejesuitpost.org
Jesus Doesn’t Promise an Easy Life | One-Minute Homily
Jesus makes significant demands of us in Matthew 10, but his promise for our lives is far greater than anything we could imagine. Based on the readings for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
The Holy Spirit is Our Gift | One-Minute Homily
On Pentecost, Jesus offers the Holy Spirit to each of us in an individual way so that we can each build up the body of the church. Brennan Dour, SJ asks: Where has the Holy Spirit been tugging on your heart? Based on the readings for Pentecost Sunday.
Jesus Doesn’t Begin With Explanations | One-Minute Homily
Jesus offers us the same peace that he offered the disciples after Easter. Brennan Dour, SH asks: how will you embrace and share his peace? Based on the readings for Divine Mercy Sunday.
Jesus Points to Hope | One-Minute Homily
Jesus’s encounter with the Samaritan woman shows that one’s life circumstances are not what is most important. Brennan Dour, SJ reflects that Jesus offers us a hope that points beyond ourselves. How is he inviting you to share that hope?
Beavers, Muskrats, and the Real Invitation of Lent
As Lent approaches, Brennan Dour, SJ, reflects on the curious historical case of Catholics in New France classifying beavers as fish during Lent, and the reminder it offers that Lent’s purpose is not a rigid intensifying of rules, but God’s invitation to grow closer to him whatever our circumstances.
Jesus Gives us a Roadmap | One-Minute Homily
When he gives us the Beatitudes, Jesus offers us a roadmap to fulfillment and authentic joy. Brennan Dour, SJ reflects how the Beatitudes focus our daily actions for a life centered on God. Based on the readings for the 4th Sunday of Ordinary Time....
Alfred Delp and the Mystery of Advent Hope
What does it mean to embrace radical hope in God during Advent? Brennan Dour, SJ, reflects on the Advent meditations of Fr. Alfred Delp, SJ, who discovered this season’s profound spiritual invitation to trust in God while awaiting execution in a Nazi prison cell.
God Calls Ordinary People: A Reflection on the Life of Pope Francis
Since his passing, the world has been commemorating the extraordinary life and ministry of Pope Francis. Brennan Dour, SJ reflects that what distinguishes the late pontiff’s example was above all his humanity and humility. His life reminds us that ordinary people are called to extraordinary discipleship



