Daniel, a native of Goa India, is studying Theology at Boston College in preparation for ordination to the priesthood. A former techie in Silicon Valley, where he did not work for tech support, Daniel enjoys photography, hiking, vegan baking, and going to bed at 9:30pm everyday.
Joined in 2018 30 posts dmascarenhassj@thejesuitpost.org
The story of Saint Ignatius reminds us to always trust in God’s goodness and graces for the unknown twists and turns of life. In the footsteps of Ignatius this summer, Daniel Mascarenhas, SJ reflects how he found this saint’s example helps him navigate the difficult spiritual and practical realities following his conversion to a plant-based diet.
At a few Jesuit universities around the United States, Jesuits in formation serve free coffee to students. Based on his experience of speaking with these students, Daniel offers a few thoughts for how we might begin to share the faith through casual conversation.
Many people eat chicken without knowing the harrowing realities of factory farms. Daniel questions whether Christians, in light of the Beatitude to show mercy, can continue to eat factory-sourced meat.
The recent outcry over Governor Noem’s shooting of her hunting dog exposes an inconsistency with our deep love for animals. Daniel questions whether we as Christians can pamper some pets while also eating factory-farmed meat.
Abstaining from meat is more than an ascetic practice when we know of the harms caused by the meat industry. Daniel explores how our Christian living of God’s hopes for kindness in this world might require us to abstain from meat beyond these forty days of Lent.
Hearts on Fire retreats bring the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius to young people, and make them accessible.
Care for creation is a massive undertaking, but that does not mean we can shirk our responsibility, as Pope Francis reminds us in his recent exhortation Laudate Deum.
As Christians, we have a hope in God’s coming kingdom that Jesus preached. That kingdom encompasses all creation, including all animals.
In spiritual direction, we speak with a trusted advisor who helps us to see God’s love in our lives more clearly. This can be a meaningful experience for the director as well as the person seeking direction.