by Brett Helbling, SJ | Dec 22, 2021 | Christmas, Current Events, Holidays, Justice, Spirituality, Topics ~ Approx. 4 mins
Nativity scenes are everywhere this time of year. There’s a porcelain one on the mantel, one made of small clay figures on the dinner table, a large one adorns the altar of the parish. I’ve even seen a nativity scene with living animals. Be careful, the donkey bites. ...
by Dan Finucane, SJ | Dec 8, 2021 | Blogs, Justice, Religious Life, Spirituality, Topics ~ Approx. 5 mins
It is Thursday morning. I walk into one of the halls at the ARC1, the prison unit where I work. I make eye contact with Adam.2 He is in the corner of the hall, nods slowly, and raises his eyebrows saying, “we meeting?” I nod. He stands up, retrieves his fan a few...
by Brett Helbling, SJ | Nov 11, 2021 | Addiction, Blogs, Prayers, Religious Life, Spirituality, Topics ~ Approx. 5 mins
As I shake the hand of the man in front of me, I can’t help but wonder if our paths will ever cross again. The handshake is brief and firm. This isn’t a happy goodbye, but an unexpected departure, stealing at the shelter will get you fired; and it got Bobby, whose...
by Eric Immel, SJ | Nov 4, 2021 | Blogs, Jesuit 101, Prayers, Religious Life, Series, Spirituality, The Jesuits ~ Approx. 4 mins
The following reflection is part of our “Jesuit 101” series, celebrating the Ignatian Year. This piece helps us to dive deeper into Ignatian Contemplation. To learn more about this form of prayer, check out our explainer article: “Jesuit 101: Ignatian Contemplation,...
by Dan Finucane, SJ | Oct 20, 2021 | Blogs, Justice, Religious Life, Spirituality ~ Approx. 5 mins
“What am I doing here?” This question rises from my gut to my throat like a lump. I’m sitting in the office of the director of the ARC (Ashcroft Rehabilitation Center), the prison unit where I will serve as chaplain at Belize Central Prison. It is my first day. I’ve...