Have you ever heard a homily that stayed with you for days? I heard that kind on Sunday at Mass celebrated by Fr. Stephen Austin, a visiting priest from Texas. Reflecting on the gospel about the rich person giving from excess and the poor widow giving all she had, he concluded with the three virtues Read more »
In The News
“Can You Drink the Cup? by Sr. Mary Tewes, OSB
Jesus replied to James and John, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Grant that in your glory we may sit one on your right and the other on your left.” “You don’t understand. Can you drink of the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am Read more »
“A Bit of Respite” by Sr. Kimberly Porter, OSB
Last Friday afternoon on my way home from work I stopped at the public library. As I browsed the shelves I came across a section titled “Gentle Reads.” The collection was described as books to calm and nurture the reader amidst challenging times. There were a range of genres including non-fiction, mysteries and a variety Read more »
“A Crayola memory – “Flesh Color” crayons” by Sr. Dorothy Schuette, OSB
About a month ago I needed to spend some time in our monastery infirmary recovering from an accident. Although I have become a more contemplative person over the years, it’s not quite a “lifestyle”, i.e. I still am not used to a lot of “unstructured” time. But for those few days I tried to just Read more »
“Important elections bring diverse thoughts and questions” by Sr. Colleen Winston, OSB
If I had money, I’d be willing to bet it all that you know there’s a big election just around the corner. When I consider ads and speeches of the candidates for president, senate and house, it seems results have the potential for producing profound changes in our country. Our votes will determine the kinds Read more »
“The Right Hand of God” by Sr. Christa Kreinbrink, OSB
Nearly 90% of the human population is right-handed. In scripture, the sacred writers ascribed right-handedness to God as well. God’s right hand is a symbol of strength and power. In a time without many sources of data, the writers must have been keen observers of this frequency in people around them. God’s right hand is a source Read more »
“Villa Madonna Academy students and the sisters of St. Walburg Monastery” by Sr. Mary Rabe, OSB
As Fall is upon us, it is time for me to review the first quarter of the school year. As a retired teacher I give myself this treat and choose to share some of the experiences with you. Since the virus, the students have not visited in large groups but they appear at the front Read more »
“Lovely memories of Mater Ecclesiae Monastery at the Vatican” by Sr. Aileen Bankemper
How can one visit Assisi and Rome and not write a blog about the experience! It was an amazing time (except for getting Covid!) From Sept 1 -20, I was a Benedictine delegate from North America, and participant in the CIB (Communio Internationalis Beneictinarum) conference in Assisi. What a sacred place to hold meetings. Following Read more »
“Come and See” by Sr. Barbara Woeste
When I was deciding what to write, my mind suddenly focused on an image long ago. It was when I was a teenager (ancient history). Our family was on vacation in Michigan at our favorite lake. I was not feeling well and afraid that I was getting polio, I was extremely fearful of this disease. Read more »
Center of Spirituality announces speaker
Join us on Saturday, September 28 as we welcome Ken Overberg, SJ. Ken grew up in the west side of Cincinnati, attending St. Aloysius Gonzaga parish and St. Xavier High School. He joined the Jesuits in 1962, eventually earning degrees in philosophy and theology (PhD in religious/social ethics is from the University of Southern California). Read more »