Angels have no gender, although the three most famous angels have masculine names—Gabriel, Raphael, and Michael. Although some people give their guardian angel a name, I never have. But if I’d give a name, I will call her “Val, my pal.” Why would I give her my name in shortened

On October 1, 1850, two young teachers in Coesfeld, Germany, Hilligonde Wolbring and Elisabeth Kühling became Sister Maria Aloysia and Sister Mary Ignatia, respectively. Thus the Sisters of Notre Dame began their witness of God’s goodness and providence care. Now 176 years later their charism continues in the lives of

Recently I wrote a blog about first thoughts upon waking—thoughts of Jesus and thoughts of our own. The thoughts dealt with things to do, wishful thinking, people we know now as Biblical characters. Although I submitted the blog, I felt there might be criticism about not including prayer, thanks, and

On Tuesday, September 1, the Church will celebrate the World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation. Although you may have commemorated this day last year with the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi, we now have official texts from the Discastory for Worship with prayers and readings in

I saw an interview between Sr. Joan Chittister, IHM and Oprah Winfrey. They were discussing one of Sister Joan’s many books titled “The Time Is Now.” They surveyed what our culture has become over the past years, especially today’s differences in political views from those found in values in our

St. Nicholas Day on December 6 is celebrated with sweets: apple turnovers, gingerbread, and candy. Do you know the special foods for the Solemnity of the Assumption on August 15? It’s customary to bless fruit, herbs, and garden produce. Maybe you were hoping for sweets. Well, I found one resource

Suitcase and bags in tow, retreatants headed for their cars back to places of work and ministry. The last shouts of “Good-bye! Have a great year!” subsided. The grounds around Lial Retreat Center seemed empty. The next morning birds and animals noticed the unnatural—or should I say natural?—quiet. Walking to

Every day of the year is a saint’s commemoration; however, not every saint has a special day with prayers at the Mass. Canonized saints’ days are usually the date of their death, considered their birthday into heaven. Archives and Catholic research may have dozens of saints on the same day.

On July 4, 1874, the foundress of our Congregation, Sister Maria Aloysia Wolbring, stepped onto American soil, having been exiled from Germany by Bismarck. What was our foundress feeling? What fluttered her heart? I imagine that her feelings foreshadowed the feelings of Sister Mary Dianne Rumschlag who on July 5

Once a homilist told the congregation to “take Jesus along with you throughout the day.” Hearing the homily, a carpenter decided to do just that. He drank his coffee along with Jesus, but the cup spilled all over his work. Then he grabbed a bag of nails, which turned upside