A Teardrop on Each Leaf
The morning after a nighttime rain each leaf of a pin oak tree held a teardrop at its tip. The tree had become a chandelier of droplets. Often we think of rain in negative terms, such as “It’s raining on our picnic.” But there can be beauty after the rain. If today has “rain on […]
Cheers!
During my annual retreat I started each day by taking a cup of coffee with me to the edge of a lake where I would sit for a while in reflective silence. One morning without any previous thought I lifted my cup and said “Cheers!” to God. Simultaneously I sensed God saying “Cheers!” to me. […]
Christmas Is Coming
Just six months until Christmas Eve! Have you started your shopping? Today’s feast on the Church calendar is a solemnity—the Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist. John was the precursor of Jesus, the Messiah, so today looks toward the birth of Jesus. Today’s feast and Christmas were selected for their proximity to […]
Canonization of St. Julie Billiart
In 1969 the three branches of the Sisters of Notre Dame celebrated the canonization of Julie Billiart. Some attended the ceremony in Rome, while the majority had celebrations at home. Our Toledo province gave a concert that day, singing the biography of Julie and the history of Notre Dame. Even though Julie suffered much from […]
We Love All Creation in God
The window in the Lial Renewal Center chapel allows the worshipers to see the outdoors though not distinctly. Much of the window is a large yellow circle that seems to embrace the outdoors, signaling “Come in! Come in!” And at the very center of the yellow circle is the tabernacle, miraculously containing the Lord of […]
St. Aloysius Gonzaga
Today is the feast of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, the patron of youth. On this day we also remember the foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame, Sister Maria Aloysia Wolbring, who took Saint Aloysius as her patron. His patronage was a good choice, because Sister Maria Aloysia spent her religious life teaching children and taking […]
In the Spotlight
In early morning the row of trees along the lake stood in their habitual greenery. Unexpectedly the sun shone a spotlight on a small section of trees, illuminating the foliage in bright splendor. As the sun rose higher in the sky – my apologies to all you scientists who know better — a longer line […]
No Time to Pray?
My family prayed the rosary every night usually in the living room or traveling in a car. There was no thought of ever skipping the rosary, but when there was an exceptionally good program on TV, we prayed the rosary during the commercials. We learned there’s always time to get your prayers “in.” Vacation time […]
There’s Something about Seeing
At this time of year it’s hard to find a parking place in metroparks. The birders have returned, migrating to the parks to satisfy their passion to see a Waxwing or a Great Crested Flycatcher. There’s a thrill in seeing whether it’s birds, stars, meteors, rainbows, a five-star movie, or the pope. The oohs and […]
An Ordinary Day in the Life of God
Recently a friend asked for prayers for her daughter. When this intention came to mind, I prayed a short prayer. Throughout this time I kept feeling the urge to do more. I decided to give this woman a Fatima rosary, along with a note about Our Lady of Fatima and the observance of the 100th […]
