Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Most of us are familiar with that famous passage from 1Cor. 13 that speaks of love, “Love is patient; love is kind...” But do you recall the totally awesome verse from the same section of St. Paul’s letter found in verse 12: “Now we see indistinctly, as in a mirror; … Continue reading Have you met God? →

Reflection by Natalie Bayci- University Mission Director (Retired) Since the beginning of the Diocesan University Mission trip to Sucre, in 1994, we have been helping at the orphanage in Ta Ta Juan Dios. Initially it was students from the University of St. Francis. Beginning in 1997, students from Benedictine and Lewis Universities joined the University … Continue reading Orphanage Classroom Building Fund →

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com We are now heading toward the fourth Sunday of Lent. Many spiritual writers have helped us to expand the ways that we can understand almsgiving and penance. Surely these times of the pandemic are days of penance and “giving up” many treasured things. Often we hear it said that just … Continue reading The Gift of the Cross →

As the challenges of the pandemic continue, are you feeling that this kind of life will never end? The temptation is great to believe that we can now relax certain restrictions and just return to the life we once knew. In fact some states are reopening all businesses with no guidelines and not requiring masks. The medical … Continue reading Mission Animation: Let the rain come! →

As I write, I am snuggled in my basement on a snow day. This winter has been a bit colder and snowier than the last few in the great mid-west of the United States. I am marveling at how the seasons, year after year, become habit. We have grown accustomed to mild winters. It is … Continue reading University Missions: Outpoured →

Photo by Ahmed akacha on Pexels.com During this Lenten season the readings for the Eucharistic liturgy and for the liturgy of the hours, often features the writings of the prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures. While praying with the psalms I came across a reading that was indicated for that day. It was Isaiah 56: 6-8 … Continue reading How can you give alms? →

Lent has started. We have received ashes and are reminded of 40 days for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Prayer is a time to sit and contemplate how God is in our lives. How do you listen and talk with God? Obviously, Mass and our other rituals are great opportunities to pray. I encourage you to not just say the words, but sink into … Continue reading Lenten Journey →

I have mentioned before that I had the great grace of living in the Amazon area of Brazil and ministering to the poor people in various villages from near the capital city of the state of Pará to the jungles of Barcarena three hours away. That was my life and blessing for 32 years. One of the most significant … Continue reading A Martyr for the Amazon →

Wishing to continue to celebrate this month dedicated to Black History, I researched many websites that honor the black women and men who have contributed so much to our history, culture, society, the fine arts, education and numerous other fields of importance. But when I came across this quote about the dreamer, I knew that … Continue reading “Every Great Dream Begins with a Dreamer” →

In the midst of the beautiful snow and invigorating cold weather that Mother Winter offers us, (perhaps this is not quite the image that  is coming to you, but rather too much snow and too much cold!), it is wonderful to celebrate special occasions. This month we are blessed to celebrate Black History month. Since September of 2020 I have been living … Continue reading Sister Thea, pray for us! →