We all want something, many things. And from others. To want of another is to commit an act: it is to make a claim on them. In that wanting – of knowledge, of help – we make claims on one another, all the time, and on many levels. Please, we say. Couldn't you? Aren't there some words you might give to console and clarify? This article, originally published in The Jesuit Post, searches for ways to respond to these needs....
Pope Francis' recent visit to the U.S. has been one of bridge-building across a divided political landscape. The Holy Father's message focused on issues that gather people together in service of a common good; issues like helping refugees and immigrants, protecting the environment, and promoting the rights of the poor. He chose to emphasize encounter and dialogue. This is not surprising given that he is a Jesuit and the Jesuits train for loving dialogue with others who are from different cultures and contexts. A key model for such dialogue is found in the writings of the Jesuits' founder, St. Ignatius Loyola....
With our aging population, there are many individuals who already need or will need caregiving. This caregiving can take place at home, in an assisted living facility or in a long term care facility. Care can be provided by paid caregivers, but many caregivers are family members or friends. This care can range from partial care to round - the- clock 24 hour care. Much has been written about the challenges and rewards of caregiving but not as much has been available on the spirituality of caregiving....
Pope Francis has some consistent themes, concerns that he raises from time to time. One deals with human trafficking. It's no surprise, therefore, to read this month's universal prayer intention, entrusted to the Apostleship of Prayer around the globe: "That human trafficking, the modern form of slavery, may be eradicated."...
We believe laughter to be beneficial for our physical health. But, Maria Kelsey asks, "Is laughter good for our spiritual health?"...
We celebrated, in 2011, the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first Jesuits in Canada, at Cape Breton, N.S. It is impossible to look at the history of Canada without considering the life of Saint Jean de Brébeuf, the seventeenth century missionary and pioneer. Brébeuf was born in Normandy, France on 25 March 1593 and entered the Jesuits at the age of 24. In 1625, a few years after being ordained to the priesthood, he sailed for Quebec. It is ironic that his formation was shortened due to poor health, since the giant of the Huron missions" would be recognized as the most robust of the black robes in the region of Huronia."...
Tomorrow is the feast of the Canadian Martyrs. Among the many who will gather to celebrate the feast day at the Shrine of the Martyrs in Midland, Ontario will be Adam Pittman - a Jesuit Novice. Adam tells us what this day and these men have come to mean to him....
When I stop laughing I have to start thinking about leaving. This was my refrain when I first entered the Jesuits. Laughter was a sign of joy, of contentment. If I was laughing -- with my brothers, with the people at my ministry sites, with my superiors -- then I knew something was 'right' about this new life I was testing out. Laughter had become a barometer of sorts, a way to take note of how I was doing -- my moods, my inner movements -- and it proved a helpful one. This article was first published in The Jesuit Post (thejesuitpost.org)...
The Apostleship of Prayer Mission Intention for September 2015 is that catechists may give witness by living in a way consistent with the faith they proclaim.But what makes an ideal parish catechist? Bill Robins, SJ addresses this question in today's post....
Gratitude in the face of suffering is not something we hear much about. Juan Ruiz, SJ writes about one visit he made as a hospital chaplain this summer. The article was originally published in The Jesuit Post....
