Saints Above!
Each year on November 1 we celebrate the Saints, canonized or not—those people who lived well and now live in heaven. They are our ancestors who show us the way, our friends in high places who pray for us. Luckily, just in time, my latest book was published: Destination Heaven: Daily Advice from the Saints. […]
From Belief to Discipleship
Because I’m still catching up with matters after my three weeks in Africa, I’m grateful that Jordan Trotman has provided a guest post for this week. He offers some solid facts for Christians. Believing in Jesus is where faith begins, but it isn’t where it ends. Many people know who Jesus Christ is, and they […]
Cartoons for a Fall Day
Cartoons are overflowing in my computer. Some of them I post on Facebook, but a slew of them I won’t use. So I decided to share a few with you here. It could be that you need a good chuckle right about now. Enjoy! What is a good joke you know? Here is the song […]
Why Catholics Pray the Rosary
Today is October 7, Feast of the Holy Rosary, a fitting day to think about this devotion. Where did the Rosary come from? It’s not in the Bible. St. Paul tells us to sing hymns and offer prayers for leaders, but says nothing about praying these prayer beads. According to a legend, the Rosary began […]
Retreat in Africa
Originally I was invited to give an eight-day preached retreat to our Sisters in Africa. However, my visit lengthened so I could also speak to different groups: our Associates, novices, and temporary professed Sisters. For the retreat I chose the theme Pillars of Religious Life. Each day I presented two talks on a topic fundamental […]
African Safari
One day Sisters Mary Christine and Teopista took me on a safari in Nairobi National Park. This park is the only national park within a city. As we drove along the dusty roads though flat grasslands, the city skyline was visible in the background. Vincent, our driver, helped us spot animals and informed us about […]
SNDs in Africa
During the three weeks I was in Africa, I became acquainted with our Sisters in Kenya and Tanzania. They are grateful to the Sisters from other countries who established their delegation. A poster of those missionaries seen above is displayed in their convents and schools. Among them is Sister Annete Adams from Chardon, who served […]
African Meals
I’m often asked how the food was in Africa. It was very palatable, not spicy at all. Because the Sisters operate farms where they grow their own crops, the food is fresh and free from chemicals. They also raise their own animals. Breakfast was eggs, cheese, pancakes, yogurt, sausage, peanut butter on bread. Chapati (chewy, […]
African Masses
Africans celebrate the Eucharist with enthusiasm. Music is accompanied by instruments, clapping, whistles, and whoops. Although our convent Masses in Africa were normal length, our Sunday Mass at humongous St. Veronica Church lasted two hours because of the many hymns the choir sang and the processions. (At the offertory, people brought up things for the […]
Introduction to Visit to Africa
Since I arrived home from three weeks in Eastern Africa, many have asked me about my visit to our Notre Dame Sisters there. In the next several blog posts, I will present highlights and details of my time. For now, here is some basic information: How long did it take to get there? 2 ½ […]