by: Sr. Aileen Bankemper, OSB Since Pope Francis’ illness and death many reflections about him have been written. I want to add mine. On September 8, 2018 Benedictine women from around the globe were participants at the Communion of International Benedictines Symposium held in Rome. During this event we were privileged to have an audience Read more »
This week all ears and eyes are tuned into the conclave in Rome. Who will become our next pope? As I write this blog, the cardinals are all gathered in the Sistine Chapel to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their voting. We also join them in praying to the Holy Spirit Read more »
I often read footnotes and copyright data from Breaking Bread before or after singing a hymn. In each section, side by side, are hymns from this century and from centuries before. We benefit from publishers who can “bring out of their treasure what is new and what is old.” (Mt. 13:52) St. John of Damascus Read more »
Recently I discovered that Psalms 66, 98 and 100 encourage us to make a “joyful noise” to God and I wondered what a joyful noise could be. Looking throughout the psalms, it is clear that a group of people praising God or singing to God is a joyful noise. Other joyful noises are the giggle Read more »
As a community we gather four times a day (morn., noon, eve., and night) to pray the psalms (Liturgy of the Hours). Recently at noonday prayer a line from Psalm 101 struck me. God was talking to the people and said: “The theme of my song is mercy and justice.” This is a powerful thought Read more »
A few weeks ago I got called up for jury duty for Kenton Circuit Court. I am to serve during April, May and June as needed. Those in the juror pool for this period came together on March 21st for general instructions, a review of qualifications and application for excused absences. There were about 100 Read more »
As you begin reading my blog I invite you to inhale slowly, filling your belly with a deep breath. Hold it briefly, now let it out as slowly as possible. Take two more full deep breaths. Taking deep breaths, usually three, is a practice I use in therapy with my clients and in my own Read more »
This is one of my favorite feasts of the year, but happening in the midst of our Lenten Journey. I found this very special poem, that I wish to share for your reflection on this Feast Day.
It is time to review our Lenten practices. Perhaps we have chosen something that did not serve its original purpose. A friend passed the following to me. She had unearthed it from her treasure box. There was no identification as to its original source. I made a choice to send this out anyway. I hope Read more »
Lent is here and we’re still in the first week. For me that means that the “first fervor” is still with me. Hopefully I can maintain my positive Lenten spirit in the in the weeks ahead. I think we all know that Lent is a time for prayer, fasting and almsgiving. What that means for Read more »