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Excellent, Anne.
mk
Written by Mary Kathryn
O Ireland, What Hospitality
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Marge and Doug Munsell:
The late Bishop Edward J. O'Donnell…
Written by Marge and Doug Munsell
Remembering Bishop O'Donnell
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The late Bishop Edward J. O'Donnell was one of the…
Written by MSK
Remembering Bishop O'Donnell
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What a beautiful reflection! I'm sure that he was with…
Written by Amy Benoist
Remembering Bishop O'Donnell
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I recently made a business trip to India. Before landing at Chicago’s O’Hare airport, to make my connection to Delhi, a flight attendant began making announcements. The last bit of information she conveyed was connecting flights and from which gates they would depart. Thus began the long list: Albany, Birmingham, Colorado Springs, Dallas, Delhi, Dublin...ah, Dublin! A smile instantly crossed my face and the lady next to me asked if that was my destination. I told her that it wasn’t but that the mere mention of the word evoked such joyous emotions in me and that everybody would feel that way if they visited the Emerald Isle.
This afternoon a few friends came together to remember Bishop O'Donnell who passed away one year ago today on the feast of St. Brigid. Bishop O'Donnell was an Auxiliary Bishop in St. Louis and Bishop of Lafayette Louisiana before retiring. (The St. Louis Archdiocese has a biography) But, for those who took care of him in his final years and knew him well he was a friend first. I knew him in his final years when his health did not permit him to express him self as in the past but I believe my impression of him was very similar to the impression he left on those who knew him for many years.
A Request That Sent Me Begging
Written by Michael Kleissler
Every year when I light our Christmas candle I’m reminded of the concrete nature of the Christian faith. This always brings to mind one particular incident. Several years ago I was in my room in college with students scattered around the building enjoying their evening when a man came knocking at our door. He was looking for water and that was all. This was common but unusual in my school’s neighborhood. Often someone on the street would ask for money but with the purpose of buying cigarettes or beer. But this man was truly poor and in need; there was no doubt about it. I was struck by this and searched long and hard for a cup with which to bring him water. I was moved out of care for him and a sense of obligation but there was something missing.
The Wind Blows A Rose
Written by Michael Kleissler
My wife Bernadette and I have been blessed with another beautiful daughter, Elizabeth Rose, and this weekend she will be baptized. Its even more beautiful that she was born on the Feast of the Guardian Angels during that exciting time of the year when summer fades into fall. In the spring and summer we took birthing classes and prepared for a husband coached childbirth. Our hope was that the labor would be an act of love and pull us closer together as a family. And it did, by teaching us about ourselves.
Knock Its Important
Written by Michael Kleissler
The rain fell in eastern Mayo most of the day and the humble ways of the people and modest landscape may not grab the imagination with simple story or picture alone. Much has been said about the poverty and faith of the people of Knock and their pastor. Like most approved apparitions many miracles of healing have been worked and it has been a place of pilgrimage for many. Among all this, the beauty that moves me to devotion is found in the silence of the event and hearts of the people.