Is Listening and Being Present Enough?

Blog by Associate Mary Ellen George, OPA
Blog by Associate Mary Ellen George, OPA

As an introvert, I often wonder and agonize over whether being a listener and being present to others is enough. Formulating and speaking my thoughts does not come easy for me and my natural bent is to listen, hopefully, assuring the other person that they are heard. Perhaps being a lifelong hearing impaired person has encouraged me to listen deeply. Of course, there are blessings to not being able to hear too and I am certainly guilty of turning my hearing aids off to enjoy moments of silence. Continue reading →

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Nature: Can We Live with It?

Blog by Sr. Pat Thomas, OP
Blog by Sr. Pat Thomas, OP

OK, so I had another morning when I had to go out and clean out the crape myrtle leaves from my car’s trunk and around the windshield. Every morning? Really? And if you do not clean out the leaves and gunk, there will be a dark residue forming that makes you think the car is corroding.

But have you ever seen a crape myrtle in bloom? There is a very, very faint scent to the flower and it does not last long. There are white crapes, red or rose colored ones, and sometimes a deep ruby colored flower. Being upset with nature or enjoying the fruits of its growth, which defines you? Continue reading →

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Diplomacy Not War

Blog by Sr. Barbara Kane, OP
Blog by Sr. Barbara Kane, OP

Most of us have followed the saga of the Iran Nuclear Treaty, formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, with interest and concern. Some members of Congress were determined to stop it. It took a hard fought struggle to get the necessary votes to overcome a veto or a filibuster. This struggle has been and will continue to be a fact of life in our government. It can seem overwhelming and frustrating to ordinary citizens who want to see our government work. Continue reading →

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Adam, Where Are You?

Blog by Associate Conni Dubick, OPA
Blog by Associate Conni Dubick, OPA

“Adam, where are you?” (Genesis 3:9) Where are you, o man? What have you come to? In this place, this memorial of the Shoah, we hear God’s question echo once more: “Adam, where are you?”

– Pope Francis, Yad Vashem Memorial, May 26, 2014

This biblical question repeated by Pope Francis in his address at the Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem echoed through my mind this past week for three different reasons. But there was a thread of similarity of unspeakable injustice and horror. Continue reading →

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Journeying with God in Kentucky

Pat Dual
Blog by Sr. Pat Dual, OP

Last weekend several women traveled to the rolling hills of Kentucky to spend a few days with the Dominican Sisters of Peace at the St. Catharine Motherhouse. They came from different states – Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia – but they came with the same purpose. They came in response to the stirring in their hearts. They came sensing that God was inviting them to consider a different path, one of service and purpose. They came with open hearts and minds, ready to pray, share and reflect with the Sisters and with each other about this mysterious call of God.

Our participants for the Come and See weekend were warmly welcomed and enjoyed not only the Motherhouse community and each other, they also enjoyed a tour of St. Catharine College, a sponsored ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, along with a personal tour of the Abbey of Gethsemani – home of the Trappist Monks in Kentucky. One of the highlights of the visit to Gethsemani was our group singing Salve Regina in the main chapel of the monastery. The acoustics were wonderful and it was a Spirit-filled moment for each of us. Continue reading →

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