Saint Augustine of Hippo (ancient city in modern-day Algeria) was famous for his great mind, remarkable conversion, and deep faith. His classic fifth century autobiography, Confessions, is less about his sins (though he reveals plenty) and more about God’s loving mercy and grace. In other words, he confesses that God is God and we are […]
As Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina sat in the Sistine Chapel during the conclave of 2013 and realized that he would be the next pope, his friend, Cardinal Hummes of Brazil who sat next to him, leaned over and whispered, “Don’t forget the poor.” Sherry was born in Central Missouri in the 1940s, the only […]
In 1909, the same year that the Jesuits of the Saint Louis Province established Rockhurst College, Rockhurst High School, and Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Kansas City on shared land where 52nd Street intersects with Troost Avenue, the Jesuits of the United States established a magazine called “America.” Its title indicated their desire to engage […]
Those who attend lots of Saturday weddings are familiar with the Catholic Wedding Gap; it refers to the time between an early afternoon church ceremony and evening reception. The two-to-three-hour frame has become part of our Catholic culture. During that afternoon time, guests usually assemble in small groups at bars, hotels, homes, or Airbnb’s until […]
Congratulations to the national soccer teams of Spain and Argentina, finalists in the 2026 FIFA World Cup! Many of us are not international travelers so it was an incredible Odessey to have the world come to us for this amazing multi-faceted futbol event over the past month. Though I have been blessed to travel to […]
Some people who read this blog but are not very familiar with the Farnan Spirituality Center (FSC) asked me to write something about what happens there. I offer this summary. Over the past four years, the FSC has engaged nearly 5,000 individuals through retreats, spiritual direction, pastoral counseling, sacramental preparation, discussion groups, book clubs, and faith formation […]
Among the most tender scenes of the World Cup is when players take the field, or walk onto the pitch, holding hands of children. Often a youngster is also chosen to lead the referees and deliver the game ball. It is a tradition that goes back a quarter century when the FIFA World Cup collaborated […]
Perhaps the greatest birthday gift that our nation could receive this year comes from the ten million visitors who are roaming coast to coast, participating in World Cup festivities, and sharing experiences of how wonderful it is to be here. Evidently, the news they receive back in their homelands portrays our country as dark, gloomy, […]
“Bring me my bow of burning gold, bring me my arrows of desire. Bring me my spear! O clouds unfold. Bring me my chariot of fire!” Those words from William Blake’s 1804 poem, “Milton,” reference the famous biblical story in 2 Kings where the Prophet Elijah, instead of dying, was taken up to heaven in […]
Each summer the church commemorates the life of Saint Ignatius of Loyola on his feast day in late July. In conjunction with the memorial, and as pastor of Kansas City’s Ignatian parish, I will offer a two-hour mini retreat (or introduction to Ignatian Spirituality) in the next month to any interested faith-seekers. My primary target […]
