On Thursday, December 3, at 5:30, you can join me and others to inaugurate the Season of Advent with an annual Penance Service that emphasizes spiritual preparation, waiting, and clarity. The service will be held at the Alvin Brooks Center, 5401 Troost Avenue, on the campus of Rockhurst University, that provides convenient parking and easy […]
In Leon Uris’ epic novel, Trinity, a shanachie spirit appears to the young coming-of-age protagonist and speaks of the great mystery of our existence in relationship with God, others, and ourselves. He says, “We live with a number of rooms inside us. The best room is open to our family and friends…and we show our […]
Each Halloween, as the sun sets, children go forth door-to-door in costumes that allow them to collect candy, enjoy their childhood, and perhaps dream about who they will become. Long ago, kids dressed up in colors, bright and beautiful, as saints for All Halo’s Eve; now, many clothe themselves in costumes that are dark, drab, […]
Franciscan priest, Murray Bodo, once said, “God’s love, when it comes to us through other people, overwhelms us so. The reason is, I think, that God is always more convincing enfleshed, and that is what incarnation is all about. The incarnation was not a once upon a time event. It re-occurs each time we find […]
As we approach the annual feast days of all saints and all souls, we recognize reminders of our journey from earth to heaven, from here to eternity. Just as particular saints inspire us personally, so have certain saints made an impact upon Catholics in Kansas City. Among them are Teresa of Avila and Ignatius of […]
This week the church honors Saint Teresa of Avila (Spain). Earlier this month, we celebrated the feast of Saint Therese of Lisieux, who entered the Carmelites and chose her name (originally Marie Francois) to honor the sixteenth century Spanish influencer of her faith. Last month we paid tribute to Saint Teresa of Calcutta (originally Agnes) […]
October begins with the Feast of Guardian Angels and ends with the eve of All Saints. In this month we get reminded through holy scripture, traditional beliefs, and stories handed down that we are connected to and united with blessed spirits that can light our way as they guard and guide us along life’s journey. […]
This Thursday evening, October 1, the Farnan Spirituality Center (FSC) will host a fall gathering at Blue Hills Country Club. I, along with a great team of amphitryons (fancy term for gracious hosts), hope that you can come by. This is our second FSC fundraiser; the other was held two years ago at Southside Bar […]
Many people today struggle in casual conversations with neighbors, friends, and family members when polarizing issues surface to threaten, discomfort, or offend them. It is a challenge for many of us to proceed in dialogue when differing viewpoints cause emotional upheaval or relational rift. Saint Ignatius of Loyola, sixteenth century Spanish founder of the Society […]
Inspired by the Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo, whose final painting was produced while she faced severe illness and tremendous pain, Chris Martin, lead singer of Coldplay, entitled his 2008 hit with the same phrase contained in her art piece, “Viva la Vida.” It translates as “long live life.” He was impressed by the painter’s bold […]
