“For me, she represents my culture. She represents cultural and social pride, my upbringing.”
OUR COMMON HOME
EMPTINESS/FULLNESS
This longing for life to continue is one reason why the teachings of the Church on marriage and family make total sense. Those of us without children support–in a sense, lay down our lives–for other people’s families and children.
SERVANT OF GOD KIRSTEN BERT
So on All Souls, I honor Kirsten Bert, whose life touched mine ever so briefly, but on my part ever so deeply.
THE CAPACITY FOR LITURGY
When I come across someone who is also hungry, searching, and soul-sick, and who also desperately wants to order his or her life to the highest possible plane, I need something way more solid than my own self-styled “spiritual” frolic.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
That is one thing I missed beyond belief—constant birdsong. The dawn and vesper choruses.
THE ITALIAN-AMERICAN MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES
Even after firmly establishing themselves geographically, economically, socially, and culturally, Italians in Los Angeles faced formidable obstacles.
THE HOME STRETCH
“Murmuring betrays an urge to stay in control. We murmur when we don’t get what we think we deserve; when what we think of as our needs are not met.”
FIAT LUX
One thing I know already: I wouldn’t have missed this adventure, these people, this place, for the world.
TAKASHI NAGAI, PROPHET OF NAGASAKI
Takashi Nagai “attempts a theology born of cruel suffering and painful conversion of heart with his message of love he takes an honored place beside great prophets.”
THE OTHER COACHELLA
In the space of a couple of hundred square miles and nine cities, the state of California’s highest and lowest per capita incomes can be found. The winter “snowbirds” clear out in the summer heat for their second (or third) homes. The Palm Springs area boasts more private jets than commercial airlines.
LYING FLAT IS JUSTICE
“Lying flat is my wise movement, only by lying down can humans become the measure of all things.”
THE GARDENS AT ALCATRAZ
For four decades after the penitentiary closed, the gardens were abandoned. That so many plants survived the harsh climate and barren soil seems a metaphor for the inmates who served out their terms and went on to lead productive, useful lives after their release.