If I have said that word once, I probably said it thousands of times during my thirty-five-year career as a Spanish teacher. The results varied each time the word was uttered in either language. When I was asked to write an article on communication for this issue of the TAU-USA, I looked back at the many articles (most recently, a 2023 issue) and presentations I’ve given on the topic. An integral part of those sharings has been listening, which will be the main focus here.
One of our recent Formation Friday”s offered a beautiful reflection on St. Francis’ Canticle of the Creatures that we’re all celebrating during these centennial years. We were asked to write our own canticle. I offer to you my humble “New England Spring Canticle.”
The receiving and giving among the friends of Jesus creates a unity that becomes a message to the non-unified world, a world that lives by taking and holding.
Peace signifies the restoration of harmonious relations between God and humankind. Peace is also the bond of accord between one another.
Regional Roundup In this issue, five of the 30 regions are highlighted - St. Thomas More Region, St. Kateri Tekakwitha Region, Troubadours of Peace, St. Joan of Arc Region, St. Junipero Serra Region.
It has been said that our Secular Franciscan Order is one of the “best kept secrets” of the Church. Well, another “best kept secret” is where all our very important and valuable documents are stored . . . and who stores them.
“Now is the Son of Man glorified:” the passion by which Jesus will be glorified is now beginning. Jesus, lifted up on the cross, is the glory of God shining on the world.
Jesus is the shepherd, we belong to Him, we recognize His voice, and we follow Him. A relationship dramatic and life-changing
A Jubilee is an occasion in which Catholics can seek grace and holiness in a particular way. The name derives from the instrument used to mark its launch—the yobel, or ram’s horn—and proclaim the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) by the ancient Jewish people. Today, Jews celebrate the feast every year, though in the Bible, a Jubilee was to be observed every 50 years. (See Leviticus 25:8-13.) In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus makes clear his own mission to bring “Jubilee.” In the synagogue at Nazareth, he reads from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah, proclaiming a year of the Lord’s favor. (See Luke 4:18-19; 21.)
God always calls us to more, always calls us to a higher level. But when we fall short, God accepts us, accepts what we offer.