First, let's delve into the transformative power of Joseph Cardijn's spirituality, which he deeply integrated into his vision for social and labor reform. His approach to spirituality was not confined to traditional religious practices; instead, it was a catalyst for change in the lives of ordinary people, particularly workers. It aimed to infuse their daily... Continue Reading →
Plastic Jesus
I was thinking about growing up. It was the 1950s, and Sunday mass was in the school’s basement at the parish (QAS). I remember walking out to the parking lot and always noticing the number of cars with plastic Jesus and plastic St Christopher, some with plastic BVM, and a handful with all three neatly... Continue Reading →
How did Joseph Cardijn exemplify the Rule of St. Benedict?
As historians, we constantly seek out the "documents" first. As John Tracy Ellis said, "No documents…no history." Documents come in many forms, including oral traditions, written materials like letters and poetry, art, and music. (On a side note, when studying scripture, consider the art of the period; you may be surprised.) When we study the... Continue Reading →
Why Do We Study Merton?
One of the reasons we delve into Merton's work is to gain a deeper understanding of God. Merton's perspective, like ours, has been shaped over the past 2000 years, with a significant influence from the last 1500 years. This journey of understanding is not just a scholarly pursuit but a personal quest that resonates with... Continue Reading →
Is it time to revisit “Mater Et Magistra”?
Pope John XXIII wrote an encyclical in 1961, and he believed at the time there was a need to continue the tradition of Rerum Novarum (1891) and Quadragesimo Anno (1931). In the '60s, the world had changed considerably when you compare it the 1891 and even 1931, both politically and economically. When 1961 came around... Continue Reading →
“The way we treat the environment signifies our will to please God”. by Julie Peller Ph.D.
In Psalm 40, the prayer is “Here I am, Oh God, I come to do your will.” When we look around and see garbage in every parking lot, farm field and roadside, are we doing the will of the Creator? When we purchase lots of unnecessary stuff, disposable and highly packaged goods, all which require... Continue Reading →
In life our “Why?” has to be bigger than our “Why not?”
The benefit of changing must surpass the comfort of staying. the WHY and why not are in the context of a cause-effect.....of Objective and Subjective. The WHY is the objective question we ask about life and the why not is the subjective component. without the WHY in our life, THE WHY not will lead us... Continue Reading →
Practice: Vow of Nonviolence
Practice: Vow of Nonviolence "Years ago, the Center for Action and Contemplation staff, volunteers, and friends were invited to say this vow together. Today I renew my commitment to nonviolence and invite you to make this vow your own as well. Recognizing the violence in my own heart, yet trusting in the goodness and mercy... Continue Reading →
Is Religion divorced from the work-a-day world?
As a "Hoosier" I was exploring the on-line libraries in the state. I Came across this site about Merton and Music. https://indianapublicmedia.org/nightlights/soul-swing-jazz-religion/?fbclid=IwAR2jBfurRAbOa5k2DKislZc3_zmwu27xZogh4mrrEw5U0FFMbsLsXXv335A I think we see how Jazz was the Christ speaking to Merton. Jazz a language with much religious tones and meaning. Jazz is not divorced from religion or the work-a-day world, especially in... Continue Reading →
Innovate ~ Educate ~ Collaborate 