Bridging Faith

I met a young woman named Katie who had served as a Franciscan missionary in Zambia at an orphanage for children living with AIDS.

When I traveled to India the first time, I was amazed to see how diverse the country was. Every state had a different language and culture.

I remember the months leading up to the year 2000 as being an anxious time. Some people were anxious because they feared the end of the 20th century may also be the end of the world.

The first retreat I ever attended was called Cursillo. It was three days of being immersed in Christian life through teachings, faith sharing, prayer and fellowship. At the end of the third day, we were told: “Tomorrow, you begin the fourth day — which is the rest of your life.” We were called to bring home the gifts of faith we had received and shared.

Hundreds of thousands of young people are returning home from attending World Youth Day held in Portugal.

“I’m not supposed to be here!” Those were the opening words of a university commencement address I heard this spring.

We live in a thirsty world. There are few things more basic, more ordinary, or more natural than our need for water. We can’t live without it. And yet, we share other thirsts in life, like the need for safety, love and meaning. It’s hard to live without these essentials as well.

There are some roads in our country that carry special meaning for those who seek freedom.