This is about a day late, because it was at Mass this morning that I learned that this is the birthday of a beloved Friar and the protector of Mt. Irenaeus, which has become my second home in the past eleven years. Sixty-eight years ago William Francis Riley was born and raised in Rochester, New … Read more
This is a beautiful story of community building. It’s one we need more of. I spotted in on the bench next to me while at Eucharist this morning at Mt. Irenaeus This is just the kind of story that needs to be celebrated because regardless of your tradition or no matter what you believe it … Read more
I am ending the day listening to the compline prayer of the monks of Mt. Saviour Monastery in Pine City, New York. I stopped by the monastery yesterday and spent sometime sitting quietly in the crypt that holds a statue of Our Lady. I love it there. It is so peaceful and quiet and that … Read more
Yesterday as I sat in our kitchen reading and listening to Gregorian Chant on Pandora the horrific events that happened in Tucson, AZ began to unfold. First as a tweet from @npr on Twitter and then eventually to breaking news on Huffington Post to CNN, Fox, MSNBC, CSPAN and all around the world wide web. … Read more
This is the way the chapel looked at Holy Peace following this year’s midnight mass. We began the experience in darkness and were escorted from our car by Brother Kevin. A local power failure had blanketed the area in darkness and just like the shepherds 2000 years ago we were greeted by an angel with … Read more
That’s not a long time for many, but it’s twelve more years than my father got and unless tonight is my last night I stand to have more time yet to live and make a difference. When I look around and steadily climbing energy prices and a government teetering on the brink of more tax … Read more
I just watched a great video from TEDx which is one of my favorite sources of information and education. Consider how William Ury’s approach which is based in Abraham could work. This fall as a graduate student at St. Bonaventure University I read one of William Ury’s books, “Getting to Yes.” [ted id=1017]
Today started out rainy and I even made it all the way up to Mt. Irenaeus only to turn around and drive back down the hill. I wasn’t ready for everyone. I have days like that. Instead I opted for a nap in Cuba, New York and then a drive to St. Bonaventure University where … Read more
I took some time to read a post from year or more ago and in it I referenced a beginners mind. That is such an important concept and one that I need to remember often. It’s really timeless wisdom and often completely unappreciated and under utilized in most books about leadership. I’ve been reading a … Read more
My wife’s surgery went well today and she was very grateful for the many prayers offered on her behalf. She’s on the road to recovery. My father-in-law’s surgery did not provide such good news. He has cancer which we hope is treatable. Please pray him if you are of a mind to do so. This … Read more
