Vocation

Recently I attended a formation workshop on “Servant Leadership” sponsored by the St. Kateri Tekakwitha Region of the Secular Franciscan Order. I’ve been a member of the Secular Franciscan Order since 2000 and professed since April 2002. I was once fraternity minister of the St. Irenaeus OFS Fraternity in West Clarksville, New York. At our … Read more

Resting place

In the quiet of my favorite hermitage at Mt. Irenaeus I come for rest and renewal. In these quiet woods I have walked upon wet leaves and enjoyed the fragrance of peace that surrounds everything here. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” -Matthew 11:28. Here at … Read more

The Spirit of the Lord

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” — Luke 4:18 Does that sound like current political rhetoric? … Read more

San Damiano Cross

I’m at a meeting in the Reilly Center at St. Bonaventure University. In the room on the wall facing me is the San Damiano cross. It is emblematic of Franciscans everywhere. Tonight it’s more poignant because I’m more focused on it. I’ve been in this room many times but in looking at the cross tonight … Read more

Lady Poverty

I’ve been pondering a lot lately. What do I do? Where do I go? Who or what do I serve. I have a heart to help at risk students and how do I do that best. I stopped by the chapel at St. Bonaventure University today and took this photo. It’s one of my favorites. … Read more

Sunset

I was thinking earlier that it was here in this community that Franciscan Friars first lived in Cattaraugus County. Ellicottville, New York is more often thought of as a winter resort but it is one of the jewels of Western New York and it glistens year round. I love the quiet here at Nannen Arboretum … Read more

Incarnation Spirituality

This is one of my favorite articles on the Incarnation. When I first heard this about ten years ago it made sense to me. Prior to that time I had always felt ill at ease with other explanations of the theology of creation and the place of Christ in the universe. This made sense to … Read more

The Little Flower

I came to Mass today feeling a bit under the weather but glad to get out if town for awhile. It has been two weeks since my last visit to the Mountain. I am really glad I came. At brunch I met several people who touched my life and gave me direction. I’m sitting now … Read more