Author: Dana Robinson

XLI

January 22nd.  Those old enough to recall learning in school what the above referenced Roman numeral is are old enough to remember the fateful decision handed down by the Supreme Court 41 years ago today, a decision that vitiated the legal prohibition against the voluntary…

A Bracing Dose

We must have hope, that theological virtue which many contend is primary because of its role in leading us to the other two. Recently, I came across a powerful manifestation of hope. It is in the letter attached here and I invite anyone interested in…

Sing, Choirs of Angels

Toward the beginning of this year, this column reported on an international organization which in recent years has been enjoying a renaissance in this country: the International Federation of Pueri Cantores. Readers can refresh their recollection of this world-wide organization by visiting its site at…

"And the Gifts We Have, We are Given to Share"

Working behind-the-scenes, Kevin Tansey shares his gifts with Ignatian Volunteer Corps. Kevin is an Ignatian Volunteer, a National Board Member and a donor. He is a former Peace Corps volunteer, a retired federal government employee, a husband, father, and life-long learner.

Liberating Women

Fifty years ago, when ‘women’s liberation’ was just becoming a household phrase my mother made a comment which no doubt other wise women had made before: the first liberated women were nuns. One of those choice paradoxes found in the treasure chest of our faith…

Milk first, then meat

Antonyms are instructive. When we think of the meaning of a particular word and then contemplate its opposite, we appreciate all the more the value signified by that word. Think of peace and then conflict, warmth and then cold, or couth and then uncouth. We…

“Thanksgivikkuh”

Because of the alignment of the lunar and Gregorian calendars, the holidays of Hanukkah and Thanksgiving are in sync this year, a coincidence which last occurred in 1861 and will not reoccur for many more millennia! For many in our nation it will be an…

Good To See You Again!

Ignatian Volunteer Fe C. Varquez had a surprising encounter with a client at the food pantry where she serves in Los Angeles. “I’ve been at the Juan Diego Center for four years. I had just come back from my summer break. I saw Miguel, a…

WHY POPE FRANCIS LEADS HIS WAY

Pope Francis: Why He Leads the Way He Leads, by Chris Lowney, was just published. According to Amazon, this books is the first to include anecdotes from Jesuits who lived with the Pope, the first to explore his leadership style, and the first to draw…