Even if most of us never come up with one, we know what a tagline is: “Just Do It.” “That Was Easy.” “It’s All Inside.” Taglines synthesize values, express company commitment, and ensure brand recognition. For this reason corporations pour millions into clinching the mother…
Author: Dana Robinson
‘gallantry and intrepidity’
These words were included in the Medal of Honor citation offered posthumously in January, 1969 to Vincent Robert Capodanno in recognition of the selfless sacrifice which ended his life in Vietnam during the war there. Thirty some years later, in 2002, the cause of canonization…
Where the rich require the poor
One day last week on the car radio I heard an interview between a well known commentator and a writer who had recently published a biography of a famous politician known for his religious conviction. What struck me about the interview was the surprise –…
Patrimonial surprise
Would it be fair to say that when most Catholics in the United States reflect on the third “mark” of the Church (one, holy, catholic, and apostolic) they understand the term to mean universal? Is their idea of universality that with the exception of linguistic…
Pursuit requires discipline
Words can take on different meanings for different people over time. For some the word ‘discipline’ has a negative connotation, one which implies punishing correction, while the word ‘magisterium’ suggests a controlling authority. People with this stultified understanding are deprived of the full, rich significance…
When service becomes mission
A French Jesuit once explained to my siblings and me that a fruitful grasp of Scripture requires an appreciation for paradox: for example, the cross being a symbol of shame and triumph, or self fulfillment for free-willed individuals being possible only on God’s terms.
"……enthusiasm and joy"
“If this is the work of men it will be overthrown, but if it is of God you will not be able to overthrow it, and you would be found even to be fighting against God.” This advice given by the Pharisee Gamaliel to his…
ESL program reaches adult learners
The IHM Core Values of Justice and Respect for Diversity have long motivated the congregation to foster the human aspirations of people, particularly where needs are unmet and social structures inadequate. Chapter 2006 issued the challenge to promote justice for immigrant persons in local and…
“Unremitting orientation to life and to the future”
Those in need of a strong dose of hope would do well to acquaint themselves with the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHMs) in Scranton, Pennsylvania. One need only visit the Congregation’s website, www.sistersofihm.org, to encounter such rallying language…
Evolving perspective
Here’s an intriguing question. What school was founded by a saint almost a half millennium ago and now can claim among its alumni/ae 72 saints, 17 popes (eight of the last 11), about one-third of the College of Cardinals, and more than 900 living bishops?…