Author: Dana Robinson

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?…

Immigrants and Sojourners

Ever since our ejection from the Garden of Eden where our earliest parents lived in the paradisiacal state for which our Creator had created us, we have been migrating “sojourners and pilgrims” (1 Peter 2:11) making our way back – with God’s help – to…

My Mother-in-law, Moses and John Paul II

Shortly after her retirement, my mother-in-law was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. As it happened, as a member of the Catholic media, I had just received an invitation to attend a meeting with Pope John Paul II in Los Angeles. On the off chance that I…

John Paul the Great

Four decades ago, in the Empire State Building where Catholic Relief Services then had its headquarters, I met Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Though petite in physical stature, she was already a moral giant in the eyes of the world. In the years that followed I…