GIVING THANKS
A few days ago, I had a very interesting discussion with an elderly man, a hospital patient who was deeply saddened at being bedridden for many weeks. To cheer him up, I asked him what might be some positive things…
Category Christian Living
HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS
For this reflection, I could go into the theology of angels and how they fit into Catholic doctrine. Instead, I want to suggest that we reflect on the security and comfort that this heavenly gift gives to each of us. I was…
A MARATHON OF HOPE – SEPTEMBER 15, 2024
This day is a wonderful opportunity to consider someone who could easily make the “short list” for nomination as a secular saint. He is not canonized by any particular religion. He is held in high esteem. He is recognized world-wide…
ALL CREATION CRIES OUT
We pray that each one of us will hear and take to heart the cry of the Earth and of the victims of natural disasters and climactic change, and that all will undertake to personally care for the world in…
HITTING THE BOOKS: NOVALIS BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR
As the days get shorter and cooler, and as our regular routines take shape, we may have more time for diving into a book. Reading is much more than a leisure activity – it’s a way to make sense of…
CONNECTING IN LOVE: WORLD DAY FOR GRANDPARENTS AND ELDERLY
This post was scheduled to go live July 28, but due to an error in our system, its publishing was delayed. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope you can still enjoy this very thoughtful reflection! -Novalis staff If you…
LIFE BEGETS LIFE BEGETS LIFE… (NATIONAL FAMILY AND LIFE WEEK: MAY 13-19)
For those who do not know, I am the proud father of my adopted children. Years ago, each of their birth mothers faced a harrowing choice. They were surrounded by messages and pressures that provided a path to terminating their…
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Do you remember being asked this question as a child? Unlike many of my peers, my response was “I want to be a Sister.” I also wanted to be a teacher from the…
ALL SAINTS AND ALL SOULS CELEBRATE THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS
My father died recently. He was 94, of sound mind, and had what is euphemistically known as “a good death”: in his sleep, in his own home, with family members there. One of the most touching moments in our family’s…
ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER
One of our Catholic Social Teachings is the dignity of work. People ought to be able to use their skills and knowledge to accomplish a purpose and to have self-worth and self-esteem. The work may not be perfect in the…