I’ve been lucky to have travelled a bit this summer, more than usual.
I had the chance to make it out to my home state twice, and both times I visited some new places, including Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded on December 4, 1786 and the tenth of twenty-one missions founded throughout California by the Franciscans.
Today, July 31st, is the Feast Day of St. Ignatius, who went home to God on this day in 1556.
There’ are other sections of this blog that go into great detail about this man, the religious order he founded, and his legacy of the Spiritual Exercises.
I came to know St. Ignatius several years ago through the kindness of a Jesuit priest who gave me some books on the life of this Saint.
Years before 9/11, I had the chance to visit the Statue of Liberty, climbing all the way to the top and taking in the view from the windows of her crown. It was amazing, and I’m grateful to have had that opportunity, since, due to fears of terrorism, such climbs are no longer allowed. Today, the Statue is open again, having been closed for months because of another attack, this one coming from mother nature: Hurricane Sandy.
Each July, Loyola Press offers a daily post on some aspect of Ignatian Spirituality, which as you may know, is near and dear to my heart. Last year, I was a bit delayed in getting the word out, but not this year…
I hope you’ll check out their site, not only today, but every day leading to Ignatius’ Feast day, which is July 31st. I think you’ll be glad you did!
🙂 Happy July 🙂
Last Sunday night, I was glued to my t.v. screen, a rare occurrence for me.
Nik Wallenda was walking a tightrope across the Little Colorado River Gorge. Maybe you saw it too.
Boy, time flies. I’m sorry for the long delay between posts. The past month has been, how shall I say it… trying.
My classes were great this year, and after staying down at Catholic University for three weeks, I came home to a lot of catch up, both for my job and for my yard.
I just got back from finishing up another residency component for my doctoral studies. All I can say is it’s good to be home.
Although I really enjoyed my time in Washington DC, I was ready to sleep in my own bed, pray in my own garden, cook my own meals.
A few days ago, I noticed that the first blooms on my roses this year would be on one of my new bushes, the Abraham Lincoln.
As best I can recall, I don’t ever remember a time when my mom didn’t grow an Abraham Lincoln rosebush. It’s a very strong plant, and produces florist quality, long-stemmed and highly fragrant red buds. Just beautiful, and it’s easy for me to see why she loved it.
Happy May Day! The picture above and the guest post below are from Spirit Daily, a website I visit often. Given my recent posts about my own garden, I thought the post does a great job of taking garden imagery and adapting it for spiritual insights. I hope you’ll think the same.
By chance, I ran into an old acquaintance last Saturday at my local nursery. I’m not exactly sure where we first met, but we see each other out in the community now and again, and from time to time she’ll post a comment here at Making All Things New.
When I asked her how she was doing, she told me she’s getting ready to retire this summer. Now, when most people retire, they dream of travel, relaxation, an easier lifestyle.
My friend, however, is choosing another path. When she finishes up her long career working for our local library, she’s decided to open a “Sober House.”