Blog

Santa Clotilde Transport

The single-engine Cessna seemed to arrive quickly that morning. It gently landed on the Napo River, aimed towards the usual dock, which was conveniently straight downhill from the hospital. However, that dock had recently been all but submerged from rising water levels. Two mature trees, roots exposed, flanked this old dock like testaments to the … Continue reading “Santa Clotilde Transport”


Something to Celebrate

READINGS: ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 2: 1-11; I COR. 12: 3b-7, 12-13; JOHN 20:19-23. Pentecost is often celebrated as the ‘birthday of the Church’ which is true but only a partial recognition of what this day is about. We hear in today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles about the Pentecost event when early … Continue reading “Something to Celebrate”


Mother’s Day

“A society without mothers would be a dehumanized society, for mothers are always, even in the worst moments, witnesses of tenderness, dedication and moral strength….Dearest mothers, thank you, thank you for what you are in your family and for what you give to the Church and the world.” -Pope Francis This Sunday, the second Sunday … Continue reading “Mother’s Day”


World Malaria Day

Malaria is a disease not often considered by most Americans. However, much of the world remains at high risk for contracting malaria throughout the year. We cannot deny that this disease is inequitable: with 247 million new cases of malaria in 2021, according to data from the World Health Organization, 95% of all malaria cases … Continue reading “World Malaria Day”


God’s mercy

Every Mass we pray “Lord have mercy” – but what are we asking for?  This Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday and we can take a moment to reflect on what we are asking for when we make this prayer. Are we asking for forgiveness? Or something much greater?   Where can we look for a greater … Continue reading “God’s mercy”


Not Just a Day

Celebrating the resurrection of Jesus is something we may hold in our hearts every day. We know that His resurrection makes possible our own eternal life. Therefore, Easter is celebrated well beyond Easter Sunday – for a season of 50 days, from Easter to Pentecost, this year from Sunday, April 9 – to Pentecost Sunday, … Continue reading “Not Just a Day”


In the name of Jesus Christ

April 7th, 2023 is both Good Friday and World Health Day. This year’s World Health Day represents the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO). 75 years ago, countries across the world came together to “promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable” (WHO). As these two significant events share … Continue reading “In the name of Jesus Christ”


Interruption

Readings: Isa. 52: 13-53; Hebrews 10: 16-25; John 18: 1-19:42. Good Friday once again. Why do we celebrate or remember a death so long ago? Why do we immerse ourselves in liturgies so somber and quiet? After all this is very much an interruption from our daily life; the hectic pace, the quest for productivity, … Continue reading “Interruption”


Love

Readings: Exodus 12: 1-4; 11-14; I Cor. 11: 23-26; John 13: 1-17; 31b-35 “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you,” said Jesus in today’s Gospel reading but what does it mean? Love is a much-used word in our world and its popularity can lead to … Continue reading “Love”