- By Melannie Svoboda SND
I’ve read quite a few books about the aging process. At 80, I need all the help and insights I can get! One of the most creative and charming books I’ve read on this topic is She: The Old Woman Who Took Over My Life by Kathryn Tucker Windham. First,
- By Melannie Svoboda SND
As a child, I was afraid of octopuses. When we went swimming at nearby Fairport Harbor, my father had to reassure me there were no octopuses in Lake Erie! But, over the years, my fear of octopuses morphed into fascination. That’s due to my exposure to some of the latest
- By Melannie Svoboda SND
On November 25 I used a quote from the book A God in the House, edited by Ilya Kaminsky and Katherine Towler. The book is a collection of interviews with nineteen American poets about spirituality and the craft of writing. Today I would like to share with you a few
- By Melannie Svoboda SND
Next Monday, January 20, 2025 is, as we know, Inauguration Day in the United States. This is the day Donald J. Trump will be sworn in as President and James D. Vance as Vice-President. We hold both of them in special prayer. It is also a day for all Americans
- By Melannie Svoboda SND
On December 24, 2024 Pope Francis initiated the Year of Jubilee for 2025. It will conclude on January 6, 2026. Here are a few answers to some questions you might have about this special year. What is a jubilee year? A jubilee year is a deeply rooted tradition in the
- By Melannie Svoboda SND
That scripture verse is one of my favorites. In fact, many years ago, one of my artistic friends, made me a clay vigil light holder with the two words “Be still” carved out on one side and the word “peace” on the other. When I put a small candle inside
- By Melannie Svoboda SND
We’re all very familiar with the story of the first Christmas. But here are a few other stories that flow from that first Christmas. The real meaning of Christmas: A priest friend of mine went into a large discount store to buy a nativity set. When he didn’t see any
- By Melannie Svoboda SND
Today I’d like to offer this reflection on the person in my mirror. Maybe you can say similar things to the person you see in your mirror… Dear person I meet every morning in my mirror… … the person who’s been with me every moment of my life, and who’s
- By Melannie Svoboda SND
You probably already know something about trees. You may know, for example, that they absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, thus helping to maintain a healthy environment for other life forms–such as ourselves. They also reduce soil erosion. And they provide food and shelter for a wide variety of wildlife.
- By Melannie Svoboda SND
The readings for Advent are filled with good news. Here are a few samples: “Justice shall flourish in his time and fullness of peace forever” … (Ps. 72:7) “In days to come… they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks” … (Is. 2:4) “The calf
