Spiritual Olympics

St. Francis of Assisi: Living Simply, Simply Living

Sister Dorothy Mae Stang, S.N.D.: Holy Courage

Country: United States/Brazil
Born: July 7, 1931
Died: February 12, 2005
Religion: Catholic, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur
Sr. Dorothy Stang worked tirelessly for poor farmers’ rights and preservation of the Brazilian rainforest. Confronted by assassins on a deserted road, she opened her Bible and read the Beatitudes to them. She was shot six times.

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Desmond Tutu: Spiritual Practices that Make for Peace

Country: South Africa
Born: October 7, 1931
Religion: Anglican
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, South Africa, Desmond Tutu helped end apartheid and heal the wounds it left behind. His peace and reconciliation work is deeply rooted in his faith and daily spiritual practices.
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Work

Renewing the Spirit: A Catholic Guide to Overcoming Career Burnout

As the holiday season draws nearer, so do my responsibilities as a mother and college professor. Meeting work deadlines, traveling for business, attending committee meetings,…

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Catholic Social Teaching

Community Service: How You Can Act on Catholic Social Teaching Every Day

During my many years of volunteer service (primarily in hunger relief organizations), I’ve witnessed a frustrating phenomenon. While people (admirably) tend to focus on opportunities…

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Scripture

Bless Us, Oh Lord, for These Thy Gifts: The Holiness of Mealtimes

A few years ago, I was asked to sit on an alumnae panel at my high school to talk about life in college and beyond.…

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Fanny Crosby: Sing to God a New Song

Country: United States
Born: March 24, 1820
Died: February 12, 1915
Religion: Methodist
Fanny Crosby was a prominent American lyricist, composer, poet, and advocate for the urban poor. She wrote approximately 8,000 sacred songs and is considered one of the mothers of American gospel music.

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Thomas Merton: Pivotal Modern Contemplative

Country: United States
Born: January 31, 1915
Died: December 10, 1968
Religion: Roman Catholic
Writer, poet, anti-war activist and Trappist monk Thomas Merton helped make Catholicism relevant for a new generation and introduced many to contemplation.
 

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