Find the hope

Find the hope

On May 29, 2011, I was in conference with a guest at The Hermitage, a retreat center where I serve as Spiritual Director. It…

Practicing silence

Practicing silence

At The Hermitage Community, the contemplative prayer center where I serve, we often remark to new guests that we give the gift or “permission”…

Good Yet

The old farmer stands at the end of the lane, big smile plastered on his face, waving goodbye. His coveralls are stained with work,…

Abbey Cemetery

Abbey Cemetery

for Kilian McDonnell, OSB This gentle hill heaves, pushing up crenellations— those markers of surrendered life secured even in death. A phalanx of gray…