Life Needs Only a Small Space to Begin Again

Photo and text by Sr. Jon Julie Sullivan, SNDdeN …a good lesson to me whenever I am at the eastern seacoast.  The huge edges of the land meeting the sea always seem to have random spaces where earth has blown in and the birds or wind have planted a surprise. I am reminded again that

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Just Around the Bend

Just Around the Bend

Photo and text by Sr. Jon Julie Sullivan, SNDdeN Just around the bend is how each new day begins. In many ways we are simply on a path Cleared and opened by those who are ahead. What grace there is in appreciating them And hoping someone knows how we were Part of the road makers

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Longing to Break Out

Photo and text by Sr. Jon Julie Sullivan, SNDdeN Zoos are not places I like to visit. Over the years it has dawned on me that not all zoos have fences and cages and we wild people are often in the crowd. But a friend needed pictures for her art work and we went to

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Blessed are you when they insult you… Novena Day 9

Dorothy, they did speak lies about you, and persecute you and eventually murder you. They tried to silence you, but through your death, you became the "seed that fell to the ground." And your passion for the earth and love for the poor has sprouted! Your life and work are known worldwide and continue to provide a spotlight on injustice in the

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Blessed are they who show mercy… Novena Day 5

Reflection on Psalm 125 You surround us like mountains; you keep us safe and secure. When we trust you, we, too, are like the mountains unshakable and enduring. You are strength. You are protection. You are mercy. You offer your riches to every one of us – rich, poor, believer, non-believer we are one in

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Blessed are the single-hearted… Novena Day 6

Dorothy, your single-heartedness came from always keeping your gaze on Jesus crucified. This gave you courage to forge ahead when meeting opposition on every side. PRAYER: Jesus, you too were constantly humiliated and challenged by the powerful. Yet, you always spoke the Truth. We ask for the grace to speak up on behalf of the

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Blessed are they who hunger and thirst… Novena Day 4

JUSTICE.  Sr. Dorothy had a passion for justice expressed over almost 40 years of struggle on behalf of the poor farmers and the integrity of the rainforest. Hundreds of people lost their lives, their homes, their crops and animals to the violence of illegal ranchers and loggers, but she doggedly pushed on. She knew the risks

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Blessed are the peacemakers… Novena Day 7

PEACEMAKING: Walking around the campus of Notre Dame de Namur University I sing in my heart to see the the different nationalities and cultures represented in the present student body. Our campus, and the state of California, exhibit the dramatic changes that have taken place since World War II. This generation is truly blest and the

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Blessed are the poor in spirit… Novena Day 1

What is "poor in spirit?" For me it has a great deal to do with the treasure of time. Used wisely, for the benefit of loved ones and friends it becomes a means of healing, hope, laughter-a blessing for us as well as for others. But we can find ourselves so preoccupied with work, responsibilities

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