Two weeks ago, I found myself walking the sites of Holy Week, from the cave-chapel of Gethsemane to the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem. Of all that I was able to see and hear on my nine-day pilgrimage to Israel and the West Bank right in the middle of Lent, the sites surrounding the Easter […]Read more

Guard Hill provides a scenic panorama of the French coastal city of Marseilles along the Mediterranean Sea. One can see for miles in any direction, both the compact city and the vibrant blue waves. Perhaps most importantly, one could stand on Guard Hill and see oncoming weather. Awareness of inclement weather is often a matter […]Read more

The last few days before Ash Wednesday are devoted to festivals: Carnevale throughout Italy, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and other small-scale celebrations before we enter an intense season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is the perfect day for all of us who’ve been procrastinating our Lenten goals. Whether you […]Read more