Category Archives: spirituality

“Woke”

Posted on May 6, 2025 by richp45198

I have struggled with the meaning of this emotionally charged word that has come to represent a certain category of persons who have come under fire and threat these days. Here is the Miriam Webster definition: “aware of and actively … Continue reading →

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The Catholic Church and Clergy Abuse: Impact on Faith

Posted on April 14, 2025 by richp45198

I have been reading a disturbing book titled Jesus Wept: Seven Popes and the Battle for the Soul of the Catholic Church by Philip Shenon. Shenon studies the ongoing battle between progressive and conservative Catholics, made more intense by the … Continue reading →

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Conservative Christians: A Critical Voice in a Troubled Time

Posted on March 23, 2025 by richp45198

It would appear that Conservative Christians played a significant role in the election of Donald Trump. Several of the issues around which he built his campaign to include abortion and sexual identity appealed to the Conservative Christians. Now that he … Continue reading →

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Powerlessness and Politics: What Are We Citizens to Do?

Posted on March 6, 2025 by richp45198

It seems that each day the news includes yet something else impacting on we citizens. Today it included the announcement of further cuts to VA employees. Since the beginning of the year, the news has included announcements of other job … Continue reading →

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Me and Baseball

Posted on February 9, 2025 by richp45198

It is February and soon pitchers and catchers will show up for spring training. Along with Dan Shaughnessy and others, my sons and I will assess the possibilities this coming year for my beloved Redsox. Baseball has been a part … Continue reading →

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On Speaking Out

Posted on January 28, 2025 by richp45198

I have been writing this blog for over ten years and rarely have I written about anything political. That has largely been because of what I perceive to be a lack of intelligent political discourse these days. This is due … Continue reading →

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On Folk Music

Posted on January 11, 2025 by richp45198

Folk music has been on my mind and heart, partially because of the film “A Complete Unknown” and also because of the death of Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul, and Mary. The songs of Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul and Mary, … Continue reading →

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Veteran Suicides

Posted on December 18, 2024 by richp45198

I recently watched a film titled “The Keeper”. It tells the true story of combat veteran George Eshleman and his journey along the Appalachian Trail. Veteran Eshleman travelled the Trail carrying the names of 363 veterans who had committed suicide, … Continue reading →

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Spiritual Mentors: Harold Kushner

Posted on December 4, 2024 by richp45198

The other day I was roaming through a used bookstore and came across an old friend. I found a book titled “Overcoming Life’s Disappointments” by Harold Kushner. I have written here about other spiritual mentors. Rabbi Kushner’s impact on my … Continue reading →

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Welcome Home Soldier

Posted on November 11, 2024 by richp45198

Here is a link to an article I wrote some time ago. The article reflects my feelings for brother and sister veterans as well as the need to be listened to. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/st-anthony-messenger/welcome-home-soldier

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