Category Archives: spirituality

The Big C: An Encounter with Cancer

Posted on October 14, 2024 by richp45198

I was recently diagnosed with skin cancer. Not pre-cancer but melanoma. Full-blown cancer. Thankfully it was treatable since it was in situ, i.e., on the surface. My initial research revealed that in situ melanoma was very treatable if it was … Continue reading →

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Prayer of St. Francis

Posted on October 1, 2024 by richp45198

Here is the link to an article I wrote for St. Anthony Messenger. Enjoy! https://www.franciscanmedia.org/st-anthony-messenger/a-new-understanding-of-the-prayer-of-st-francis

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New York City Marathon 2001 reposted 9/11/24

Posted on September 12, 2024 by richp45198

I first posted this piece some years ago and wanted to repost it today. I have many images in my mind and heart from that time as we all do. But the enduring image from that day is that of … Continue reading →

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You Can’t Go Home Again

Posted on September 4, 2024 by richp45198

Thomas Wolfe once wrote a novel titled “You Can’t Go Home Again”. Much of Wolfe’s writing focused on that theme as he would explore his Southern roots. The above picture is of Zummo’s Coffee Shop. Beside the cafe is a … Continue reading →

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The Beatitudes: Jesus’ Forgotten Guidance

Posted on August 20, 2024 by richp45198

Christianity is in the news on a regular basis these days. Here in Texas there is increasing pressure in the legislature from Conservative Christian to legislate teaching the Bible in public schools. Elsewhere we hear more about book bannings. One … Continue reading →

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I Met Another Hero Today

Posted on July 18, 2024 by richp45198

In the past I have written about heroes in my life. Several have been baseball players. But the fact is that, through my work, I meet heroes on a regular basis. I met one today. When we think of heroes, … Continue reading →

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The Synod and the People in the Pews

Posted on June 26, 2024 by richp45198

Pope Francis recently called for a Synod to examine the state of the Church and its direction. The first gathering last fall was intended to be the culmination of a series of meetings and studies at diocesan levels to generate … Continue reading →

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Sen. Joe McCarthy: Lest We Forget

Posted on May 27, 2024 by richp45198

Many people have never heard of Senator Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin, a man who, for a period of time in the late 40s and early 50s, was likely the most powerful man in America. Playing on fears of Communism subsequent … Continue reading →

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How to be a Bad Christian

Posted on May 8, 2024 by richp45198

The other day I was conversing with a man who had seen considerable combat and was judging himself for some of the things he did during combat. I asked him whether he had a spiritual perspective and he said “I … Continue reading →

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Stuff and the Stuff of Memories

Posted on April 4, 2024 by richp45198

Those who try to follow a spiritual path often have mixed feelings about stuff. George Carlin has a great routine about our need for stuff and running out of room for our stuff. The Buddhists challenge us to address our … Continue reading →

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