Christians celebrate the memory of St. Scholastica today. She’s remembered primarily for the moment captured in this painting from the monastery at Subiaco. She was the sister of St. Benedict (the “Father of Western Monasticism”). Both died a bit after 540. He was a monk. She was a nun. Rules prevented them from getting out much. They could meet […]
St. Boniface: Monk, Missionary, Martyr
Today the Church remembers St. Boniface who died at the hands of a violent mob on this day in 754. He is called the “Apostle to the Germans” for his work as a missionary bishop. I want to highlight three things worth learning from his life today. First, Boniface shows us the counter-intuitive power of medieval […]
How to Really Enjoy Your Summer Vacation: Advice from a Fourth Century Monk
Did you get to the end of vacation last year and wonder why you were disappointed? Big expectations of adventure and rest swallowed up by Angry Birds and email? Time think ahead, even though Memorial Day is weeks away. Classes are over for the semester (though a two-week Doctor of Ministry intensive is looming). Time to think about Summer before […]
Three Cheers for St. Brigit of Kildare!
If St. Brigit were here she’d pour you a pint of her own good ale while you read about her. February 1 is her feast day and I wanted to celebrate three fine qualities of this second patron of Ireland. First Cheer: To a Remarkable Leader of the Church Brigit (ca. 454 – ca. 524; […]
Want a Simple, Focused Christian Life? — St. Anthony of Egypt
Today is the memorial of St. Anthony of Egypt (c. 251-356), aka “Anthony the Great,” the prototypical “desert father.” I wanted to share a story about him that shows his character and priorities. Someone asked Abba Anthony, ‘What must one do in order to please God?’ The old man replied, ‘Pay attention to what I […]