My last name was fashioned in Calabria... A crossroads of Greeks and Italians, Arabs and Ottomans, Egyptians and Normans, Jews, Muslims, and a few others. But what's most important, To me at least, are the Romans and Byzantines. My middle name was formed in a family... Over many centuries and Passed from generation to generation In Italy and now America. Worn by tribulation, Buffeted by triumph, and And most importantly, Inspired by saints... Specifically, the one who founded

Somewhere deep inside, Beneath my titles, My work, My relationships, My words, and If I'm being honest, My own noise ... There is a flame burning. I did not kindle it. It was given as a gift. It was fostered by saints, (and, oddly, some sinners too). I tended to it by Sacrament and Silence (not nearly enough ... yet!) And it has never once been extinguished ... Ever! This is the great, joyful secret of my life (it could be yours too, by the way). God is not far away. The ligh

Written on the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001 I. The morning the words ran out I made my living with words. I was trained as a journalist. I spent years in public affairs and crisis communication for energy and chemical companies, writing the sentences that get said when something has gone badly wrong. I studied how disputes are negotiated and how public arguments are framed. By the autumn of 2001 I was in Houston, teaching and advising at a graduate school of theolog

The Fathers describe how demons sow evil thoughts. What's truly frightening is that someone near us Can do their bidding using a human voice. At the table, On the phone, In the pew beside us During times of sadness and dread Even moments of joy and laughter. But the absolute worst comes when we are at our weakest. Their words become our thoughts. Their sounds become our cries. Their actions lead us into temptation. They accomplish this by watching and waiting Until that very

He was drawn from the water, and then Drawn into fire. We remember Moses, Who fled to Midian and Found on Horeb A bush that burned Without being consumed. Light without heat, Presence without possession. He led Israel through the sea As though it were dry ground, and Climbed Nebo To die within sight of a Promised Land he would not enter. Yet he entered. On Tabor he stood beside Elias In the uncreated light, His long waiting was fulfilled in Christ, Glorified and Transfigured.

God is the source and summit of everything. Despite that fact that we often choose to live our lives on a dark and tumultuous sea, He is always with us. He strengthens us, too. You see, God gave us a firm foundation of faith. And He calls us to build a tabernacle for Him within ourselves so that we may know Him more intimately every day of our lives. Put simply, we are never alone. Listen to Christ, follow the Holy Spirit, partake of the sacraments, and live the mystical life

A short reflection to help you deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Read: "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call ... grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore, it is said, 'When he ascended on high, he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men' ... And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to

Do not be blind. Do not be deaf. Do not lie to yourself. Each of us must make sure not to obstruct the divine work of God within. By doing this, we will see the work of the Holy Spirit and hear the calling of Christ. Let us love God with all our heart and soul. Sunday of the Blind Man If you have a question or prayer request, please reach out here. If you can donate, please click here.

A short reflection to help you deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Read: "Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of our religion: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory" (1 Tim 3:16). Ponder: Where in my own embodied life, in the ordinary flesh of my days, am I being invited to see Christ made visible, and where have I missed Him by looking only for the spec

A short reflection to help you deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Read: "For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God" (Heb 9:13-14). Ponder: What specific thoughts play over and over in