To modify an old political catchphrase, “It’s about the souls, stupid.” The souls of the Amazonians, many of them forced from their land, exploited and vulnerable. The soul of Amazonia itself, being stripped by fire and dam and chainsaw. Even the souls of those who would exploit and burn and lay waste, and the souls of those of us who turn our backs on the plight of the vulnerable.
February is a tough month for our family, bringing the anniversaries of our twins’ deaths. Each year I find myself answering hard questions from our sons about their sisters. Why did they die? Where are they now? Will I get to see them again?
Sacraments are communal and it is appropriate they are celebrated in a gathered community.
Experienced couples who have weathered challenges, who know that fights don’t last forever and that forgiveness and humility are the secret weapons of marital maturity, can become the best evangelizers.
Fear is a natural and useful emotion, but it can become a prison master and tyrant.
In the February issue of the magazine, read about the future of Catholic schools, a preview of the 2020 state legislative session and a new effort that uses technology to evangelize.
Contributing to this month’s conversation are Dr. Thomas Burnford, president and CEO of the National Catholic Educational Association; Christine Friederichs, principal of St. John’s Area School in Foley; and David Fremo, diocesan director of Catholic Education Ministries.
We need to do a better job as a Church of telling our story — those of yesterday and of today — as well as reach out to those persons and communities who still struggle with the legacy of the sins and injustices of the past, whether Catholics committed them or not.
