It always brings me up short when I encounter people who see the world as black or white. The dividing line for them is sharply defined. Nothing in between. Funny -- these are often folks who would be shocked to be considered "judgmental" because on many issues they aren't at all judgmental. . . .
Secret religious societies are a mystery to me. "Secret" as in those with rituals and memberships they don't disclose publicly. For example, I really don't "get" the Masons. So we're driving around the Abiquiu area near Santa Fe with friends and come across this structure. "What is it?" I . . .
Veiled and dressed in white crinoline, my hands folded devoutly in front of me, I did the rituals of First Holy Communion and Confirmation just like every other good Roman Catholic girl. But, the Church never resonated for me. I never felt a deep connection with any of it. At first, I thought it . . .
When I saw this at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe its simplicity reminded of early Christians, for some reason. I'll take simplicity over the baroque any day. It says more. Candles play a big role in Catholicism, usually clustered before a statue of a Saint, or . . .
You think gas prices are bad?Prayer's no longer a bargain, either. These used to be 25 cents and $1. A Catholic church in San Francisco. . . .
We Catholics love our talismans. Antique French holy card Contemporary holy card. Yes, indistinguishable from the antique, except for the bar code.God & mammon. We Catholics hang scapulars* and holy medals around our necks, St. Christopher** medals from the rear view mirror, we carry . . .
Although I am Catholic, I did not go to Catholic school. My parents thought we'd get a better education in our suburban public school.But some of my best girlfriends did go to Catholic school.I don't think it is a coincidence that they are the naughtiest girls I know.(And you know who you are.) And . . .
