Christmas greetings

Loretto, KY

Around the walks one sees bows and garlands.   It is Christmas. The paths show the anticipation of the people.  The days are shorter; dark mornings are followed by short days followed by dark nights.  Some say that this season is a time for thinking of other people and acting with kindness.  Is it true?

Time to listen

Maple Tree leaves - Loretto motherhouse, Kentucky

Walk quietly and look at the work of the trees beside you and above you. A few moments of silence are good to have.  Sometimes you come to the place where your joy comes from deep within you and you want to say "Oh." Saying "Oh" in the silence of the place you are in.

Thomas Merton and the Loretto Community, Kentucky

Fall foliage - Loretto, Kentucky

The Loretto Motherhouse is located on a working farm in Marion County, Kentucky.  The Sisters of Loretto is an American congregation founded in 1812 by Reverend Charles Nerinckx.  The congregation is dedicated to education of youth. The Motherhouse is located on the site of home of Rev. Stephen T. Badin, the first priest ordained in the U.S. Father Badin was ordained in 1793.

Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.
                                                                                                                                 -- Thomas Merton