On March 27 at Historic St. Luke’s, New Orleans, an Evensong was held to celebrate Blessed Frances Joseph-Gaudet, a turn-of-the-century educator, prison reformer, and juvenile justice advocate. The officiant was the Rt. Rev. Morris K. Thompson, Jr.; cantor, the Rev. Jane-Allison Wiggin; homilist, the Rev. Lindsey Ardrey; with music provided by the St. Luke’s Choir. Special presentation and prayers led by the Gaudet Fund Committee, Commission for Racial Healing, and the Gaudet Legacy Committee.
A story is told of the philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson who, when warned by a doomsday prophet of the approaching end of the world, said, “Very well, we’ll get along without it.” The thought of heaven and earth passing away is terrifying to some, heart-....(View this...
To ask for a double helping of one’s inheritance requires chutzpah. In this case, the inheritance Elisha requests is not for material goods. He wants a double share of the spirit from Elijah, his mentor and teacher. Elijah has just parted the waters of the Jordan for...
The summer my daughter was eight, she participated in a dance workshop. The culminating performance featured children dancing to John Fogerty’s song, “Centerfield” (Put me in coach, I’m ready to play…) Children ran, slid, and leaped about the stage. As I watched, my...
Katherine Marshall hands Lenten surprise bags to a parish family at a drive-by pickup at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta, Georgia, on Feb. 7. Photo: Liz Beal Kidd. [Episcopal News Service] At last year’s Mardi Gras, many Episcopalians in New Orleans and beyond...
The Bible contains many images of angels. Some are powerful messengers who reassure people to “fear not.” Some are avenging angels with the power to destroy. Some are guardians. Artists have portrayed angels in many ways. Raphael painted chubby-cheeked cherubs, and...
I did not realize until my marriage of thirty years fell apart that a broken heart literally, physically hurts. I wondered if I should see a cardiologist, but a routine physical proved me physically fit and healthy. There are no pills or surgeries to treat a....(View...
Once (okay, more than once), I became overwhelmed with projects: ministries, committees, acts of compassion and mercy, being the perfect teacher and mom. I was practically a saint, except I wasn’t. I was exhausted and tearful. I was short with my family; my lower left...
I would like to be a salty old woman. Maybe I already am. While people consider my mother a kind, lovely woman of wit and intelligence, she also has a little saltiness. She isn’t crude or rude—just plain-spoken and honest. Once, when someone was whiny and dramatic,...
In the 1970s, Time magazine featured photographs of mass baptisms of hippies at California beaches. This was the Jesus Movement, and the converts were called Jesus Freaks. My college dorm neighbor posted a sign on her door, declaring she had found J....(View this...
Is addiction a choice or a disease? The subject is hotly debated in recovery circles, with some calling it a disease of choice. Some people advocate tough love as a response. Others propose medical treatments. Those who love addicts are universally frustrated and...