Last week we had a meeting of the two American provinces of my Order, the Oblates of St Francis de Sales. It began with perhaps the most enthusiastic talk I’ve ever heard, by the head of the other province who truly had “fire in his belly.” And his talk worked: we voted to come back together as The American Province! Of course, in this life we need far more than just enthusiasm, for without prudence or listening, learning or patience, we would not get very far. Yet I do always try to...

Tomorrow is the feast of one of the most engaging of saints, Francis of Assisi. In his love of animals and indeed all of creation, he...

Our first reading on Sunday was of their hunger and God meeting their need with manna in the desert, then, Christ’s gift of himself to us...