Today is the feast day of John Donne * (1572-1631) , arguably the most famous of the so-called “metaphysical poets”. His love poems are beautiful and evocative, sometimes erotic, and his satires reveal a keen wit and a sharp pen! Although he lived a somewhat scandalous life in his youth, he eventually took orders and became … READ MORE…
Recently, a Cathedral group sponsored by the Integrity Circle went to the play “Next Fall” by Geoffrey Nauffts at the Diversionary Theatre. Cathedral member Mark R. Turner shares his reflections. We all bring our backgrounds to dialogue with a work of art. Our personal dialogues with paintings, films, and plays customizes the piece to our … READ MORE…
A flock of clergy in red stoles I’m sure you’ve noticed the long processional before Sunday’s 10.30 with lots of people and lots of different vestments. St Paul’s is a Cathedral, after all, and puts on a Cathedral-sized service. But who are all these people? First, of course a lot of them are clergy. You … READ MORE…
My four days in the hospital taught me quite a lot about being laid up. My attitude toward visiting people in the hospital had always been one that ranged from wondering if I should go, to downright reluctance. I’d consider going, and then wonder if a visit from me would be welcome, if the person … READ MORE…
Excitement was in the air at the recent gathering of St. Paul’s women and their guests. We met in the Great Hall on March 1st and enjoyed a delicious catered Italian dinner. The room was all ‘a buzz’ waiting for our speaker! But more on this later. Our (almost) monthly meetings this year have sparked … READ MORE…
When I was elected people’s warden by the cathedral chapter this year, I was honored, but also immediately started wondering, “what have I gotten myself into?” I realized that I didn’t have a very clear picture of what a warden does in the Episcopal Church. So, in addition to talking with the dean, and some … READ MORE…
My first foray away from my sofa or bed was on Ash Wednesday for noon services. I was scheduled to read the second lesson, and I was determined to be there. I felt that I was in pretty good shape after the events of the preceding Friday, lucky and blessed not to have broken legs … READ MORE…
Heavy Lenten themes can morph into upbeat self-discovery—sometimes in a flash. Recently, during a browse at Hillcrest’s Bluestocking Books, I came across the late Madeleine L’Engle’s science-fiction classic, “A Wrinkle in Time,” (Square Fish Publishers 2007, an imprint of Holtzbrinck Publishers, New YorK and now celebrating its 50th publishing anniversary (Farrar Straus and Giroux 1963) … READ MORE…
Homelessness is a growing phenomenon in America. It takes many forms: There are bankruptsies, foreclosures and short-sales. Banks collect homes when the unemployed default on their mortgage payments. Some people are homeless because of natural disasters like Haiti and Japan. Some are homeless and without kin, who are called orphans. Others are homeless due to … READ MORE…