Epiphanies of Beauty

a commonplace of the everyday

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Running into Joy

I went for a run today and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's been years since I could say that; years since I thought I could ever enjoy running again. It's embarrassing, really. It's not that a traumatic event ended a soaring running career. I didn't even fall; or break an ankle. I let someone else steal my joy. Years ago, at a company dinner, the conversation turned to exercise and one of my co-workers became loud and adamant about his disdain for running.  Turns out Mike used to be a ... continue reading...

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The Strangers at the Manger | Book Review

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support in this way. [book-info] I'm quite sure the last time you picked up the Bible to read Luke chapter 2 you missed the part about two little red-headed twins, Patrick and Katie, kicking a soccer ball around in the fields with the shepherds. You've probably wondered about how Joseph managed to work his way through the crowds to find a ... continue reading...

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Saint John Neumann: Missionary to Immigrants | Book Review

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support in this way. [book-info] Chalk another one up to Pauline Press and their “Encounter the Saints” Series. In St. John Neumann: Missionary to Immigrants, Laura Rhoderica Brown, FSP, provides a wonderful introduction to the patron saint of immigrants and sick children. The book is geared towards kids between the ages of 8 and 11, and ... continue reading...

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Padre Pio: A Personal Portrait | Book Review

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support in this way. [book-info] I had only a brief introduction to Padre Pio before reading this book, Padre Pio: A Personal Portrait. Providentially, it arrived on my door from Servant Books at the same time I set about to read Amoris Laetitia. Indeed, Padre Pio is not only a saint of miracles, but he is a saint of the confessional, and is ... continue reading...

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Advent with St. Teresa of Calcutta | Book Review

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support in this way. [book-info] With the canonization of St. Teresa of Calcutta fresh on our mind, I'm certain there's quite a few of you who would love to spend Advent with the beloved "Mother Teresa." If you aren't familiar with St. Teresa of Calcutta, here's a little something to get you acquainted with this newly canonized saint. St. ... continue reading...