The Summer 2022 issue of Occasional Papers focuses on “Recapturing Our Original Love.” This edition is based on the premise that the love that first drew religious to this way of life can be a source of strength as we live through this challenging time of transition in religious life. That love can be a motivator that reminds us of our original desires to give of ourselves totally to something so much greater than ourselves.
Articles in this issue help readers explore how they might tap back into this original love religious often speak about – the love that began drawing them to this life often before they knew what the pull really was. How might an invitation to return to that original love/draw/pull help us through this challenging time? How might recapturing the love facilitate an openness to transformation?
The edition includes an interview with author and consultant Dr. Joni Carley, who promotes values-driven leadership and cultural development with the private sector and at the United Nations.
- Original Beauty and the Power of Love - Mary Beth Ingham, CSJ describes what can be unleashed if we capture our original love
- Our Original Love: A Wellspring of Hope in a Time of Uncertainty - Pat Twohill, OP writes on recalling God's fidelity in love
- Returning to Our Original Love: The Grace of Vulnerability - Miriam Ukeritis, CSJ encourages leaders to embrace vulnerability
- Drawing Upon the Loves that Drew Me - Maxyne Schneider, CSJ shares how calling on the power of love led her through a process of difficult decision-making
- Reclaiming Our Best Selves - Susan Durkin, OSU explores how we might move through inertia to dream of a relevant future
- Elderhood: A Time to Become Our Charism - Pat Kieler, SDS explores the invitation to elders to become their charism
- The Megacontribution of Prayer to the World - Dr. Joni Carley in an interview posits that the future of the planet depends upon our recognition of the essential role of the metaphysical realm
- Leading Religious Life Today from a Stance of Love - Joanna Burley, OSB; Florence Enechukwu, MSHR; Anita Louise Lowe, OSB; and Pushpa Gomes, CSC share the joys and challenges of intentionally leading from a place of love
- Enchanted, Disenchanted, and Staying the Course - Pamela Smith, SSCM reflects on a lifetime of striving to be faithful
- Love: The Very Essence and Purpose of Religious Life - a novitiate community reflects on how to recapture the energy to be love
- For Your Reflection - suggested questions for applying the insights of this issue to one's own life
Orders must be placed by May 17 and copies will be mailed in June 2022.
Subscriptions are also available and make great gifts for others at only $15/year.
Questions about orders or subscriptions may be directed to Faye Homed at fhomed@lcwr.org or call 301-588-4955.
