Those who have been on a New York City subway at least once know that it can be a place where human brokenness becomes manifested in all its depth: homelessness, addictions, poverty, ideologies - all of these and more are ubiquitous and ever visible. As I entered the subway earlier today, I noticed a woman who...
By Marian W., Alum Warm faces. Overflowing hearts. Beautiful liturgies. Delicious meals. Meaningful moments. This is why I come back year after year for Con-solatio's annual family reunion in Brooklyn. For me, it is the most nourishing, sacred, joyful way to ring in the new year. Every detail is planned out with care as we enter into our...
At the turn of the new year, we welcomed 15 friends and Missionary Program Alumni for a Family Reunion. This Reunion gave us the opportunity to give thanks for the blessings received in 2022 and to entrust the unfolding of 2023 to our Lord. Here are some personal highlights...
Sofia, Jiale, and Andie recently joined our community in Brooklyn, NY...
Maria very humbly called from Con-solatio to ask if she could stay with me for 10 days at the end of July, while her community traveled outside the country. Looking at the calendar, I knew it was going to be a busy time for me, but I said, "Sure! Of course you may come, Maria!"...
The intensity of this past year left me feeling pretty drained. While I looked forward to returning to "normal," I also felt exhausted, and unsure of how to move forward without completely abandoning the lessons learned during the pandemic. I said to God, "I wish I could find a retreat or somewhere that would give...
I will admit with no shame that I spent my last Indian rupees on a large fries at McDonald’s before boarding my flight home. Yes, I was that person who hopped onto a plane in the nick of time with slightly obnoxious aromas wafting through the cabin...
Some time ago as I was looking through some of my pictures with a friend, he remarked “You have them separated into before Perú and after Perú!” He was right. When I returned from my mission to Perú in 2010, it seemed like I was starting a new chapter in my life; so there was...
Spending New Year’s Eve with Con-solatio for the past two years feels like Elijah’s experience of searching for and encountering God. The community’s Yule Tide tradition is to spend the hour leading up to midnight in adoration at St. Nicholas parish. Aside from us, the immense church is empty, and all lights are off except...
Anna and David, both former Con-solatio missionaries, celebrated the Sacrament of Matrimony on Dec 12, 2020, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe!...