After working for many years in a professional field in NYC, I spent over a year in the Ukraine doing work for a humanitarian NGO. Having returned from a conflicted country, I was feeling out of place and having difficulty adjusting back to our affluent society....
On Friday, October 25, Gabriel M. (alum who served in Argentina) and Diana C. celebrated their wedding in San Antonio, TX. This joyous occasion was special for many reasons. It allowed us to witness the couple’s heartfelt “yes” to one another, support them on their journey, pray for and with them, and give thanks to...
Late this September, I had a full week of testimonials in the beautiful, green state of Michigan. As I prepared the talks and organized when, how, and where I would go, a friend reminded me that while outreach technically means sharing with the hope of inspiring someone to follow God's call on mission, in the...
At the close of our Saturday dinner, which was also the evening our newest member, Liliana, arrived with her friend to join us, something special happened. As Liliana’s friend prepared to leave, he stood, paused, and quietly looked around at each of us in our beautiful Brooklyn home. With a heart clearly moved, he said,...
It had been a long time since we gathered together. Thus, on Pentecost Sunday, we reunited for a BBQ. Most of the ladies who joined us live in our neighborhood. We have gotten to know them over the past years: we pay them regular visits, and they also come to our home from time to time....
It has been a bit more than 2 years since I first met Elaine. She is one of the faithful friends who come to our gathering every Saturday afternoon at the women's shelter. I often heard different ladies at the shelter saying that living at the shelter is stressful. Sometimes, violence happens. You get along...
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...
This past month, I had the joy of spending five days at SEEK24, a conference by FOCUS for over 20,000 college students. In the area dubbed “Mission Way,” we sponsored a booth to share about the mission of Con-solatio for potential young volunteers. Our 10×10 booth became like a little Con-solatio house for the week,...
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...
This year’s Con-Solatio Christmas party wasn’t the first I’d attended, and I certainly hope it won’t be the last. The afternoon began in an ample basement filled with festive adornments. Sofas, lounge chairs, and other seats surrounded a cute makeshift stage; there would be a talent show....