Reflections

My intention before departing was to devote this blog to historical reflections with the intention of seeking the American (United States) Catholic spirit. Initially I set out with the goal to proclaim, remain pious in a spirit of pilgrimage. I have not posted much because… Read More »The Angels of Missouri, Part I

We went to Vigils (morning common prayer) this morning and I was inspired by the evocative sound of a monk rushing to prayer. And since we are at Conception Abbey and I haven’t posted in a while, I wrote this poem. The well-thought paceOf well-placed… Read More »Walking Doxology

Les Sages Sacrements pour les Osages (Sage Sacraments for the Osages) La barque Catholique en AmériqueCe que le portage de la France.Sans elle, il n’aurait jamais la croyanceMais le naufrage parmi les Osages;Marquette sans navetteLe cendre d’encens. Mes amis,I have no voice of Paul ClaudelNor… Read More »Sage Sacraments for the Osage

We have left Cape Girardeau and settle into a different current of American Catholic history as we travel along the Mississippi and eventually to the Missouri River. This leg of the trop as mentioned will focus on the French influence on the Catholic Church in… Read More »Fur France

We crossed the Mississippi. I write with great claim to victory but all I did was cross the bridge in the RV and wait for Fern to do the work and pedal across the river! We have been joined by nephew Gregory for a couple… Read More »Biking through Cape Girardeau

Stiftung. That’s a great German word. It blends many English concepts into one: foundation, donation, endowment, charity and culture into one efficient word: Stiftung. In a real sense it means “Church” in its structural reality represented by the wax seals that went to ratifying its… Read More »Stiftung

Above the furrowed brow of BirminghamSomewhere south or north of ArdmoreAnd west, far west of Robin’s NottinghamBeyond the wrought of Iron Sycamore. A soft-crisp breeze hints at an Ascent.A meadow’s spread of Easter easeAbelia, Alabama’s fragrant scentEasel springs and season’s tease. A full year’s sacred… Read More »Chasubles for Cherokee

Leg The Seminole Leg Dates April 16-26, 2023 Start-End North Beach Campground, FL to Marbury, AL Miles 475 Avg mile per day Biking 53 miles per day    Total (with rest) 43 miles a day Days 11 days (2 days of rest) Weather Excellent States Florida,… Read More »Seminole Leg April 16-26

I have been trying to find the right voice for the blog. With indulgence, the term blog in itself is not a delightful word to the ear and there is something immediately diminishing about writing a blog. Things that rhyme with blog are words that… Read More »Into the forest