Saint John Paul II, Pope, pray for us!

Got to see our Holy Father at this morning’s general audience! 🙂 #catholic #popeleoxiv #papalaudience #stpetersbasilica

Hallowtide (also called the Hallowmas season or Triduum of Death) is a three-day liturgical period in the Catholic Church dedicated to remembering the dead and celebrating the beautiful doctrine of the Communion of Saints. It spans October 31 to November 2 and includes: All

Nothing beats a day off out at the ranch.

I had to make the heart-wrenching decision to say goodbye to Ruger Thursday night. My heart simply hurts. This gentle giant had been with me through so much for more than 11 years. Of the three, he’s the irreplaceable one. So long, dear friend. Ruger, 8/29/2014-12/11/2025

Got a new mug for spiritual direction appointments

Our church sanctuary is especially beautiful when decorated for the Christmas season! #christmas #nativity #catholic #catholichurch

The Te Deum, an ancient Christian hymn of praise and thanksgiving, is traditionally recited or sung on December 31, New Year’s Eve, to express gratitude to God for the blessings of the passing year. This longstanding custom reflects the Church’s invitation to pause in reflection,

Grateful more than ever for “little-guy” Dutton as we continue to figure out life without “big-boy” Ruger now three weeks later. Dutton has always been Velcro-dog, but all the more now. #labrador #LabradorRetriever

Happy Epiphany! Don’t forget it’s still Christmas though next Sunday’s Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord! #epiphany #christmas #catholic #magi #jesus

And after all that, Dutton and I finally got away for some solitude.

Saint Paul, Apostle, pray for us!

Dutton.

Dutton is having me try the whole weighted-blanket thing. 95 lbs seems a bit much, though. #labradorretriever #chocolatelab #dogsofX

Ruger. Two months later, and you’re still missed as much as ever. Took some time on my day off earlier this week to create a small memorial space for Browning and Ruger in my quarters. Two very good boys. Dutton ain’t bad, of course. #labradorretriever

Nothing like an Achilles tear to further complicate the busiest time of the year.

Surgery tomorrow to repair my torn Achilles; prayers would be appreciated. Sure hate to miss our Paschal Triduum liturgies, but I can’t overlook how having surgery on Good Friday invites me into a unique opportunity to suffer well. Time to literally practice what I preach!

“We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.”

Back home after a successful repair to my Achilles tendon. Thank you all for your continued prayers!

My convalescence couch companion. Grateful for this good boy’s company as I recover from surgery. #labradorretriever #chocolatelab