Posts by Francine Pirola
The science of happiness
By Francine Pirola We all strive for happiness. One would think that it would be a fairly simple project: minimise pain and maximise pleasure. Turns out, it’s not that simple and instinct often leads us in the wrong direction. We expect that money, comfort, possessions and power, for example, will deliver happiness and that more…
Read MoreSchool Vacation Ideas
No matter in which country you reside, there’s always a frantic search for ideas to keep kids busy during the school vacations. With many places experiencing restrictions due to the pandemic, home entertainment is even more needed. And why not add a sprinkling of faith to the mix? After all, there’s no reason for faith…
Read MoreReceiving Christ in the Eucharist
Should bishops deny Communion to Catholic public figures who openly advocate for abortion? The debate is running hot and we found this homily insightful.
Read MoreMercy in Everyday Life
The Way of Mercy When we say or do things that we shouldn’t, hurt someone or break the trust of another, it’s important to take ownership of our actions (or inactions), apologise for it and rebuild the relationship. The Way of Mercy is a simple four-step process for families, couples, singles, religious, teachers, friends etc…
Read MoreLectio Divina
Lection Divina is an ancient and powerful way of praying with scripture. It is so simple that it can be used every day. Yet it is also powerful, drawing forth deep riches from The Word of God. Following five steps, preparing, listening, reflecting, responding and acting on The Word, this prayer is like a dialogue…
Read MoreMicrocalligraphy
Microcalligraphy, or micrography, is a Jewish form of contemplating scripture developed in the 9th century. It uses minute hand-scribed passages of the scriptures to trace the outlines of an image. Two forms are commonly used. The first uses geometric or decorative patterns to organise the text into a non-representational work. In this form, the pattern…
Read MoreBeyond Fear
The fear of an unplanned pregnancy is one of the prevailing realities of modern coupledom. No matter how much we love babies, how much we trust in God’s providence, almost every couple will at some time have tasted the anxiety of possible pregnancy at the wrong time. For some couples, the anxiety may be persistent…
Read MoreTackling the Tricky Questions
For parents, the art of accompanying their children begins at the child’s birth. Simple, daily interactions establish the most important ingredient: an emotionally close and trusting relationship. Awkward moments I still remember the time when our young son started talking in detail about his recent, medically -required circumcision at the dinner table, when a friend…
Read MoreEmotional Literacy
Emotional Intelligence, sometimes abbreviated to ‘EQ’, is widely recognised as important for human flourishing. Some psychologists would argue that it’s the most important of the intelligences because it influences and regulates our ability to develop and exercise all the others. Emotional Intelligence is tremendously significant to our individual motivation and well-being as well as for…
Read MoreConfirmation Prayer Cards
Confirmation is the completion of the graces received at Baptism and from the earliest days of Christianity was closely linked to the Sacrament of Baptism. The Letter to Hebrews lists the first elements of Christian instruction is the waters of Baptism and the Laying on of Hands and invoking of the Holy Spirit. Anointing the…
Read MoreLove Language Gifts
Developed by Gary Chapman, the Five Love Languages, is a simple framework that can teach us how to love more effectively. The theory is simple and powerful. Love is like a language. People ‘speak’ love in different ways, some through words of affirmation, others through thoughtful gifts, acts of service, quality time or touch. Each…
Read MoreBuilding Optimism
Things go wrong. Disasters happen. We fail. We mess up. No matter our age or talent, we all face adversity from time to time. Learning to respond with optimism and self-mastery can be the difference between a productive, joy-filled life and one mired with hopelessness. A persistent pessimistic mind-set is also a risk factor for…
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