Hildegard of Bingen is one of my favorite “lamplighters.”  I heard the term Lamplighters from wisdom teacher mystic Cynthia Bourgeault who described the spiritual teachers in her life – both ancient and contemporary – as lamplighters, those lighting the way for her path. I decided in 2024 to watch for various lamplighters to emerge and call to me to learn from them.  Maybe only a few will appear; maybe more.  About a month ago an article about Hildegard appeared with an interview of Joan Chittister. After reading the article I wanted to reread more about this lamplighter. Who is Hildegard Hildegard of Bingen was born in 1098. The tenth child of a noble family, she was dedicated at birth to the church as was the custom of the day. At age eight she was sent to live with Jutta, an anchoress, so she could get her religious education. An anchoress is like a religious recluse who spent most of her days in prayer in her tiny private cell. When Jutta died years … [Read more...]

Evelyn Underhill is my first lamplighter for 2023. I heard the term Lamplighters from wisdom teacher mystic Cynthia Bourgeault who described the spiritual teachers in her life – both ancient and contemporary – as lamplighters, those lighting the way for her path. Each year I walk with a lamplighter and intentionally read and listen to their stories. So much wisdom and applications emerge that nourish my soul. Several key lamplighters are always around – Henri Nouwen, for example but each year a new one joins me for a walk.  I never know how long they will accompany me but I try to take full advantage of their presence while they hang around. Evelyn Underhill’s Story Evelyn was born in 1875 in England and was a prolific and successful writer (39 books!) and poet in the early twentieth century. Living what we might think as an ordinary life she was an attorney’s wife, gardener, hostess and cat-lover. She was interested in history, botany, travel, and bookbinding. But she … [Read more...]

Have you ever heard of Margaret of Castello?  I had not until she was mentioned during the annual Lent Madness event. I don't know about you, but I am tired of everything I write, read, and hear is focused on the Covid 19 pandemic. I know we need to stay updated, BUT I need some inspiration, hope, and encouragement. Margaret's life and how she met with challenges refreshed and strengthened my resolve as we too face some difficult times. Who was Margaret of Castello? Margaret was born in 1287 in Italy. Her parents immediately told others she had died and hid her away. Her parents wanted a son and were disappointed she was a girl. Then matters got worse. You see Margaret arrived in the world with birth defects. She was born blind and with very serious spine and leg problems. Some accounts describe her as a hunchbacked dwarf. Her parents were horrified and ashamed. They kept her in a secluded section of the castle where they lived. Later her father had a room built without … [Read more...]

At my meeting last Tuesday night, I mentioned a wow woman who influenced me both in my younger years and continues yet today: Catherine Marshall. The women in the room never heard of her.  Even an older woman stared at me blankly with no recognition of her name. I knew Catherine Marshall needed to be the next woman featured in this series. Who Was Catherine Marshall? Catherine lived from 1915 to 1983. In the 40's she married Peter Marshall who became the chaplain in the US Senate. They had one son, Peter Jr. Tragically her husband died of a heart attack and Catherine was left alone to raise their 9-year-old son. Soon afterward, Catherine began to write. She shared the story of her husband in the popular book titled A Man Called Peter and she published a collection of sermons by her husband. She ended up with more than 20 books to her credit. Her most famous work was the 1967 novel, Christy, inspired by her mother's journey into Appalachia to teach. Christie was made … [Read more...]

Many stories about women in history are forgotten, hidden or never told. Learning about strong women who made a difference in their world inspires me and I want to tell their stories.  Lately, I have uncovered more and more of these WOW women and thought I would share a bit of their lives with you over the next few weeks.  Last week we met one and here is a new one today Enjoy the series. WOW Woman – Argula von Grumbach The chatter about what happened in town couldn't be stopped. Everyone in Ingolstadt, Germany heard about the trial of young Arsacius Seehofer and how the church had silenced him by exiling him 160 miles south to a Benedictine monastery. The year was 1523 and the German Catholic Church practice damage control of the rising Reformation movement. Two years before this, Martin Luther published a German translation of the Bible that was now, thanks to the new-fangled printer presses, a best seller. Arsacius spoke about these new beliefs at his university and the … [Read more...]

I love the background stories of strong women making a difference. Lately, I have discovered more and more of them and thought I would share a few of their lives with you over the next couple of weeks. Enjoy the series. Matushka Olga Michael Matushka Olga Michael lived in Alaska in the early 1900s. This WOW woman was an indigenous Alaskan of Yupik origin and born in1916. Her given name in Yup’ik is Arrsamquq, and Olga is her “church name”. She was one of the first in her tribe to be baptized as an infant. Her husband, Nikolai Michael, was the village postmaster and manager of the general store, who later was ordained a priest and subsequently was elevated to Archpriest.  Their marriage was arranged and as the wife of the priest, she was frequently by herself to raise their eight children. On top of being a busy mother, Olga became known for her compassion for women who suffered abuse, especially sexual abuse – a taboo most people denied and never discussed. A woman ahead of … [Read more...]

One of my favorite Lenten traditions is following and voting in the annual Lent Madness. Lent Madness concludes this week with the crowning of the coveted Golden Halo to the "saint" who receives the most votes. This crazy fun, inspirational and educational project began in 2010 and is repeated each year. How does it work? The format is pretty simple: 32 saints are placed into a tournament-like single elimination bracket. Each pairing remains open for a set period of time and people vote for their favorite saint. 16 saints make it to the Round of the Saintly Sixteen; eight advance to the Round of the Elate Eight; four make it to the Final Four; two to the Championship; and the winner is awarded the Golden Halo. The first round consists of basic biographical information about each of the 32 saints. Things get a bit more interesting in the subsequent rounds with quotes and quirks, legends, and even weird and unusual  saintly kitsch. This week is the conclusion for the 2018 … [Read more...]