“Christian spirituality incorporates the value of relaxation and festivity. We tend to demean contemplative rest as something unproductive and unnecessary, but this is to do away with the very thing which is most important about work: its meaning. We are called to include in our work a dimension of receptivity and gratuity, which is quite different from mere inactivity. Rather, it is another way of working, which forms part of our very essence. It protects human action from becoming empty activism; it also prevents that unfettered greed and sense of isolation which make us seek personal gain to the detriment of all else. … Rest opens our eyes to the larger picture.”Pope Francis, Laudato Si #237

A sacred space for me on vacation in Sedona, AZ. In the words of Blessed Basil Moreau, C.S.C., “The cross, our only hope.” ¬–Tami Schmitz, Campus Ministry

The thing about “reading for pleasure” during the school year is that it has to be monitored or tracked: ‘I can read this novel for thirty minutes, but then I need to read for class tomorrow.’ During the summer, I can read without these restrictions, and the characters and I become better friends. We’re afforded the time to linger together without worrying about accomplishing the next thing on the day’s to-do list. Reading is always transformative, but there is a special quality to it when it is done slowly, mid-morning on a rainy summer day. –Kelley Dawson ‘16 MDiv

Snuggling with my puppy on the couch during rainy summer days reminds me to recognize and be grateful for God’s love in all of creation—especially in large fluffy labradoodles. –Laura Shute ‘15

There is nothing like enjoying the beauty of God’s creation sitting on the back of one of God’s most majestic creatures. –Megan Heeder ’15 and Simba

The sun’s rays leave particles of moisture at various angles producing gentle bows of beauty. They beckon us to prism the Son’s rays in like fashion. –Kevin Misiewicz, Emeritus Professor of Accountancy

My awe of creation is renewed looking at the world through my son’s eyes during vacation on one of Texas’s (now full) lakes. –Elizabeth Stewart Nava ’08, ’10M.Ed.

The beauty of sunset always reminds me of the majesty of creation. Here is a picture of a recent sunset over Lake Tahoe, California. –Bill Hardwick ’68