Thinking about your death will make you a better Catholic Ep. 86

“Reflecting on death is not a morbid affair,” believes Sister
Theresa Aletheia, “it is a healthy and often healing practice that
helps us accept the inevitable with hope.” Sister Theresa is a
self-proclaimed #MediaNun with the Daughters of Saint Paul and the
founder of the Memento Mori Project, an online revival in which she
offers daily reflections about death.   This week, we talk to
Sister Theresa about her faith journey and why Catholics should
imagine their deaths, especially during Advent. Inspired by Blessed
James Alberione, the founder of her order, Sister Theresa placed a
ceramic skull on her desk and began tweeting about memento mori,
Latin for “remember you will die,” in 2017. She says it’s
impossible to value life without paying proper attention to what it
means to die, and that the practice has enabled her to be more
present in her daily life. In Signs of the Times, investigators in
Texas executed a search warrant at the offices of the Archdiocese
of Galveston-Houston, headed by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, following
complaints from survivors on how DiNardo and his staff handled
their abuse allegations. In a soon to be published book, Pope
Francis is quoted as saying that he is worried about homosexuality
in the priesthood. Catholic priests in England and Wales received
new identification cards.   Finally, we discuss Pope Francis’
thoughts on consumerism: “Consumerism is a great disease today. I
am not saying that we all do this, no. But consumerism, spending
more than we need, is a lack of austerity in life; this is an enemy
of generosity.” How should we reflect on these words during the
Christmas season?   Feel free to send us your questions,
concerns or cocktail recipes to jesuitical@americamedia.rog, or
join us for discussion on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a member of our Patreon
community. And, if you’re looking for some last minute Christmas
gift ideas, check out some Jesuit Swag.   Links from the show:
As investigation hits home diocese, can Cardinal DiNardo continue
to lead on the abuse crisis? In new book, Pope Francis says he is
worried about homosexuality in the priesthood Catholic priests
issued with photo cards to confirm their identities Consumerism is
the enemy of generosity, pope says   What’s on tap? Bon
Appetit Best Masala Chai made by America’s own, Vivian Cabrera
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