Sister Pamela Smith

My first childhood crush was Charlie Levy. He lived on our crowded Queens, New York, block.   I recall being a little concerned that, though I had turned 6 he was still 5. The fact that […]

My religious community has long had the custom of having the sisters make a monthly day of recollection — sometimes in local groups, sometimes individually. As our “holy rule” prescribes, we sisters are to pray […]

These days any event that brings people together without risking a flurry of COVID-19 diagnoses is most welcome. Interfaith Harmony Month, celebrated in January in South Carolina, was one such event. Now, in February, Black […]

A sobering and searing moment in the lead-up to the inauguration on Jan. 20 was the display of 400 columns of light around the reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial. Another such moment was the new […]

Every state in the Union and 100 nations: that’s what the registrar’s office told us made up our student body.  I was working on a doctorate in theology at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and teaching […]

Three weeks ahead of schedule, Bishop Craig Dixon of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints presented two ministers, our local rabbi, and me with a rosca. We were at a celebration […]

As the season progresses, monks and nuns and parish choirs will be chanting the O Antiphons. The Divine Office, just before the evening recitation of the Magnificat, and the Gospel acclamation announce, with a touch […]

One day he and she are precious Pre-K tykes practicing for Christmas shows in which “the cute factor,” as early childhood teachers call it, overcomes all flubs and goofiness. There will be at least one […]

It happened again this past Friday. Every Nov. 13, when the Church remembers St. Frances Xavier Cabrini (Mother Cabrini), I can’t help but recall the time I was deemed a trespasser and asked to leave […]