Sublime

it was also used by one of her favourite martyr-saints—the now Blessed Théophane Vénard. On the manuscript of her Autobiography she set the title: "The Story of the Springtime of a little white Flower," and in truth such it was, for long ere the rigours of life's winter came round, the Flower was blossoming in Paradise.

The whole congregation would have understood when he said good manners were an excellent beginning, a kind of discipline that could lead to actual virtue, given time.

building was as secular and utilitarian as any office complex. Rather than an invitation to enter into a sacred reality, it presented a place to find the resources to personally flourish (including childcare assistance, counseling centers, support groups, exercise classes, and coffee shops).

At one time in his life he wanted to be in a religious order, but his mental health prevented it; nevertheless, his prayer life was rich and edifying. I think some of his happiest moments were the days he spent at a local monastery.

Not long after bringing her demented mother home to live with her, Gillian walked into the living room to find her beloved books, including sacred Buddhist texts, scattered across the floor. Her mother announced, “I’m tired of all these dusty old books. I’m going to give them to my dentist.” Gillian was momentarily trapped by her anger. She scolded

“Joy for human beings lies in proper human work. And proper human work consists in: acts of kindness to other human beings, disdain for the stirrings of the senses, identifying trustworthy impressions, and contemplating the natural order and all that happens in keeping with it.” —MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS

“I have found my calling: my call is love,” and writes: “In the heart of the Church, my mother, I will be love, and thus I will be all things . . .”

These new churches in suburban America were the height of secular: no time-bending gravity permeated their walls. They looked more like Johnson & Johnson headquarters than the Duomo. But these buildings played an important part in the recasting of the pastor.