Julie A. Ferraro

Julie A. Ferraro, a journalist for more than 30 years, is a Benedictine Oblate of the Monastery of the Ascension, Jerome, Idaho. She currently uses her communication and other skills in service to various organizations within the Benedictine family.

By this Author

Leaves and flowers spell out the word "Earth" on a wooden table (Unsplash/Miriam Espacio)

A different kind of season, full of surprises

The world cannot experience true peace unless we all work together to achieve a positive outcome in this quest to preserve and nurture all life, from the smallest insect to the mightiest whale.

Kylemore Abbey in Connemara, Ireland (Julie A. Ferraro)

The Kylemore Benedictines' long road to a monastery

Plans are in place to shift the emphasis from Kylemore Abbey as a tourist destination to that of welcoming visitors to the Benedictines' home and sharing the prayer-work-study balance essential to Benedictine spirituality. 

pine trees, with mountains in background

'Franciscan Lectio' offers path to encounter Gospel

Franciscan Fr. Dan Riley points out how God is immediate and writes, "Lectio begins when we create a place within ourselves for an encounter." I found such observations deeply nourishing.

Who was St. Clare? New book delves into the life of 13th-century saint

Book review: A new biography of St. Clare introduces her life and faith to those new to the Franciscan tradition and reveals previously unknown facts to those who have yearned to know more about this founder of the Poor Clares.

Images from the "Open All Hearts/Abre Todos Los Corazones" vigil, including, clockwise from top right: Washington State Sen. Rebecca Saldaña, Jesuit Fr. Elías Puentes (at lectern) and Jesuit Fr. John Whitney (Screenshots from YouTube/St. Joseph Parish)

Two-night virtual vigil advocates for immigrants in Washington state

On June 9 and 10, Washington Catholics joined in prayer, eucharistic adoration and hearing from organizations and elected officials about the need for a COVID-19 relief fund for undocumented workers in the state.

Advertisement