Thomas C. Fox

Appreciation: For more than 30 years, Fr. Michael Gillgannon wrote for NCR from Bolivia in columns critical of U.S. foreign policy and in support of church reform efforts in the region. Gillgannon died June 19.

Perspective: On Memorial Day, my wife and I spoke out with our bodies. We acted for our children and grandchildren, and purposely trespassed onto the grounds of a nuclear weapons plant in Kansas City.

A Kansas City, Missouri, judge praised four anti-nuke activists for trying to change the world. "While in the eyes of the law you are guilty, I recognize that there is a higher power that compelled you to act," he said.

Thich Nhat Hanh once told me that Buddhism is not the answer to what the American young are searching for. That answer, he said, must come from within Western traditions. At best, Buddhism can only help point a way.

Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese monk who popularized mindfulness in the West and whose vast peace writings introduced countless people to Buddhist ideas and practices, died Jan. 22 in Vietnam at the age of 95.

Appreciation: Jason Petosa, optimistic Vatican II Catholic and an innovative NCR publisher who expanded the company's readership reach during his 1979-85 tenure, died Feb. 9 at age 81.

Commentary: Frank Butler's observations will help historians fill out some landmark post-Vatican II-era events during a period when the laity still actually took bishops at their word that lay men and women should become leaders in the church.

Appreciation: With his death July 1 at age 86, Fr. Ray Schroth leaves behind countless admirers and readers — including those who encountered his contributions as a reporter and critic for National Catholic Reporter.

NCR Today: National Catholic Reporter Publishing company has been granted a loan of $512,000 through the U.S. Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program.

NCR Connections: Every day that passes until our Easter comes is an opportunity to set the path and grow to be more caring, more empathetic, more grateful people. First, we must imagine, then become resolute.

Robert Heyer, who died Jan. 13, led the book imprint Sheed & Ward from 1984 to 1997, while it was a division of the National Catholic Reporter Publishing Company.

John Caron provided the leadership, belief in the mission, business acumen, and determination that made National Catholic Reporter work.

Connections: Introducting EarthBeat, NCR's major climate change initiative that is meant to be a Catholic eco-crisis hub on our website.

"The incredible message of God's love for each of us, the wonders of his plan for each of us individually and as a people risks being completely drowned out," Daughter of Charity Sr. Carol Keehan said.

Neither academics nor the Society of Jesus appeared in Fr. O'Brien's early career plans, but providence had other notions. "I like to say God is patient and I am stubborn."

Perspective: My protest was public, yet quite personal. I have seven grandchildren, ages 3 to 13, and want them to grow up in a world without nuclear weapons.

NCR Today: Mirroring life itself, and a wider world facing serious challenges, NCR faces some uncertainty. However, beneath this is a consistent NCR commitment, extending back 54 years, to provide top-rate journalism and a much-needed moral voice in a world seemingly short on such voices.

Ken Burns and Lynn Novick's new documentary is an important contribution to the examination of both the Vietnam War and the unconscionably deadly impact of war in general.

With a little help from her friends, under a cloudy sky and light warm drizzle, the body of Sister of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Helen Maher Garvey departed her motherhouse for the last time Aug. 17.