Bob: Forgiveness — the thing everyone agrees is good for you, like vegetables or sleep, and that most of us find equally difficult to actually do. Mara: Today we're looking at work from Tom Delaney (O.F.S.), a Franciscan educational psychologist exploring what to do when forgiveness feels genuinely impossible — the theology, the psychology, and … Continue reading Podcast Episode: When You Can’t Consider Forgiveness, Consider God
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When You Can’t Consider Forgiveness, Consider God
"Praised be my Lord for those who forgive on account of your love, and endure weakness and trials. Blessed are those who shall endure in peace, for by you, most high, they shall be crowned." ~ Canticle of the Sun, St. Francis of Assisi Scientific research has indicated that the benefits of forgiveness - e.g. … Continue reading When You Can’t Consider Forgiveness, Consider God
Your Moments Are Sacred Time…Always
Growing up in rural Wisconsin and in Minnesota, I learned that the lichen I see growing on rocks in the wilderness grows at an extremely slow rate. A small spot of lichen represents years, or even decades of growth. Learning this made me more aware of ways we can see time from different perspectives and … Continue reading Your Moments Are Sacred Time…Always
“New Things” in Theology Point to the Science of Mental Health
(photo: Sherburne County, Minnesota (USA), Tom Delaney, 2025) And just like that...it's winter here in Central Minnesota. The snow fell overnight while a stiff wind blew from the north that shook the forest. Fittingly, today's Liturgy of the Word includes the beautiful canticle from Daniel (Chapter 3) and ... Cold and chill, bless the Lord;Praise … Continue reading “New Things” in Theology Point to the Science of Mental Health
Vatican Convenes “Ministry of Hope” Catholic Forum on Mental Well-Being
(photo: Catherine Scott, 2012) Today Vatican News is reporting that the Vatican is convening the "Ministry of Hope" Catholic Forum on Mental Well-Being. The aims of the three-day convening are: Strengthen the Church's pastoral engagement with mental wellbeing. Foster listening, reflection, and collaboration among those accompanying individuals and communities facing psychological, social, and spiritual distress. … Continue reading Vatican Convenes “Ministry of Hope” Catholic Forum on Mental Well-Being
Acceptance and Self-Forgiveness: Keys to Personal Growth After Trauma
(art: Le Bal Bullier, Sonia Delaunay, 1913) Research continues to confirm the important role of forgiveness and forgiveness processes for persons recovering from traumatic experiences, and for personal growth after traumatic experiences (post-traumatic growth, or "PTG"). In a recent article published in Spirituality in Clinical Practice, researcher Margaret Poandl and colleagues (2025) at Virginia Commonwealth … Continue reading Acceptance and Self-Forgiveness: Keys to Personal Growth After Trauma
Recognizing Hidden Anger is Step #1 in Forgiveness
(art: Hope, George Frederick Watts, 1886) Anger is a normal and temporarily helpful response to a hurtful event. As an emotion, anger can help us summon the energy to protect ourselves in a situation, or to hastily remove ourselves from a situation even if it means needing a burst of exertion to get past barriers. … Continue reading Recognizing Hidden Anger is Step #1 in Forgiveness
Pope Leo Explains the Resurrection as Cause and Model for Forgiveness
(photo: Edgar Beltran, 2025) Pope Leo XIV had important things to say about forgiveness in his General Audience on Wednesday of this week. His remarks linked forgiveness to the example of Jesus Christ when he appeared to the disciples after his resurrection (John 20:19-31), and how Jesus appears without anger or desire for revenge, but … Continue reading Pope Leo Explains the Resurrection as Cause and Model for Forgiveness
Moral Distress & Moral Injury in Forgiveness
(photo: Скорбящая Mать, Sergey Cherny, 2012) Forgiveness models and processes often involve moral distress and moral injury a person has experienced, including in practicing a forgiveness process in small groups and guided retreats. Having good definitions of moral distress and moral injury and an understanding of their relationship can improve the quality of forgiveness processes … Continue reading Moral Distress & Moral Injury in Forgiveness
Forgiving Makes More Forgiveness
(photo: Prairie Deer Mouse by Tom Delaney, Sherburne County, Minnesota, 2025) An important part of my day is the time I spend in our stable, hay shed, and on our pastures. Regularly doing some outdoor work caring for animals and little ecosystems like pastures, keeps gives me a daily connection to nature and the proverbial … Continue reading Forgiving Makes More Forgiveness
Live and Forgive 