Sr. Julia Walsh is a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration and part of her congregation’s formation team, serving women who are discerning their vocation. Along with another Franciscan Sister, she co-founded The Fireplace, an intentional community and house of hospitality on Chicago's South Side that offers spiritual support to artists and activists. She has a master's degree in pastoral studies from Catholic Theological Union and is a certified spiritual director and secondary teacher. As a creative writer, educator, retreat presenter and speaker, she is passionate about exploring the intersection of creativity, spirituality, activism and community life. Her work can be found in publications such as America, Living Faith Catholic Devotional, Global Sisters Report and St. Anthony Messenger. She blogs and podcasts at MessyJesusBusiness.com. She is @JuliaFSPA on Twitter
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Seeking grace in the midst of uncertainty
Let us look for evidence of God's grace in the midst of predator attacks, storms, disasters, upheaval, polarities and the shifting landscapes of religion. Let us search for grace in the uncertainty.
Spiritual practices for the fatigued and lonely
Horizons - I spend a lot of time exploring possibilities with people who want to listen to their deeper wisdom. I have developed a list of spiritual practices that can strengthen the fatigued and lonely, no matter who you are.
New forms of religious life offer space at the fountain and the fire
Horizons - Think of a giant fountain. Think of an ordinary campfire. To me, these are images of religious life. But what if religious life is shifting so much that for others it feels like the gifts of fountain and fire are behind a giant fence?
Easter questions, learning new ways to be together amid vaccine divisions
Horizons - Between the lines of the Easter narrative engrained in my heart is a story I'd rather not tell — a story made up of agonizing questions and the intensities of death and division.