Our Catholic Neighborhood
Revealing the breadth and depth
of the Catholic Church in our world
New to OCN?or Login Here

Links

Explore Catholic
institutions and
organizations
worldwide

Our Global Catholic Neighborhood
View the Catholic
presence in every
town and city

Our Local Catholic Neighborhood
Immerse yourself
in the richness
of our faith

Our Catholic Faith
Connect with individuals
sharing their
Catholic identity

Our Catholic Neighbors

Featured Website

Franciscan Meditations

www.franciscanmedia.org/

Daily, minute meditations.

Daily Inspiration

Living With A Soft Heart

Our well-being is grounded in grace. And grace is a voice much bigger than all the other attachments where we may park value or significance. We see that dignity alive in the hearts and souls of those around us. Now, courage takes on a new meaning. Giving us the permission to say yes to choices that invite more soft hearts in a world that needs them. When we see with our heart, we know that, regardless of our differences, we are on this journey together. A tender heart affirms the inherent value in others, and asks, “What’s next?” This is the question the Good Samaritan asked as he stopped for the man in the ditch. Why did he ask it? Because he knew what it was like to be wounded, too. You see, once we are open to having our stereotypes contradicted, to giving up our expectations and demands, to embracing our brokenness, we begin to see with our wounded heart. When we see with our heart, we are grounded. We are consciously present, no longer numbed. And tender hearts create sanctuaries for those left out. So if ever there was a time for tender-hearted, courageous men and women to step forward, it is now.

—from the book Stand Still: Finding Balance When the World Turns Upside Down,
by Terry Hershey, page 94

Featured Charity

Franciscan Works

www.franciscanworks.org/

Dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty for children and families through material and spiritual support and a Catholic education. A U.S. - based not-for-profit working in some of the poorest countries in the world, MHI provides financial and volunteer support so that poor and orphaned children can thrive with a home, food, medical care, faith formation and a first-rate education.

Home | Register | Login
About Our Catholic Neighborhood | Suggest a Correction | Report Objectionable Content | Contact Us