How Do We Live Catholic Social Teaching…In Order to Save Bedford Falls from Becoming Pottersville?
The classic American Christmas film, It’s a Wonderful Life, will serve as a parable on which we will reflect this day. From what does Jesus save us? How does Advent call us to transform our world to welcome Emmanuel? We will prayerfully consider how God wants to save us as individuals and as members of society and how God’s incarnation calls us to personal and communal salvation.
All are welcome to attend the Friends Day of Prayer retreats, held monthly on the first Wednesday of the month. It is not required to attend every month, so register for one or more sessions as your schedule allows. While the presenters and topics vary, each Friends Day of Prayer typically includes pastries and conversation at 9:30am, a morning presentation at 10am, an optional Mass, a delicious lunch, short periods of free time to enjoy the grounds or shop in the bookstore, and an afternoon presentation.
Fr. Richard G. Malloy, SJ, aka “Mugs,” was born in Philadelphia, which he jokingly refers to as “the friendly city of brotherly shove.” Having studied Cultural Anthropology at Temple University, he — as he says — “didn’t go far in life!” His three books from Orbis — A Faith That Frees: Catholic Matters for the 21st Century; Being on Fire: The Top Ten Essentials of Catholic Faith; and Spiritual Direction: A Beginner’s Guide — were all recognized with awards by the Catholic Press Association. From 1988-2003, Fr. Rick lived and worked as a member of the Jesuit Urban Service team in Camden, New Jersey. During those years he also taught at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. From 2010-2019, he taught anthropology, sociology, and theology at the University of Scranton while living for 15 years in first-year dorms (aka anthropological fieldwork!). In 2019, he began serving as director of Mission Integration at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Baltimore. For the past 15 summers, he has been lucky to be a Catholic Chaplain in Yellowstone National Park. Fishing is his passion in life. He is convinced that catching a 10-pound trout, the Eagles winning (another!!!) Super Bowl, or the Phillies beating the Yankees in the World Series are all sure signs that the second coming of Jesus is imminent. Fr. Rick brings humor and levity to his retreats and writings. Follow him on social media @FrMalloy.