quot The Peaceable Kingdom rdquo a print by the German-born illustrator Fritz Eichenberg is one of many artistic representations of the oft-quoted passage from Isaiah we hear today We see animals that are natural enemies sitting together peacefully under the widespread branches of a sheltering

For many people the feast of the Immaculate Conception is as confusing as is the familiar statue that honors Mary under that title One reason is that the Gospel reading recounts the conception of Jesus not that of Mary As for the statue today rsquo s passage from Genesis clearly states that it

When citizens of the United States hear the word pilgrim they immediately think of the Puritans who were among the earliest European settlers of this country This is particularly true around the time of Thanksgiving when the words pilgrim and Puritan are often used interchangeably However the

Probably the best known royal leader in the world today is Queen Elizabeth of England Although her leadership role is in many ways more ceremonial than administrative her official title is still quite impressive She is Queen Elizabeth II by the Grace of God Queen of this Realm and of Her Other R

There is always a great deal of emotion in anticipation of ldquo the day rdquo whether that be a wedding day the first day of vacation opening day at the ballpark or the day of discharge from the service mdash to name but a few important days in the lives of many of us In such cases not only

There is within every living being an innate tendency to cling to life and flourish It is no different with human beings In fact it is this passion for life that often causes us anxiety in the face of death The value that various peoples ascribe to the human spirit can be seen in the practices w