'A survivor always has a story...'

2020 Winners Announced!

Congratulations to the winners of our Thomas Merton Prize in Poetry of the Sacred! The contest is inspired by the legacy of Merton — monk, poet, hermit, activist, artist and interfaith pioneer.

2020 GRAND PRIZE WINNER:

Lisa Breger — Wintered Over

An excerpt from the winning poem:

How can I have nothing to say about this;

a survivor always has a story.

Maybe you just keep on living

even when the odds are against you.

RUNNERS UP:

Michele Bombardier — Sequoiadendron Giganteum

Jed Myers — A Prayer

Visit our website to read the winning poems, or check out the latest issue of Parabola Magazine, which features these inspiring works.

Wisdom Wednesday

The Crisis of Loneliness

“Whether it’s in the workplace or whether it’s in schools, whether it’s in society more broadly where people are feeling increasingly separated and distanced from other people, that disconnection affects our ability to function together as a society,” Dr. Vivek Murthy said during the 2019 Festival of Faiths, where he addressed the public health crisis of loneliness.

Click the photo to watch the clip, or check out the full session on YouTube.

And Congrats to Dr. Murthy!

President-elect Joe Biden has tapped Vivek Murthy — who served as surgeon general under President Obama — to help lead his new COVID-19 task force.

In a statement, Biden said: “Dealing with the coronavirus pandemic is one of the most important battles our administration will face, and I will be informed by science and by experts. The advisory board will help shape my approach to managing the surge in reported infections; ensuring vaccines are safe, effective, and distributed efficiently, equitably, and free; and protecting at-risk populations.”

Festival Flashback

Bright Morning Stars Are Rising

In this Festival Flashback, Julia Purcell of Louisville band Maiden Radio performs “Bright Morning Stars Are Rising,” a traditional American folk hymn from the Appalachian region. Bright morning stars are popularly thought of as angels. This performance also features Ben Sollee on the cello.

Julia Purcell in "The Roots of Connectedness" | #FOF2019

Thomas Merton

On Looking Within Ourselves

Every Monday, we share a bit of Thomas Merton's wisdom to get the week started. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter to be among the first to see #MertonMonday.

You can find past #MertonMonday installments on the CIR blog.

Let the Light Enter

Light! more light! the shadows deepen,

And my life is ebbing low,

Throw the windows widely open:

Light! more light! before I go.

Click here to read more of this week's Reflection, Let the Light Enter, by Florence Ellen Watkins Harper. This poem previously appeared in the catalogue from our 2018 Festival of Faiths: Sacred Insight, Feminine Wisdom.

And click here to see all of our past Reflections — a series that seeks to share insight, wisdom and inspiration amid challenging times.

Common Action

Check On Each Other

Our latest #CommonAction is a reminder to check in on each other: from family to friends, neighbors to teachers, co-workers to service workers. Whether it’s a phone call, email or even just a quick “hello” to a stranger, such connections can enhance physical, mental and emotional health. By connecting with others, we also help ourselves through strengthening relationships. #FindYourSacred #MentalHealth #Community