As a child growing up on a small farm in northeast Ohio, I experienced a deep love for nature. From my father I inherited a passion for reading and learning, and from my mother, a love for people and crossword puzzles. After high school, I entered the Sisters of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio. I have served in a variety of ministries: high school and college education, formation, congregational leadership, retreat work, spiritual direction, and writing. I am the author of thirteen books including Traits of a Healthy Spirituality, Hanging onto Hope, and The Grace of Beauty. Currently I write and give talks and retreats nationally. My favorite pastimes include walking, reading, music, good conversation, and cheering for my favorite Cleveland teams. Visit my blog “Sunflower Seeds: Celebrating Everyday Spirituality” at www.melanniesvobodasnd.org.
I fell in love with Living Faith even before I was asked to write for it. I like its focus on the daily Scripture readings as well as the wide variety of authors who write the reflections. I enjoy writing for Living Faith because I like the challenge of reflecting on the particular readings assigned to me, whether I am naturally drawn to them or not.
Living Faith provides brief daily Catholic devotions based on one of the Mass readings of the day. Published new each quarter, these reflections are written by women and men from a variety of backgrounds - lay people as well as clergy and religious. Learn more.
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