The 19th-century English poet Christina Rossetti had never heard of COVID-19, climate change or many of the woes that beset us in the bleak midwinter of 2020.

VATICAN CITY – In back-to-back audiences with a group of French young people and an Italian association for deaf people, Pope Francis cited personal example and witness as a vital piece in the church’s evangelization mission.

When Pope Francis talks about evangelization, his poster child may well be an immigrant in North Dakota.

LACEY – Volunteers at parishes in Lacey, Seattle and Mountlake Terrace recently gathered enough small gifts, school supplies and hygiene items to fill 165 shoeboxes for disadvantaged children in Central America and the Caribbean.

Joy is an infallible indication of God’s presence, just as the cross is an infallible indication of Christian discipleship. What a paradox! And Jesus is to blame.

For many young Catholics, the defining moment of the summer took place in Poland, where Pope Francis joined over a million teens and young adults for World Youth Day. At the very end of this celebration of faith, Pope Francis told young people that the best way to prepare for the next World Youth Day is to spend time talking to their grandparents.

During this Year of Mercy, Pope Francis has encouraged us to practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy with new enthusiasm. A member of my community recently noted how blessed we are as Little Sisters of the Poor to have multiple opportunities each day to practice mercy, serving meals to the elderly, bathing and dressing those who need assistance, comforting those who are sad or lonely, keeping vigil with the elderly who are dying and accompanying them all the way to the grave.

In May I was asked to offer a spiritual reflection at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast. I used my moment in the spotlight to share three pieces of advice that helped carry me through the weeks surrounding our appearance at the U.S. Supreme Court: Dare to be of good cheer. See Christ in each person, whether friend or foe. Believe that nothing is impossible with God.