Sister Joan Chittister, the maverick nun, shares her secret life

But Chittister — now 79 and very much alive, thank you — has another reason why the time has come.

“All my professional life, I have spoken my heart out for the role of women all over the world. It’s a theological thing, a deeply moral thing, the determining issue for the integrity of the Church and the advancement of any state,” she told Religion News Service in an interview about the book.

“It’s time to acknowledge that this material is not just theological and rhetorical. It’s real. I’m not just talking from compassion, from a world I don’t know anything about. I’m talking about myself — and all social classes, all kinds of people.”

“I saw it as maybe my last major presentation on behalf of women who are trapped by circumstances of religion, law, custom, and culture,” said Chittister.

Cafe gives Jews, Arabs 50% discount if they dine together

Speaking to the Times of Israel, manager Kobi Tzafrir said the deal had struck a chord with customers and he had already served many shared tables.

Some customers have even refused the discount in support of the sentiment.

“If there’s anything that can bring together these peoples, it’s hummus,” he said.

Let us pray for those in Mexico who are about to be affected by Hurricane Patricia.

Patricia is the strongest hurricane ever recorded on the planet - and it's headed right for the Mexican coast.

http://thevane.gawker.com/at-200-mph-hurricane-patricia-is-now-the-strongest-tro-1738224692

Formerly homeless man now owns three restaurants

Trials and tribulations are two words that Darnell Ferguson knows all too well. The 28 year-old has struggled with incarceration, homelessness and a lack of self-control throughout his short span as an adult. His life was spiraling out of control quickly and just when things seemed to be at their worst – he made a last-ditch effort and walked into a local church – changing his life forever.

Ferguson was born in Philadelphia but his family relocated to Columbus, OH when he was young. He was raised by his mom and step-dad and credits them for providing him with a very good life. Despite having great parents – Ferguson struggled throughout high school and was on the verge of failing out. During his junior year he decided to transfer to a vocational high school in the Columbus area that offered courses in Culinary Arts.

Ferguson had finally found his niche. He graduated from vocational school and was recruited by Sullivan University in Louisville KY in 2005. He arrived on campus eager to pursue his dream of becoming a world-class chef but was quickly disappointed after discovering that he was only eligible for partial academic funding. Due to his lack of income – he could only afford to enroll in a few evening courses – which was frustrating – and he considered dropping out.

Deciding to ‘tough it out’ – Ferguson eventually transferred to courses during the day and excelled in Sullivan’s Culinary Arts program. His diligence led to him being chosen to be a part of the 2008 Olympic Team in Beijing China. Ferguson was ecstatic by the selection and honored upon discovering that out of the thousands that applied – 22 amateur chefs were selected – and only two of those were African-American.

NYC aunt loses lawsuit against 12-year-old nephew over hug that broke her wrist

A Connecticut jury needed just 25 minutes Tuesday to decide against a Manhattan human resources manager who sued her own nephew for $127,000 in damages after he accidentally broke her wrist.

Connell barely flinched when the jury’s verdict was read and then fled the Bridgeport courthouse without saying a word.

Her now 12-year-old nephew, Sean Tarala of Westport, Conn., was not in the courtroom.

“We just couldn't find him, you know, liable for what happened,” a female juror said of the boy.

Let us pray for the victims of the Umpqua Community College shooting.

Eternal rest grant unto the victims, O Lord, and let Perpetual light shine upon them.

May their souls, and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.