By Michael Patrick O’Brien– I went to church recently with the Desi Arnaz and Al Capone families. Well, sort of. During a recent visit to Miami, my wife Vicki and…
Posts published by “Mike O'Brien”
By Michael Patrick O’Brien– One of the most acclaimed poets of the twentieth century—Catholic Holy Cross nun Madeleva Wolff—drew lyrical inspiration from her time in both Ogden and Salt Lake…
By Michael Patrick O’Brien– I used to think of traditional or ethnic urban neighborhoods as old-timey places. I’d envision the post-potato-famine Irish tenements of nineteenth century New York City, Mario…
By Michael Patrick O’Brien– Did you ever wonder what your life might be like if you lived during another era? Fortunately, I don’t have to guess blindly. Legendary film director…
By Michael Patrick O’Brien– I received two rather unique gifts during my 62nd birthday celebration this week. One was eligibility for Social Security retirement benefits. The other was a visit…
By Michael Patrick O’Brien– I’ve always been more of a night owl than a morning lark. This circadian orientation probably explains my unusual teenage interest, some fifty years ago, in…
By Michael Patrick O’Brien– Although my mother wanted nothing from life but marriage, children, and a home, circumstances beyond her control destroyed that white picket fence dream. She had to…
By Michael Patrick O’Brien– The dramatic Easter saga of crucifixion and resurrection includes some wonderful images—a cross, empty tomb, candle, paschal lamb, bunny with colored eggs, and white lily. My…
By Michael Patrick O’Brien– A century ago, London sociologists suggested, “The purpose of liturgy is to quicken the mind, energise the body, awaken the soul.” Based on my own experience, they were describing…
By Gary Topping– Bandon, Oregon is a popular tourist destination on the southern coast at the mouth of the Coquille River. When my grandfather, George P. Topping, arrived there in…