Ostriches, Dung Beetles, and Other Spiritual Masters*

ORBIS BOOKS

We have the permission of Doris Goodnough, Orbis Books, to feature a very special book of a Maryknoll nun, Sr. Janice McLaughlin, who passed away several months ago.

“Have you ever thought that you might learn something from a crocodile, or a zebra, or a warthog? During more than thirty years in Africa, Janice McLaughlin has not only become deeply attuned to all that we can learn of our Creator from nature; she has also accumulated a fund of rare wisdom useful in daily life. As she tells about Africa’s wildlife, she also teaches us about ourselves and what we’re capable of–how we can strengthen our understanding of community from the elephant and how the hippopotamus can teach us much about humility and self-acceptance.

“Delightful sketches of African wildlife by two African artists accompany the reflections. Passages from scripture about that particular virtue follow each reflection, along with a few questions for personal reflection, and some suggestions for practicing that virtue during the coming week.”

ROBERT ELLSBERG wrote in America Magazine that Sr. Janice’s book contains “reflections on the traits of various African animals—the solitude of the cheetah, the unconditional love of the hornbill and the caution of the ostrich—led into inspiring meditations drawn from her life in Africa, including experiences of hardship and struggle: working with AIDS patients and victims of human trafficking, war and exile.

“Reflecting on the “courage of the owl,” she turned to her experience in prison: “Never again have I experienced such a sense of solidarity and support. The memory alone continues to give me courage, helping to cast out fear. May the owl remind us that our fears may be baseless and that our worst nightmares may turn out to be our best friends. What we don’t understand and fear may teach us that we are stronger than we thought. If we unite with others for a just cause, we can gain strength from each other.

“Even when illness brought her back to the Maryknoll motherhouse, Africa remained in her soul: “I am a wiser, gentler, more outgoing, more religious, and freer person because of Africa.” She had mastered the flexibility of the giraffe, the humility of the hippo, the perseverance of the dung beetle and the friendship of the velvet monkey.”

Sister Janice McLaughlin, MM, (1942-2021) served the people of Africa, particularly Zimbabwe, for forty years and was president of the Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic from 2008-2014.

*See Robert Ellsberg’s article on Sr. Janice McLaughlin under the category, PEOPLE WHO INSPIRE, of this website.

https://www.orbisbooks.com/ostriches-dung-beetles-and-other-spiritual-masters.html