Author Archives: fatherbrad1971

About fatherbrad1971

Professor of Philosophy and World Religions at Saddleback Community College, Mission Viejo, CA. Episcopal priest since 1971 in Diocese of Los Angeles (retired). Owner of Desert Spirit Press, publishers of books on desert spirituality. Author, "The Spirit in the Desert: PIlgrimages to Sacred Sites in the Owens Valley." and "Encounters with the World's Religions: the Numinous on Highway 395". Memberships: Nevada Archaeological Association, Western Writers of America, California Cattlemen's Association, American Association of University Professors, Outdoor Writers of California, American Academy of Religion, Western Folklore Association.

An Invitation to a Desert Advent Retreat

Posted on November 13, 2025 by fatherbrad1971

It was a dark and stormy night. Really. It was. Four days earlier, angry Santa Ana winds came in like a freight train, knocking down ancient trees and power lines. Single-digit humidity created anxiety about wildfires. Fire stations positioned trucks … Continue reading →

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Ancient Paiute Waterways

Posted on November 7, 2025 by fatherbrad1971

“The whole valley was our garden.”[1] Harry Williams, Bishop Paiute Tribe I am driving south on Highway 395 in the eastern Sierra. The fiery heat of August assaults my car. 105 degrees: hot windows, wheezing AC system, imaginary hot pokers … Continue reading →

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Seeking the North Star

Posted on August 6, 2025 by fatherbrad1971

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice…saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”[1] Book of Isaiah November 1960. I stand on top of a desert mountain gazing at the remains … Continue reading →

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Wild Friends

Posted on June 3, 2025 by fatherbrad1971

The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing which stands in the way…As a man is, so he sees.[1] William Blake Perhaps you have noticed that even in the … Continue reading →

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Another Book for Lent: Desert Spirituality for Men. 2024 Book Club Selection by Association of Catholic Publishers

Posted on February 20, 2025 by fatherbrad1971

Desert Spirituality for Women is also included, as is a Forward by Sister Eileen McNerney CSJ. “Inspired by Richard Rohr, Ronald Rolheiser, Belden Lane and Thomas Merton, Desert Spirituality for Men reveals the transformative and healing power of the desert—for … Continue reading →

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Remembering St. Mark’s Church, Altadena, California, which burned yesterday in Eaton Canyon Fire

Posted on January 9, 2025 by fatherbrad1971

Remembering St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Altadena, CA (which burned to the ground in the Eaton Canyon Fire yesterday, January 8, 2025) I remember: *January 1963. I attended St. Mark’s for first time with the Key Club of Pasadena High School. … Continue reading →

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Desert Dust, Holy Ashes

Posted on January 3, 2025 by fatherbrad1971

I looked: I saw an immense dust storm come from the north, an immense cloud with lightning flashing from it, a huge ball of fire glowing like bronze.[1] The essential tremor in my left hand is acting up. I concentrate … Continue reading →

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Holy Longing

Posted on November 23, 2024 by fatherbrad1971

“You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”[1] Saint Augustine of Hippo Snaking lines of eighteen-wheeler trucks wind up the steep grade of Cajon Pass, Interstate 15, as dense fog enshrouds my … Continue reading →

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Angels in the Desert

Posted on August 28, 2024 by fatherbrad1971

“The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us, and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone.”[1] George Eliot She stands with hands clasped and … Continue reading →

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Desert Petroglyphs: Ikons to the Ancient Ones

Posted on September 1, 2023 by fatherbrad1971

November 2022. Dense, frigid air seeps into the car as I drive east on Highway 136 toward Death Valley. The road ahead will be blocked because of torrential monsoonal rains in August that wiped out most of the highways within … Continue reading →

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