Category Archives: Blog

Tony Hillerman: Reading the Signs

Posted on April 4, 2018 by fatherbrad1971

A feeling of mystical presence is very real when one looks upon the landscape of the Southwest. A region of scarce water and endless vistas, the Southwest has been a spiritual homeland for countless people, both indigenous and transplanted to … Continue reading →

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Second Naivete

Posted on March 7, 2018 by fatherbrad1971

“Beyond the desert of criticism, we wish to be called again” Paul Ricoeur, The Symbolism of Evil Holy sand that heals? Stone fetish carvings that are alive? Desert monks who see visions? Wilderness weeds which cure? Entheogens that help you … Continue reading →

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Revelations in Mystery Valley

Posted on November 5, 2017 by fatherbrad1971

Father Brad: How do you know when you are in a sacred place? Harry Nez: Wherever I am at this moment is a sacred place. The sacred is all around us. Fine red powdery desert dust covered the tires of … Continue reading →

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The Road to Abiquiu

Posted on August 25, 2017 by fatherbrad1971

    “What can we gain by sailing to the moon if we are not able to cross the abyss that separates us from ourselves? This is the most important of all voyages of discovery, and without it all the … Continue reading →

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Living on Bread and Water

Posted on August 22, 2017 by fatherbrad1971

“We used to climb a little hill at the end of the day, all the work done, and look out over the land and just feel good to be alive.” Lemuel Paya, quoted in Life in a Narrow Place. The … Continue reading →

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Zuni Fetish: Living Stones

Posted on July 15, 2017 by fatherbrad1971

In the distance silver helmets and breastplates reflected the brilliant July sun, as Spanish soldiers mounted on majestic Lipizzaner stallions marched toward me in a swirling cloud of dust.  Franciscan monks carried crosses and the flag of Spain. Leading the … Continue reading →

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Leaving the House of Prayer

Posted on June 25, 2017 by fatherbrad1971

“However, (Thomas Merton said), the usual road to contemplation is through the desert, a barren land with no trees, beauty or water. This prospect is so frightening that we are afraid to enter. In that desert God is nowhere to … Continue reading →

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I need your help as I write my new book

Posted on June 14, 2017 by fatherbrad1971

Dear readers of the DesertSpiritPress Blog, I am currently working on a new book on Desert Spirituality: Desert Spirit Places.  I am expanding explorations into the greater Southwest.  Many of the chapters are based on blogs that have already appeared … Continue reading →

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Penitentes Brotherhood of New Mexico

Posted on April 6, 2017 by fatherbrad1971

“A click; the room was darkened; and suddenly, on the screen above the Master’s head, there were the Penitentes of Acoma prostrating themselves before Our Lady, and wailing as John had heard them wail, confessing their sins before Jesus on … Continue reading →

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Eyes to See

Posted on March 29, 2017 by fatherbrad1971

“Sometimes you can see a whole lot of things just by looking” Yogi Berra “Nature gave the word glory a meaning for me. If nature had never awakened certain longings in me, huge areas of what I mean by the … Continue reading →

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