VOICES OF THE CLASS OF 2026: CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES!
May 7, 2026
Congratulations to the Green Class of 2026! I am so pleased to present some of the amazing stories of this year’s graduates, now alumnae and alumni of Trinity! Read, be inspired and celebrate their achievements!
Tiana Gaskins, B.S. in Business Administration (SPS)
Trinity will always hold a special place in my heart. I am deeply grateful for the incredible professors who challenged me to grow, inspired my love for learning, and encouraged me to think beyond what I believed was possible.
My higher education journey began in 2007 at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. After nearly three years, I made the difficult decision to return home due to financial reasons. While that chapter closed sooner than I had hoped, life continued to unfold in meaningful ways. Over time, I found my rhythm in the professional world, building my career through impactful work with several non-profits.
As I progressed professionally, it became increasingly clear that not having my degree was creating limitations in my career advancement. I had the experience, drive, and capability, but I also recognized that completing my education was essential to unlocking new opportunities. I initially applied to Trinity in 2018, and when I returned again in 2024, I did so with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. This time, my mindset was different—I was fully committed to prioritizing my education and seeing it through to completion.
Now, I am just days away from earning my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Returning to Trinity as an adult learner transformed me in ways I did not anticipate. Although I’ve obtained years of professional experience, Trinity provided me with a new set of academic tools that could only be developed through the classroom, intellectual challenge, and practical application. More importantly, this journey allowed me to rediscover myself both academically and personally.
Through engaging conversations with professors, thought-provoking readings, and meaningful discussions with my Trinity sisters, I uncovered new interests, embraced evolving passions, and gave myself permission to reimagine my future. Trinity taught me that it is okay to pivot, to revisit the drawing board, and to pursue new paths as I continue evolving as a woman, professional, and lifelong learner. Growth often requires stepping into unfamiliar spaces, embracing discomfort, and allowing yourself to be a beginner again.
Trinity reminded me that meaningful growth takes time. Life unfolds in its own way, often testing your resilience and patience, but every step serves a purpose. While my journey may have taken longer than expected, I now understand that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. As a first-generation college graduate, I’m grateful to achieve this milestone and light the path for those after me.
Jaasiel Chavez-Gutierrez, A.A. in General Studies, Early College Academy
My name is Jaasiel Chávez-Gutiérrez, and my journey at Trinity Washington University began through the Early
College Academy (ECA) at Calvin Coolidge Senior High School. In 2021, I was accepted into ECA, and during my sophomore year of high school, I was admitted to Trinity as a dual enrollment student. This opportunity allowed me to complete my final two years of high school while studying as a full-time college student, with all expenses covered. As a first-generation Latino college student, this experience has been deeply meaningful, and I am incredibly grateful to God, as well as to the professors, advisors, deans, and peers who have supported me along the way. Through Trinity’s academic programs, student organizations, and resources such as the Career Center, I have grown both personally and professionally.
While at Trinity, I embraced every opportunity to get involved, including serving as President of the Debate Society and participating in certification programs and networking experiences. These opportunities helped me build leadership skills and a strong sense of purpose. Looking ahead, I am proud to share that I have been selected as a Posse Scholar and will continue my academic journey at The University of the South in Tennessee on a full-tuition scholarship, supported by additional university grants. I plan to pursue my bachelor’s degree and continue striving to make a positive impact in my community.
Lauren Woodhouse, B.A. in Global Affairs (CAS)
My name is Lauren Woodhouse, and I was raised in Rockford, Illinois, by two hardworking parents who always stressed the importance of higher education. When I was preparing to graduate from high school in 2019, I dreamed of moving to Washington, D.C. to study politics, but my financial reality didn’t align with the offers I’d received.
Determined to keep moving forward in a way that honored my goals and values, I joined AmeriCorps NCCC as a Corps Member and was later promoted to Team Leader at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. After my AmeriCorps service, everything finally fell into place, and I fulfilled my dream of moving to D.C. alongside my sister and my mom! I began waiting tables downtown at The Old Ebbitt Grill while holding onto my hope of continuing my education. It wasn’t until two years into living here that my sister happened to walk past Trinity one evening and encouraged me to look into it (Thank you, Sydney!) I went to an information session fully expecting to have my hopes extinguished once again…but instead, Trinity’s extraordinary generosity paved the way for me to soon call myself a college graduate! Even typing that brings tears to my eyes! During my time here, I maintained a 3.9 GPA, spoke at the 69th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, spoke at a Trinity event in front of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and served as a Global Governance Fellow with Citizens for Global Solutions. Trinity made it possible.
After graduation, I have no intention of slowing down. I plan to continue my education and follow in my mother’s footsteps by becoming a nurse. Inspired by my global affairs curriculum, I hope to specialize in humanitarian nursing, serving civilians in conflict and disaster zones worldwide. Long term, I hope to return to my home state of Illinois and run for public office.
I am so incredibly proud to be a Trinity alumna and thank you to everyone who made it possible!
TaNieshia McNeal, B.A. in Criminal Justice (SPS)
My journey with Trinity began in 2006, when I first enrolled with a vision of building a better future for myself 
while raising 4 young daughters. Like many students, life presented challenges that caused me to pause my education. However, my determination to succeed never left me. I cried and prayed that one day I would walk to receive my degree. Years later, I made the decision to return to Trinity to finish what I started. This time with greater focus, purpose, and resilience.
Earning my Bachelor’s Degree in criminal Justice is more than an academic achievement for me. It represents growth and commitment to my goals. My experiences have shaped my passion for making a difference in the criminal justice field, particularly in advocating for fairness and supporting individuals as they navigate the system. After graduation, I plan to pursue my Master’s Degree in Business Administration, while working toward a career as a parole officer, where I can support rehabilitation and help individuals successfully reintegrate into society. I am also committed to advocating for survivors of domestic violence and will be training to support and empower women who are affected.
Returning to Trinity has been a powerful reminder that it is never too late to achieve your goals. I hope my journey inspires others to keep pushing forward, no matter how long the path may take. I will say, it was all worth it.
Tarniqua Sullivan, B.S. in Business Administration (SPS)
My journey through Trinity has been one of growth, resilience, and purpose. As a Business Administration student preparing to graduate, my time at Trinity has helped strengthen not only my academic foundation, but also my confidence as a leader, thinker, and future professional. Throughout this journey, I have balanced school with real-life responsibilities, which made earning this degree even more meaningful to me. Trinity has challenged me to think bigger about my future, sharpen my goals, and recognize that my experiences, determination, and vision all have value. I am proud to be joining the Trinity alumnae/i community and grateful for the lessons, encouragement, and sense of possibility that have come with this chapter of my life.
After graduation, I plan to continue building toward a career in business, operations, and long-term entrepreneurship, with a special interest in acquisitions, investment, and creating opportunities that can have lasting impact. I also plan to continue my education by pursuing my MBA so I can keep developing the knowledge and skills needed to lead with wisdom, strategy, and purpose. Trinity has been an important part of helping me see that my path is not just about earning a degree, but about building a future where I can create change, help others, and leave a meaningful legacy.
Darlene Carmichael, B.A. in Business Administration (CAS)
My time at Trinity Washington University was a mix of expectations and reality. When I was first accepted, I was
genuinely excited. I pictured myself meeting new people, forming connections, and diving into subjects I had never explored before. In some ways, things didn’t turn out the way I imagined, and that was difficult at times. Still, there were moments that really mattered to me.
I’m especially grateful for the professors who saw potential in me and supported me when I needed it most. Their encouragement helped me keep going, even when I felt unsure of myself.
If I could change one thing about my experience, it would be how much I let certain people affect how I saw myself. I allowed the opinions and actions of some students to get in my head, and that took a toll on my confidence. Looking back, I wish I had trusted myself more and not given others that kind of power.
Even so, that experience taught me something important about self-worth and resilience. It showed me that not every environment will reflect who you truly are—and that it’s up to me to hold onto my sense of self no matter what.
Lindsay Washington, M.A. in Strategic Communications and Public Relations (BGS)
My journey pursuing my Master’s Degree at Trinity Washington University has helped me grow in so many ways. I never thought I would complete a degree in Strategic Communication and Public Relations because I was always a shy person and would rather be in the background so public relations and media seemed so intimidating but once I started the program I instantly knew I made the correct choice. This program has helped me build my confidence personally and professionally with all the skills I’ve learned.
The highlight of my degree was second semester writing an article for the Trinity Times. At the time, I worked for Trinity in the Development and Alumnae/i Relations office and had two immigrant student workers and through daily conversations I learned their story. It was perfect timing with knowing my students and the class I was in. I was so nervous of the process because I never wrote an article or interviewed anyone. Little did I know, I would win an award for the article I wrote, one of my biggest accomplishments to date. I won the 2024 Catholic Media Association’s St. Juan Diego Collegiate Award in the social justice category. I am so proud that I was able to showcase Trinity’s nursing program amazing work and I always highly recommend Trinity to anyone who would listen!
Link to my article: https://trinitydctimes.com/2023/12/11/trinity-nursing-program-bridges-the-gap-for-immigrant-students/
I appreciate all the professors who have been wonderful mentors during this time. I would like to especially thank Dr. Ponder and Dr. Jamal, their dedication to students through the program have been outstanding. They have made my grad program memorable and I will continue to apply their teachings as I look to grow at my current agency, DCHBX, as they help thousands of DC residents have health coverage. I hope to one day be a part of their communications department to educate DC residents on health insurance options. I am truly grateful to be a 2x graduate of Trinity Washington University. May 2019 & May 2026
Taylor Stenhouse, B.A. in Business Administration (CAS)
Returning to school at 27 was not what I originally imagined for myself after graduating high school, but it made
this journey to graduation even more personal and meaningful. This time around, I returned with a different level of determination, discipline, and purpose because I knew exactly what I wanted for my future and how important it was for me to finish what I started. As a student pursuing my Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Accounting, I learned how to balance academics while working full time, serving in leadership, and continuing to push myself even during difficult seasons. That experience taught me resilience, time management, and the importance of continuing forward even when things feel overwhelming. Most importantly, my faith in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ grounded me throughout this journey and reminded me to keep trusting God even in moments of uncertainty, exhaustion, or self-doubt.
During my time at Trinity, I also had the honor of serving as Vice President of the Iota Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., an experience that strengthened my leadership, communication, and organizational skills while allowing me to grow alongside women who continuously inspire me. I am especially grateful for the guidance, patience, and encouragement I received from Dr. Grenway and Dr. Hayes-Burrell, whose support played an important role in my academic journey and personal growth throughout my time at Trinity. Their encouragement helped remind me that I was capable, even during moments when balancing work, leadership, and school felt challenging.
After graduation, I plan to begin studying for the LSAT and pursue law school in Fall 2027. I am excited to continue building a future centered around leadership, advocacy, and creating meaningful impact within my community. Trinity reminded me that growth does not always happen in a straight line, but persistence, faith, and discipline can carry you further than you imagined.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Brittany Capers, B.A. in Psychology (CAS)
My journey at Trinity Washington University has been one of growth, resilience, and purpose. As a nontraditional student, I returned to school after becoming a mother of two boys, determined to continue my education and build a better future for my family. From the moment I started, I was motivated to accomplish every goal I set for myself. I made it a priority to get involved on campus, connect with others, and take advantage of the many opportunities Trinity offers. Being present, engaged, and intentional about my experience has truly shaped my time as a student and made it meaningful beyond the classroom.
Balancing motherhood, a full-time job, and academics was not easy, but I remained committed to my success. Maintaining an average 3.5 GPA throughout my college experience reflects both my dedication and perseverance. I am proud to have made the Dean’s List over three times, joined the Psychology Club, and become a member of Psi Chi. Being nominated as Trinity’s Psi Chi chapter President has been an incredible honor and a testament to my hard work and leadership. As I prepare to take the next step in my journey at The Catholic University of America, where I plan to pursue my Master’s in Social Work, I carry with me the strength, knowledge, and confidence that Trinity has helped me build.
Felicia Stewart, B.A. in Early Childhood Community Education (EDU)
As I prepare to graduate from Trinity, I reflect on a journey that has truly shaped who I am today. Balancing 
school, work, and motherhood was not always easy, but it pushed me to stay focused, disciplined, and determined. As a mother, everything I did was not just for myself, but for my children, who has been my greatest motivation throughout this journey.
While attending Trinity, I maintained a 3.9 GPA, which is something I am incredibly proud of. I was also honored to be inducted into Alpha Sigma Lambda, the national honor society for adult learners, recognizing my academic achievements and dedication. At the same time, I worked as an early childhood educator, teaching preschoolers and creating meaningful learning experiences for young children. My classroom became a space where I could connect what I was learning in school to real-life practice, strengthening my passion for education every day.
One of the most impactful experiences during my time at Trinity was having the opportunity to speak before the DC Council on behalf of early childhood educators. Although I was nervous, it reminded me of the importance of using my voice to advocate for children, families, and teachers. That moment showed me how much I have grown—not just academically, but as a leader and advocate.
Trinity has given me more than an education. It has given me confidence, purpose, and a strong foundation to continue growing in my career. This journey taught me resilience, time management, and the power of believing in myself, even during challenging moments.
I hope my story inspires other students, especially those balancing multiple responsibilities, to keep going. No matter how difficult it may seem, your goals are possible with dedication and perseverance.
I am proud to soon join the Trinity Alumnae/I community and look forward to what’s ahead.
August Belt, B.A. in Psychology (SPS)
Beginning my Journey in 2015 at Virginia Union University, continuing through Medtech College and University of the District of Columbia workforce development. I gained many certifications and great knowledge. But never settled. In August of 2022 I made the decision to commit to my study home, Trinity Washington University. On May 5,2026 after completing my final assignment, I found myself overwhelmed, but this time, it wasn’t with stress, worry, or doubt. It was with happiness, pride, and a deep sense of achievement. I cried tears of joy, a feeling that felt so different from the moments of frustration and uncertainty I’ve experienced along this journey. Some may know my story and the challenges I’ve faced over the past years in pursuit of this achievement. What I’ve accomplished means far more to me than earning a piece of paper. It represents a generational barrier I have broken and a promise to those dear to me who are no longer physically here. It has opened doors for me to sit at tables with confidence, knowing my knowledge and capabilities will no longer be questioned due to the absence of a degree.
I bring professional experience in youth and young adult education and counseling, mental and healthcare, youth justice, nonprofit business management, and corporate team building with a DEGREE. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to working within systems that support and advocate for individuals and communities. My long-term goal is to continue developing my nonprofit organization, get my masters to degree and continue to focus on supporting underserved communities and juveniles within the justice system. I hope to contribute to building a more just world through life skills development, career guidance, and mental health and emotional support. One day, I aspire to expand this work globally, reaching communities in need across the world.
Trinity has motivated and push me well beyond my capacity. I knew the stars were always the limit. But the strength I have gained through this journey lets me know I can go beyond that limit!
Phyllis Ruth Jackson, A.A. in Health Services (SPS)
The journey to and through Trinity Washington University has been one of both personal transformation and academic discovery. Returning to the classroom as an undergraduate student required a shift in perspective, but the community at THEARC provided a supportive and engaging environment that made the transition seamless. Throughout this program, the focus has remained on bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world application, particularly regarding the health and vitality of the local community. Exploring the complexities of nutritional wellness and food accessibility in Washington, D.C., has deepened a commitment to advocacy and empowered a clearer understanding of how systemic issues impact daily life.
Looking toward graduation, my goal is to translate this education into meaningful community action. I will use the research and communication skills developed at Trinity to address food disparities and promote sustainable health strategies within urban environments. By empowering others with knowledge of nutrition and wellness, I aim to contribute to a future in which healthy resources are accessible to everyone, regardless of their zip code. The experience at Trinity has not just been about earning a degree; it has been about refining a purpose and preparing to serve as a knowledgeable advocate for a healthier, more equitable community.
A Culture of Violence
April 26, 2026
(photo credit: screenshot of President Trump being rushed from the Hilton Ballroom)
Political violence must have no place in American life. None. Period. And yet, the violence keeps happening.
Last night’s shooting at the White House Correspondents Association dinner at the Washington Hilton was another terrible reminder of the dangers we all face — dangers to human persons, yes, but also dangers to our increasingly fragile Democracy. We can and should be grateful that the shooter was quickly apprehended and that no person was killed; we can and should be grateful that, no matter our political differences, the president, vice president and cabinet officers escaped unharmed. We can and should be grateful to the Secret Service officers, police and National Guard troops who responded quickly.
But condemnations of violence and expressions of gratitude for the safety of public officials are not enough. We can and we must recognize the obvious fact that the political tension in this country is well past the boiling point, and that some individuals will take whatever opportunity appears in their imaginations to commit horrific acts of violence. We can and must recognize the fact that our culture has become extremely violent, not only in acts but also in our communication styles, in the accusations and insults that fly so freely on social media, in the deep sense of aggrievement that some people harbor and use as an excuse to lash out.
We have lost the ability to disagree civilly. I disagree with the current president about many issues and his behaviors, but I do not wish him any harm; I just wish he would tone it down and be kinder to those who have different points of view. But in America today, we seem unable to have a rational argument about principles at stake in policies and governing actions. We are living in a zero-sum game in which every opinion that does not align perfectly with the opinion of another invites a brutal, violent, sometimes fatal response.
We live in a very strange era in which the president of this nation, himself, uses violent and profane language in his social media communications and speeches — and some cabinet officials as well — and this verbal violence encourages others. We need our public leaders to grow up and demonstrate a greater awareness of their responsibility to set the tone for our society, a tone that should always communicate respect for others even in disagreement about ideas. Every public figure — elected and appointed leaders, teachers and school leaders, sports stars, movie heroes, music legends — every single one of us must do a better job of showing others how to engage vigorous debate without violent imagery or degraded language.
I’m old enough to remember a time when shots that rang out against public figures were actually shocking — the assassinations in the 1960’s of President Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Robert Kennedy. The attempted assassinations of President Reagan and Pope John Paul II within two months of each other in 1981 stunned the world. Now, in 2026, when shots ring out against public figures we hear arguments about whether the event is fake (ridiculous!), whether we can control guns (yes, we should!), whether they had it coming anyway (never!), whether the “other side” fomented the violence (responsibility for the tone of the culture is a burden we all must share). We hear little consensus on the most fundamental issue of the deep and protracted violence of our culture — and how to remedy that profound danger to the health of our society.
On his recent 11-day 10,000 mile tour of African nations, Pope Leo XIV spoke often of peace, at one point referring to himself as a “pilgrim for peace.” Perhaps it is emblematic of our times that even a pope speaking about peace — a fairly routine message for most pontiffs — drew extreme blowback from some commentators. As I read some of the more belligerent rejections of the Pope’s message, including from some Catholic politicians, I found myself wondering how we can ever reach a place in our culture in which we can agree to disagree without wanting to destroy the other person.
Pope Leo offers us hope that at least one powerful leader has the courage to show a pathway to a different future, one that offers peace and hope rather than constant war and violence. We can also hope that the people who feel most at risk of ongoing political violence — current political leaders — might see in the Pope’s careful words and of soft-spoken courage a model for their own public pronouncements.
To change this violent culture, we must work harder to foment peace.
Read the statement of USCCB President Archbishop Paul Coakley on the WHCA incident
Continue reading →Read comments (0) Add CommentDreams of Our Founders
April 22, 2026
(Portrait of Trinity Founder Sr. Julia McGroarty, SND, original on the Marble Corridor in the Well)
Trinity’s Founders had big dreams. The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur — led by Provincial Superior Sr. Julia McGroarty (portrait above) and her able “woman on the scene” Sr. Mary Euphrasia Taylor — had a vision for a college for women equal in quality to the colleges for men at the end of the 19th Century. The SNDs were experienced educators; the Academy of Notre Dame on K Street in Washington (now the site of Gonzaga College High School) was one of several SND schools for girls in the U.S. But launching an institution of higher education was another whole level of complexity academically as well as financially and socially. How did they do it in an age without cell phones, email, computers, airplanes or personal cars?
In 1897, their preferred mode of communication was a handwritten letter delivered in person; their transportation depended on horse-drawn carriages, steam engines for trains, or perhaps a ride in one of the amazing new machines known as automobiles.
The dreams of the SNDs received great encouragement from the priests who ran then-new Catholic University. Catholic women were applying to that new university but women were rejected from admission because coeducation was forbidden in Catholic schools. The priests were concerned that the women barred from Catholic University were turning to “godless” colleges for their higher education. One such institution was then called Columbian College, now the liberal arts college of George Washington University.
With great zeal, a good deal of creativity, and amazing fortitude, Srs. Julia and Mary Euphrasia moved quickly in 1897 to lay the foundation for Trinity College. In just a few short months, they secure the articles of incorporation (left), bought land and developed building plans. Some conservative priests at Catholic University grew alarmed and tried to stop the project, spreading rumors that the idea for Trinity was simply a subversive effort to bring coeducation to the University.
The criticisms reached Pope Leo XIII (right); the critics claimed that the idea of Trinity was an example of the heresy of “Americanism” that the Pope was denouncing in those days. The SNDs responded with an audacious campaign of letter writing to papal representatives and even a one-day round-trip to Atlantic City to plead the case for Trinity to the papal nuncio, the Pope’s ambassador in the U.S.
The persistence of Srs. Julia and Mary Euphrasia won the day; Pope Leo indicated that the founding of Trinity could continue and the opposition died down.
Over the next three years, the SNDs bought the land, raised money, and started building the great Main Hall that became the heart of Trinity’s campus. The first students and faculty moved into Main in November 1900 and Trinity College opened with a grand celebration.
Today, Trinity College — now known as Trinity Washington University — remembers our Founders with much gratitude and joy. Those courageous women could not have imagined Trinity today in our glorious diversity of students and programs, but they surely would celebrate with us as this venerable institution looks to our future with the same zeal and confidence that inspired the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1897.
Let us give thanks to Julia, Mary Euphrasia, and all of those brilliant women who made our lives and work at Trinity possible today!
(Below, the first Trinity students, Class of 1904!)
Of Memes and Men
April 16, 2026
Has there ever been a time when the stakes for civilization have been so high and the quality of political discourse has been so tawdry? We have come to the point in this endless SNL nightmare of a skit in which the president of the United States posts a ridiculous image of himself as Jesus Christ, then claims he thought it portrayed him as a doctor, then takes down the image from his social media feed all the while carrying on lengthy rants against the Pope who, rightfully, is teaching the world about the profoundly moral issues of war and peace. The line between farce and tragedy, always somewhat thin, is decaying rapidly. The farce IS the tragedy as the consequences of horrific and unjust wars ravage innocent communities abroad and tear apart the fragile social fabric of our domestic lives.
The memification of contemporary politics has gone from an amusing sidebar distraction to a mainstream weapon of mass psychic destruction as each new iteration of the once-silly pictures and phrases becomes more toxic, more dangerous, less tethered to anything resembling what mature adult leaders should be thinking and doing. The very idea that the president of the United States thinks it’s ok to spend his time bleating out inane pictures while berating the pope for preaching the Gospel — exactly the pope’s job — speaks volumes about the dangerous zone our society has wandered into. Critics on both sides of the aisle wonder aloud online about the president’s mental stability while others take the president’s criticism of the pope as license to mock, demean and try to silence the pope’s voice. The president’s surrogates — the vice president, the House speaker — weirdly and wrongly tell the pope that he’s wrong on theology. Then the administration cancelled an $11 million contract with Catholic Charities in Miami to help migrant children. We are very deep into the rabbit hole of official obfuscation and gaslighting.
What we all should be talking about is how do we move our country and our culture back from this perilous edge of self-destruction. The silliness of the memes and late night jokes masks the appalling dangers inherent in a war conducted by someone who seems unable to separate fiction from reality on many days. The problem is not just the president; the problem is everyone who defends him, and also everyone who looks away from the obvious signs of impending social and cultural catastrophe.
This is not the first time that the president has promoted scurrilous memes — his disgraceful and truly disordered posting of a meme showing the Obamas as apes is a fresh and painful gash in our recent national memory. As a political writer noted in 2019 that, “The weaponisation of memes through mass replication has created a powerful tool for waging political war against opponents” (Marina Bulatovic in 2019 Sage Journals) There’s a whole dark industry of political “dirty tricks” that is now empowered with AI tools to take the manipulation of communications and public perceptions to increasingly destructive levels.
The current president surely is not acting alone — someone makes the images that he gleefully sends out to entertain his “base” while supposedly taunting his opponents. Every day brings more examples of the amoral use of artificial intelligence to bend our perceptions of reality in directions dictated by largely unknown operatives-behind-the-scenes who secure power and wealth through manipulation of public discourse.
Serious leaders of civilization’s communities know how to communicate and act with profound reverence and respect for their responsibilities and the people they serve. Pope Leo XIV is a very serious leader, not just for Catholics but for all of humanity whose future is at risk when other leaders threaten to keep us in a state of constant war, conquest, subjugation and the not-unimaginable spectre of nuclear annihilation. The current U.S. president is not the only target of Pope Leo’s message of peace, but he is the one behaving in the most alarmingly bellicose ways in the present moment with the military and economic capacity to follow-through on his threats. When the president writes that, “A whole civilization will die tonight,” if they don’t bend to his will, he has crossed a line from the merely offensive to absolutely irresponsible and dangerous abuse of power. Pope Leo has had the courage to confront the amoral danger of this moment.
The president’s scandalous attacks on Pope Leo have had the effect of unifying the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in support of the pope. Bishop James Massa, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Doctrine, issued a strong statement explaining “just war” teachings and making the pope’s role very explicit: “When Pope Leo XIV speaks as supreme pastor of the universal Church, he is not merely offering opinions on theology, he is preaching the Gospel and exercising his ministry as the Vicar of Christ. The consistent teaching of the Church is insistent that all people of good will must pray and work toward lasting peace while avoiding the evils and injustices that accompany all wars.”
Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of USCCB, also issued a strong statement on the pope’s role in proclaiming moral teachings. And three of the most influential U.S. cardinals — Cardinals Robert McElroy of Washington, Blase Cupich of Chicago, and Joseph Tobin of Newark — gave a joint interview to 60 Minutes to set forth Church teachings and the pope’s role. Cardinal McElroy of Washington also received a rare standing ovation from the congregation after his homily during the Vigil for Peace on April 11.
We must pray for peace, yes, but we must also act as citizens of the most powerful nation in history to demand an end to the perpetration of unjust war, the manipulation of public communications, the demeaning of not only the pope but anyone who dares to disagree, who dares to challenge immoral political actions. We must confront the wholly disordered and inappropriate use of religious rhetoric — especially the rhetoric of the Secretary of War — to somehow justify launching missiles against civilians, blowing up boats on international waters, and otherwise committing the most heinous belligerent acts of war and destruction.
We must stop condoning and looking away from the silliness of the memes. There is nothing funny, nothing religious, nothing patriotic about using power to destroy lives. Even when war is necessary, it is a terrible tragedy. When war is not necessary, it is a horrific crime and profound sin. Those who perpetrate war must be called to account, not dismissed as daft old men with scores to settle.
Continue reading →Read comments (2) Add CommentOver the Moon
April 12, 2026
I remember sitting in the backyard in the early 1960’s with my brothers and Dad who pointed up to the stars and noted one that was blinking and moving. “Telstar,” he explained with enthusiasm, a machine that humans made to fly into outer space for global communications. In 1962, we children of the Space Age were dazzled by the thought that humans could send a machine so high into the firmament, literally moving among the stars. Later, we watched in awe as John Glenn rocketed into orbit, the first American to do so. We dreamed of becoming astronauts soaring through outer space. We wondered if we had “The Right Stuff” and paraded around as space explorers in our Halloween costumes.
As the years went by, we became used to the special TV broadcasts of launches for Mercury and Apollo missions, and still we were amazed when Neal Armstrong put his boots down on the moon — “One small step for a man; one giant leap for mankind.” Still later, we watched in horror as the hopes for even more exciting space exploration blew up, contrails of the Challenger space mission lacing through the skies over Florida as this once-ambitious program plummeted back to earth.
Another disaster with Columbia, and the space shuttle program was retired in 2011. NASA joined with other nations to develop the International Space Station and launched astronauts with commercial partners including SpaceX. 25 years later, the ISS is still going strong, but the dream of returning to the moon never went away.
This past week, the enduring dream of another moon landing took a giant step closer to reality with the very successful Artemis II mission. Four courageous astronauts packed together in a small capsule (described as about the size of two mini-vans) for ten days.
This mission was about preparing a future moon landing. The crew flew farther than any humans ever flew before, circling the moon, getting a good look at its “dark side,” and then returned to earth on a picture-perfect splashdown in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego.
NASA’s Orion spacecraft with Artemis II crewmembers NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist aboard is seen as it lands in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California, Friday, April 10, 2026. NASA’s Artemis II mission took Wiseman, Glover, Koch, and Hansen on a 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth. Following a splashdown at , NASA, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force teams are working to bring the crewmembers and Orion spacecraft aboard USS John P. Murtha. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
With so many serious problems here on earth — the war in Iran, wars and devastating conflicts elsewhere, the rise of authoritarianism here and abroad, the immigration crisis, the economy, and on and on — why should we care about space travel and a fly-by to the moon?
Dreaming about a future full of possibilities is an essential quality for a healthy society. Imagining traveling with explorers is something humans have done since ancient times — from epic tales of the ancient poets to the fabulous stories told by Jules Verne to Sci-Fi and Star Trek to the glorious photography of National Geographic to the real-time streaming of the Artemis II crew zooming around the moon and back to earth — a passion for exploration of our planet and worlds beyond is an essential part of the advancement of our civilization.
The passion for exploration of the universe is also grounded in the real need to make sure that scientific discoveries continue to evolve, that we continue to imagine opportunities for new horizons, new colonies, inventions that can improve our lives today and for generations to come.
Space exploration also gives us perspective. Seeing that small “blue marble” earth from 250,000 miles away also shocks us into realizing, once more, that we are a very small part of a vast universe, that we are all dependent on the health of this tiny planet, and that we are more alike than different. Space exploration, at its best, can help us earth-bound humans to transcend our differences, lift up hope for new ventures, and renew our determination to spend our limited time on earth keeping the peace and helping each other to live better lives.
Thanks to NASA and the Artemis II team for lifting us up once more! We are “over the moon” with excitement for the next phase of exploration in space.
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