Born in Norwalk, CA, in 1926, to immigrant parents, Asawa’s life was marked by early adversity. During World War II, she and her family—like approximately 120,000 other Japanese Americans (including US-born citizens)—were unjustly forced into US internment camps. Yet even in hardship, Asawa was able to discover beauty. Like St. Ignatius, who found God in all things—even suffering—she ultimately transformed trauma into something sacred. Asawa is most well-known for her groundbreaking wire sculptures: floating, transparent forms inspired by nature and basket weaving she observed during an artists’ tour of Latin America. These sculptures remind us to view the world contemplatively—to find grace in the ordinary, and the divine in the overlooked.

The Spiritual Exercises are at the very core of St. Ignatius’ spiritual journey. He spent 30 plus days in a cave examining his life, looking at ways that he can engage with Christ more fully and had a Spiritual Director that he would go see two or three times in those 30 days. In Catalonia, Spain, we walked down from Montserrat, where the spiritual director was, across the valley and along the river, and we came up to the cave.

The newly revived Neighbor2Neighbor ministry continues to flourish throughout this Easter Season. Grateful recipients of assistance have expressed their appreciation for the work of the N2N volunteers. The daughter of a woman receiving Holy Communion at home wrote to thank the ministry: “It is wonderful to feel the care and love of our neighborly and spiritual community. It meant so much to my mother to meet your volunteer, pray with her, and receive the Sacrament. She felt touched and uplifted. The neighbor to neighbor ministry is a blessing for both of us!”