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"A fresh start" - what a sense of renewal these words carry. We look forward to what the future holds, reminisce on what has happened, and work within ourselves to change for the better.

The island of Kauai be best referred to as the “Kingdom of Beauty.” God ( Akua in Hawaiian), many Hawaiians will say, was showing off with His creation when He made Kauai.

At some point in time, we have all heard the expression that an individual “has a conscience.” Morally speaking, what do we mean when we use the word conscience?

Jesus spoke numerous times about friendships, but this one hit home for me: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

The first step is the hardest. For years, walking the Camino de Santiago (“The Way of St. James”) was on our bucket list, but there were many obstacles.

Often when I speak to people from around the country about my love for cooking authentic Cajun dishes, they immediately say, “Oh, I just love the food in New Orleans!”

Some of my fondest memories are those that include both meals and my mother. I am sure the same is true for many others. I can think back to my youth and recall those happy times as I grew up — and even challenging times as I grew older — all being buttressed by my mother’s presence and the smells and tastes of meals that either I shared with her or she prepared for me.

Recently I attended a prayer meeting at Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center in Baton Rouge. Sister Dulce Maria, who created this sanctuary of healing and prayer, asked us, “When did you last tell the Lord that you loved Him?”

“I do not want to send them away hungry…” (Matt. 15:32) In the shadow of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is a restaurant, Shepherds Nai, where you will never go away hungry!

We’ve heard the phrase “It’s just business, it’s not personal.” I‘ve never agreed with that old adage. It is personal. Entrepreneurs and business associates are persons. I am in the food manufacturing business, and in this industry, as in most others, the human person plays an essential role in the success or failure of a business.

During the almost year-long quarantine we have been facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have become more aware of time. As adults, it is not that we didn’t know what time was before, but for many, our relationship with time has changed.

The word "Christmas" comes from the Old English Christes maesse, or “Christ’s Mass.” It’s the celebration of the Holy Mass in honor of Christ’s birth. Other names for the great Solemnity of Christmas derive from the Latin word nativitas (nativity) — in Italian, Natale; in French, Noel; and in Spanish, Navidad.

Exodus is an intriguing book of the Old Testament, especially in its account of how God sent ten plagues upon Egypt when Pharaoh refused to release the Israelites for a three-day journey into the wilderness to serve Him.

I am going out on a proverbial limb with these two nouns by claiming this “quest” is satisfied in Firenze (Florence), Italy. Travel and Leisure recently called this Renaissance city the finest in the world to visit. Having made nearly 60 trips to this jewel of the Arno River, I agree.

While politicians speak of change, one thing is consistent: for more than 200 years, Catholic schools have been champions of social justice in providing quality education to all, especially those in immigrant and underserved communities.

This summer will be one to remember. The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we live, work, and play. The family life we once knew pre-COVID-19 has been reintroduced in the most positive way. The mandatory lockdown imposed on most of us due to COVID-19 led to shelter-in-place orders that offered opportunities for a family togetherness and bonding capable of birthing a rediscovery of the true essence of family life.

By the last day of school, we were well on our way with plans for our summer vacation. Freedom rang while swinging from willow branches into the cool waters of the Mississippi. We fished from the sandbar, captured crawfish behind Mamere’s, and caught river shrimp during the June Rise, the second annual flood of the spring.

Sixty Italy trips ago, I WAS developing a new concept called Buca di Beppo (Joe’s Basement) with my partners and my wife, Connie. We traveled to Italy frequently while developing the menu, décor, and product sourcing, including wine.

This year we experienced a true Lent! I don’t think many of us have prayed, fasted, and practiced almsgiving during any other Lent in the same way we did this year.

In recent times, our appreciation and dedication for nature and the environment has grown on a global scale. If only we could elevate society’s appreciation for the new life of every human being!