...for limited purposes only, let me define religion as a set of symbolic forms and acts which relate man to the ultimate conditions of his existence.

Leaving home in a sense involves a kind of second birth in which we give birth to ourselves.

We never get to the bottom of ourselves on our own. We discover who we are face to face and side by side with others in work, love and learning.

We have to treat others as part of who we are, rather than as a 'them' with whom we are in constant competition.

That happiness is to be attained through limitless material acquisition is denied by every religion and philosophy known to mankind, but is preached incessantly by every American television set.

However painful the process of leaving home, for parents and for children, the really frightening thing for both would be the prospect of the child never leaving home.

The central icon of Catholic Christianity is mother and child. That motif is so deep in not just our human experience but in our animal, biological past.

Our culture is at a critical cusp - a time that requires that we define what it means to be a citizen in a democracy. Within our nation we need to foster a greater sense of collective responsibility.

The family is in flux, and signs of trouble are widespread. Expectations remain high. But realities are disturbing.

It's clear all the way through history that practices are primary and beliefs are secondary.

The problem of the universal is difficult in every case. The universal and the particular can never be separated; they always go hand in hand.

I embrace now—this moment—with my whole being.

A despairing arse will never produce a happy fart.

My mother had a look on her face that I'll never forget. It was one of complete despair and horror, for losing Bing, for being so foolish as to think she could use faith to change fate.

If you want to be a leader of people, you must learn to watch events.

The key to staying together is making sure you guys like each other and need each other.

I am not in politics. 'President Mutombo?' No, no, no. There has never been a politician in my family, and I am not going to try to be the first one.

A plaque and platinum status is whack if I'm not the baddest.

will stifle economic growth, destroy jobs, reduce revenues, and increase the deficit.

One service to need heals an ancient wound.

Hope is wishing for something to come true. Faith is belief that it will come true. Believe that for every problem God gives you, He will also provide you with a solution.