Charles W. Bickenheuser, OFS, EdDConversion of an Australian Walkabout—Part 1, CombatFour years ago, at 72, I decided to do an American version of an Australian walkabout. Fifty years had passed since my combat time as a…2 min read·Jan 27, 2024----
Charles W. Bickenheuser, OFS, EdD44 DaysLast week, I completed 44 days of radiation treatment for prostate cancer. Monday through Friday, a 150-mile roundtrip to Missoula and back…1 min read·Jan 27, 2024----
Charles W. Bickenheuser, OFS, EdDThis year…In the last two years three good friends, each a Vietnam combat veteran, have passed; two from illness and the third because it was time to…1 min read·Jan 27, 2024----
Charles W. Bickenheuser, OFS, EdDMerton on Contemplation—extractBy my desk bookshelf is a stack of 15 books on contemplation. At 100 pages per book, that’s at least 750,000 words. And there are online…1 min read·Aug 13, 2023----
Charles W. Bickenheuser, OFS, EdDAn Unexpected MeditationToday, at Costco, I looked up and noticed the people around me. In a moment, I understood I was looking at a group of people I loved…1 min read·Jul 20, 2023--1--1
Charles W. Bickenheuser, OFS, EdDContemplation and the SelfFor a regional Franciscan gathering this September, I’m writing an introduction to Thomas Merton’s What is Contemplation (1948). Merton’s…1 min read·Apr 9, 2023----
Charles W. Bickenheuser, OFS, EdDMayaMaya, our beloved girl, passed a few days ago. She was family for ten years. Many of our kittens and puppies were adopted from shelters…1 min read·Feb 1, 2023----
Charles W. Bickenheuser, OFS, EdDCancer and SimplicityThree years ago, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. My course of treatment continues to be hormonal, and I will also begin radiation…1 min read·Jan 29, 2023----
Charles W. Bickenheuser, OFS, EdDAn ExplorationI was wondering what our basis would be for an exploration of policy. It would undoubtedly affirm a common set of values and an agreeable…1 min read·Sep 11, 2022----