A former IHA religious studies teacher, Shehan is studying for a master's degree in Theological Studies at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary (SVDP) in Boynton Beach, Florida. SVDP is the regional seminary for the state of Florida and parts of the Caribbean. The young men studying there are preparing for the priesthood in the Roman Catholic Church.

 

In the Fall 2017 semester, Therese was a student in a Medical Ethics course. Since priests often are called upon by families, patients, and healthcare providers, and facilities to provide guidance in making significant medical decisions, these seminarians must be armed with both technical medical information and they must be well-grounded in sound ethical perspectives.

 

One of the assignments was preparation and presentation of a homily on the dimensions of pain and suffering. "Pain and suffering are universal to the human condition and all of us struggle with our own pain and suffering and that of the ones we love," Therese writes. "The fruit of that assignment is a book, Diamonds in the Rough: Homilies and Reflections on the Mystery of Suffering. I am honored to have my homily included in this anthology."

 

If you know someone who is currently experiencing the intensity of pain and suffering in life, this book may bring some solace. It may be found on Amazon in both hard copy and Kindle editions.