About You:
Living Faith: Describe your vocation in life.
Gail Goleas: When I was 12 years old, I first learned the saying, “It’s better to light a candle than to curse the darkness,” in a Christopher News Note. From that moment on, sharing the candlelight became my mission.
LF: Offer a new general bio here, if you wish something other than what is listed here.
GG: I have been a pastoral associate in the Archdiocese of Chicago since 2003. I serve as a field delegate for the Metropolitan Tribunal in Chicago and assist those going through the annulment process. An advocate for prison reform, I served seven years as a federal prison volunteer. I am an accredited T’ai Chi Chih (moving meditation) instructor. My greatest delight is learning what life’s all about from her grandkids.
LF: How long have you been writing, or when did you start?
GG: I’ve always loved words. As a child, I imagined writing a gossip column for the neighborhood, but I didn’t have anything to say. A commentary of mine was published by the Chicago Tribune, enabling me to purchase my junior prom dress with the proceeds. As a young mother, I wrote a human interest column for our local weekly paper. I went on to become a contributor for Living Faith and several years later, a contributor for Living Faith Kids.
LF: What is the most difficult part of your writing process?
GG: Putting thoughts into words clearly and concisely can be a humbling exercise. There are word limits, and I must remember to write a brief reflection—not a book!
LF: How many books have you written, and which is your favorite? If you haven’t written a book, name a favorite that you’ve enjoyed.
GG: I recommend The Saint and the Sultan by Paul Moses. It deals with the Crusades, Islam and St. Francis of Assisi’s mission of peace.
LF: Where do you live today, and is that different from where you grew up?
GG: A lifelong native of Chicagoland, I have the Chicago (da ChiKAHgo) accent to prove it.
LF: Three words your best friend would use to describe you.
GG: A good listener.
LF: One additional thing you would want a Living Faith reader to know about you that we haven’t covered above. (A hobby, something silly or fun, an accomplishment, or an interesting fact?)
GG: I’m a whiz at Etch A Sketch.
About Faith:
LF: When did you first know that God loved you?
GG: The discovery of God’s love is new every morning when I wake up.
LF: Describe a prayer practice that is meaningful to you.
GG: Daily meditation quiets the noise around and inside of me, giving me a sense of God’s presence.
LF: What’s something you’ve learned from the Bible or from the Mass or the Sacraments that has always stayed with you?
GG: Loving God is possible only if we love one another.
LF: What excites you about being a Catholic?
GG: I am proud of our Church’s commitment to Catholic social teaching. We are mandated to step out of our comfort zone to advocate for one another.
About the Bible:
LF: Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
GG: The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35) resonates with me. It calls me to open my eyes and heart to the Lord’s presence right here and now.
LF: Do you have a favorite Gospel? If so, which one? Elaborate if you wish.
GG: The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:2-12) is a glorious reminder that there is a purpose to every season under heaven.
LF: If you could spend a day with a person (besides Jesus) mentioned in the Bible, whom would you choose?
GG: Mary because she understood her son as a human being.
About Living Faith:
LF: How long have you been writing for Living Faith?
GG: Since 2014
LF: What is one thing you love about Living Faith?
GG: Sharing our faith journey with one another is a blessing!
*The interview was edited for clarity and conformity to style. No meaning was altered in the process.
