Here is a look at some of the key figures as the Vatican gets ready for the conclave of cardinals.

Fairy tales often carry truths in small packages. Familiar to all is the tale of Cinderella — a young woman put upon by a wicked stepmother and two horrible stepsisters. She must clean the kitchen, scrub the toilets, empty the ashtrays and walk the dog. Required to do more than her share of the cooking, […]

As my husband, Bill, and I began to prepare for a four-week Lent workshop at our parish, we asked ourselves: Is it possible to have a joyful Lent? Lent is a time when we traditionally think of giving things up; we sacrifice things that bring us joy — a favorite dessert, a glass of wine, […]

Sunday “Honoring Cycles: Loss, Remembrance and Renewal,” 10:30 a.m., interfaith service at Portland New Church, 302 Stevens Ave., Portland. Visit chimeofmaine.org for details. Sacred harp singing, 2 to 5 p.m., at the home of Corrone and Ruth Ann Bryant, 552 Main St., Damariscotta. The event is participatory and free, not a performance. All are welcome. […]

Saturday Holy Grounds Coffee House, 6:30 p.m., featuring Garrett Soucy and Dustin Saucier. Church of the Holy Spirit, 1047 Congress St., Portland. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. and food is available for a small charge. There is no cover but donations for the artists are accepted. Sunday Rejoicing Spirits, 4 p.m., special worship service for […]

Thomas had troubles enough. Every time he approached my office, he knew he was in trouble because of the sign overhead. Now, however, Thomas had more troubles. The previous Saturday, he had witnessed a puzzling event involving his mother, who lived at an assisted-living facility and had been failing. “I gotta get it off my […]

I am not supposed to get sick. Disease happens to other people, not me. Oh, I know, it’s true what the Buddhists say: “In all lives there is suffering.” I’ve repeated that mantra a lot over the years. Yet somehow I never really understood that “I” am included in all lives. I missed the “we” […]