St. Joseph Cathedral Parish Hall

Speaker: Nancy Bourg

"Life as a Buddhist Woman"

Panel Discussion

 

“Everything that I have been able to change or accomplish in my life has been a direct result of the deep compassion, support and guidance I have received from my mentor in life and faith. The shared struggle of mentor and disciple or teacher and student serve[s] as the foundation of my growth and development, expanding my capacity, humility and sense of humanity.” This is how Nancy Bourg describes her experience of Buddhism and her relationship with her lifelong mentor.

When Nancy was very young, her mother began to practice Buddhism. Nancy grew up in the practice, but also had the opportunity to study Catholicism and attended a Protestant school. As a young girl, Nancy joined the lay Buddhist organization, Soka Gakkai International, which is affiliated with one of the two major schools of Buddhism.

Nancy was born in White Castle, Louisiana. Her father was in the US Navy and the family lived abroad and in various states across our country. They moved back to Louisiana in 1978. She attended 13 different schools before graduating from Brusly High School. Nancy earned her B.S. in Dietetics from LSU and later received her Human Resources Management Certificate, also from LSU, and has worked in human resources in Baton Rouge since 2007. Her community involvement includes the Japan Club of Baton Rouge, President-Elect and Treasurer of the Baton Rouge Center for World Affairs, and Co-Chairman and Steering Committee Member of the local “World Peace Day” group.

This month’s Women in Spirit program is a part of the "January Thaw" program of the Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton Rouge, a month-long series dedicated to melting away interfaith misunderstanding and cultivating peace. Rev. McCullough-Bade, a minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is Executive Director of the Federation, which works for unity, justice, and peace through its programs and various interfaith/intercultural events.

Hosted by St. Joseph Cathedral, a partner with the Interfaith Federation, Women In Spirit is our Parish’s interfaith gathering of women seeking spiritual growth and sharing new and affirming perspectives on faith in everyday life. Offering a welcoming haven from the stresses of office or home, monthly programs include a complimentary lunch with time for networking with other women from various ethnic origins, social experiences and religious affiliations.

Please let us know if you plan to come by emailing us at wis@cathedralbr.org or calling the Parish Office at 225-387-5928. We need to know how many chairs to put out and how much food to plan for!