Finding Community at a Kathmandu Temple

Nepal Is Full of Places of Worship, But I Keep Going Back to Pashupati Nath

After I left my village in eastern Nepal in 1999 to study in the capital city of Kathmandu, I found myself missing home. Especially my childhood temple.

Growing up, I would follow my mom each Saturday to the Hindu religious temple, Danta Kali, a half hour outside my hometown. The scene became reassuringly familiar: many believers would be waiting in line to reach the main statue of gods Shive and Ganesh and goddesses Parvati and Durga, where people would make offerings. My mom and I made our own offerings; we’d hand …

The Inviting Light of L.A.’s Humble, One-Room Churches

Photographing Modesty and Simplicity In a City Better Known for Its Glamour

by Kevin McCollister

My admiration for the city of Los Angeles has nothing to do with its sports teams or film stars, or anything or anyone that might be considered super-duper. …

When Homework Is a Matter of Life and Death

My Parents Fled Iran Because They Were Forbidden From Getting an Education There. I’ve Spent Over One-Third of My Life on a University Campus.

The first hint of sunlight glows off the horizon as I rush toward Stanford Hospital from the parking garage, white coat in hand, stethoscope bouncing against my chest. Every few …

Pope Francis Is Making a Big Mistake

Visiting America and Skipping California Is Like Going to Italy Without Seeing Rome

Dear Pope Francis,

You may be infallible, but your scheduler? Not so much.

The itinerary for your highly anticipated trip to the United States this September defies belief: You are only visiting …

Thank the Catholic Church for Pagan-Inspired Art

Two L.A. Exhibitions Show the Diversity and Creativity Unleashed by the Church’s Patronage Across Centuries

Does art with pagan references belong in a Catholic Church? Two exhibitions on view in L.A. this winter are separated by almost 400 years—but both answer the question with a …