Lourine Oluoch

A small shop right inside the gate of the Subiaco Retreat Centre welcomes visitors to a world of herbal remedies. Essential oils and tinctures, infused honey, baobab powder, ground guava leaves, activated charcoal, stinging nettle powder, moringa powder, rosemary leaves, eucalyptus oils, cayenne pepper, lemongrass, artemisia powder, dates, kombucha, and more are found here as the fragrance of eucalyptus from the attached production unit perfumes the air.

Following are NCR reader responses to recent news articles, opinion columns and theological essays with letters that have been edited for length and clarity. Cryptocurrency donations The recent critique of cryptocurrency donations raises important questions about stewardship and moral responsibility (NCR, Feb. 20, 2026). It is right to urge caution. But the concern is not that the article rejects cryptocurrency outright — it is that it treats it as morally exceptional.

I found myself reflecting on light during a recent community sharing that began around the celebration of Deepawali, the festival of lights. Though the festival has passed, its symbol remains with me as we now move toward Easter — another moment when Christians proclaim that light shines in the darkness. Across many faith traditions, people celebrate the victory of light over darkness.