From Stardust To Us
From Stardust to Us is a spirituality and consciousness podcast featuring in-depth conversations with thought leaders, scientists, artists, and spiritual activists exploring what it means to be human in an evolving universe.
At the intersection of science and spirituality, we explore nonduality, sacred activism, eco-spirituality, grief, cosmology, interspiritual practice, and the reimagining of our relationship with Earth and one another. In a time of cultural, ecological, and spiritual upheaval, these conversations invite deeper awareness, integrity, and compassionate action.
Hosted by Bernice Marie-Daly, Ph.D., a contemplative activist and interspiritual guide whose work centers Divine Feminine presence and relational spirituality, and LaNell Haydon, writer and creator exploring spiritual insight, human experience, and awakening in everyday life.
Podcast music provided by Soundstripe.com.
From Stardust To Us
Interspiritual Wisdom with Br. Mark D'Alessio - Franciscan and Zen Paths in Practice
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The Rt. Rev. Br. Mark D’Alessio is a Franciscan friar and the Mentor General in the spiritual society of the Companions of Francis and Clare. He is also a Christian bishop and priest, ordained Buddhist lay minister, spiritual director, chaplain, retreat leader, interspiritual pilgrim, and author. He previously served as President and Executive Director of the Psychotherapy & Spirituality Institute, an organization dedicated to integrating the wisdom of psychological care with the spiritual and pastoral traditions of the church.
A graduate of the Guild for Spiritual Guidance—founded by Henri Nouwen and Madeleine L’Engle—Br. Mark now serves as Dean of the Franciscan Circle’s Spiritual Direction and Community-Based Chaplaincy Training Program, sponsored by the Circle’s Institute for Interfaith Understanding and Practice. In this role, he oversees formation programs rooted in contemplative practice, ethical spiritual care, interfaith understanding, and Franciscan values. He is also a faculty member and community leader within the Guild and serves on the faculty of All Faiths Seminary International, training interfaith ministers and spiritual caregivers.
A long-time seeker and practitioner of spiritual wisdom, Br. Mark is ordained within multiple spiritual lineages, both East (Zen Buddhist) and West (Franciscan Christian). He seeks to affirm the Christian Wisdom tradition within a wider interspiritual framework and looks to both science and spirituality—as well as teachers such as Thích Nhat Hanh and St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi—as sources of inspiration, healing, and hope.
Currently residing on Long Island, Bishop Br. Mark recently retired from his work as a crisis counselor and program coordinator at a shelter for men and women experiencing homelessness, as well as from his role as a chaplain at a residential treatment center and school for children with learning and emotional disabilities. After moving to Long Island, he founded the Franciscan Circle, a progressive, interfaith gathering of clergy and lay people committed to journeying in mind and heart with the witness and wisdom of Francis and Clare of Assisi. The Circle is dedicated to developing leaders for thoughtful social action, contemplative practice, and compassionate spiritual care.
As a Franciscan, Br. Mark is committed to serving those who are sidelined, marginalized, and at risk. As a Buddhist, he is mindful that the transformation of the world begins with the transformation of one’s own heart. Embodying both traditions, he seeks to participate in the healing of both self and society through compassion, justice, and understanding. In recognition of his community ministry, the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless honored Br. Mark with its “Unsung Hero” Award.
Br. Mark D’Alessio can be reached at franciscancircle@gmail.com
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From Stardust to Us explores spirituality, consciousness, and culture in an evolving universe through conversations at the intersection of science, soul, and lived experience.
