Under the Same Moon

In Under the Same Moon, Sister Mary Joy Langdon, an Infant Jesus Sister, shares a deeply personal journey of faith and reflection through poetry.
From the quiet desert moments of Lent to the fullness of Easter joy, her words invite readers to slow down, to listen, and to find God in the rhythms of everyday life.
These poems are not confined by season — they speak to every soul seeking peace, gratitude, and communion with creation.

“Under the Same Moon” will be on sale 26th February 2026 in book shops, Amazon and directly from the author. The Book Launch will be held on Saturday 28th February in East Acton. Email mlangdon30@me.com if you would like further details

The Day I Landed on the Moon

Written by the Third Unknown Astronaut

“We come in peace for all of mankind.”

It was, to be precise, over half a century ago that I personally went to the Moon.

The Moon lies just a quarter of a million miles from our planet Earth — a golden sphere resting in the inner depths of our universe.

From childhood, I carried longings of the Man in the Moon, of tasting the cheese, of watching the waxing and waning light. I always dreamt that one day I would truly go there.

As a child, I learnt of the magnetic bond between Earth and Moon, held in perfect balance like a rope walker crossing Niagara Falls.
I learnt how the gravitational pull between Sister Earth and Sister Moon causes the tides to rise and fall.
I learnt that the Moon always shows us her face, never turning her back, as Earth and Moon dance endlessly together.

Then my day came — to travel to far horizons and lands unknown.

Strapped tightly into my seat, eyes closed, the rocket thrust us upward with immense power.
Death felt very close.
Earth was already far below.

Static filled the air — communications, noise, and data travelling millions of miles through space.

Then came the words:
“Go to descent. Go to descent.” We were travelling at five hundred thousand miles per hour.

At 12:02, fear struck.
The alarm sounded.

Flashing lights and warning tones echoed — heard both on Earth and in the lunar atmosphere.

Overload. Overload.

The abortion of this birth felt terrifyingly near.

Fifteen seconds on the clock.

Then the message from Mission Control:
“Landing continue. Landing continue.”

As Earthling pioneers, we committed to the landing.

At three thousand feet per second, we descended toward the Moon’s surface.

Danger. Danger.
Rocks and boulders lay ahead.

The Eagle would be destroyed if we continued on course.

Then a strong arm took control — leaving Mission Control powerless.

The Eagle was guided down, weaving through craters and rock fields with only seconds of fuel remaining.

We touched down safely in the Sea of Tranquility.

I breathed an enormous sigh of relief.

Back on Earth, humanity watched with fear, hope, and anticipation.
Inside the Eagle, we had landed — and we heard the echo of mankind rejoicing.

Our message was sent home:

“We come in peace for all of mankind.”

In a world torn by war, peace was our gift from the Moon to Earth.

Then something spiritually profound occurred.

From the Moon, I truly discovered Earth.

She appeared as a radiant jewel — shining, iridescent — resting on the deepest black velvet of space.
No borders were visible. No continents.
Only one precious, fragile home.

I took one small step onto the lunar surface.

All of Earth was watching.

That step became something far greater — a giant step for all of mankind.

We gathered rocks and Moon dust. Photographs were taken, as if on a strange and sacred adventure.

In private, we shared the symbols of the Eucharist — not only for the three of us on the Moon, but for our greater human family on Earth.

Then came the moment to leave.

The Eagle rose to meet Apollo. There was only one runway.
Only one chance.
Apollo waited — like a mother welcoming her child home.

All this happened many years ago.

And still I ask myself — why did I do it?

I did it because I am an Earthling.
Full of dreams.
Full of wonder.
Driven by discovery.
Drawn toward creation in all its forms.

Creation is a gift — to be discovered, cherished, and protected.

And the Moon is part of that creation.