Linda Romey

If women's religious communities consider less familiar but more Gospel-principled alternatives in making choices about managing our physical assets and investments, our stories will continue to be transformative.

A recent gathering marking the 100th anniversary of the Federation of St. Scholastica was about seeing and thinking differently, both past and present, so that the Benedictine charism is carried into the future in a healthy and life-giving way.

Religious life thought it could go on in a system that was sick — patriarchy. But the crisis in religious life has brought home how important it is to work for a healthy church and society.

The online gathering "Being Benedictine in the 21st Century " brought together vowed members, oblates, volunteers, staff and others who see monastic spirituality as a vital source of healing for an unsettled world.

The often unrecorded and seldom recognized history of women religious is a legacy that continues to benefit church and society. We are the fruit of their courageous and unstoppable mission to follow Jesus.

Teaching our hearts to love is an adult task. It means I am responsible for what I pay attention to, what I teach my heart so that my choices are informed and loving. I recently spent a week on the Texas/Mexico border where my heart had a chance to test what it loves.