As Congo conflict reshapes daily life, Catholic nuns remain with the displaced

An internally displaced woman, who said she could not return home because it was destroyed during fighting, gathers volcanic gravel to sell at a camp in the Mugunga district, near Goma, in eastern Congo, March 22, 2025. The camp was emptied after M23 rebels ordered many displaced people to leave it and other camps. (OSV photo/Reuters/Zohra Bensemra)

As fighting and hostilities expand in the country's east, women religious and residents in Bukavu and Goma describe a life shaped by fear, faith and the struggle to remain present among their people.

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When improving access to water, local leadership is essential. Communities in Walungu Territory in South Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of Congo, form water committees to manage and maintain sources. Women play central roles — because they understand water needs best. (Courtesy of Namulisa Balaluka Rose)

When water is far away, hope must walk with it

The day we inaugurated a protected water source in a village in Congo, women sang. Children danced. One elder said, "Today, our daughters get their future back." Moments like this remind me why this work is sacred.

Paperwhite, or Narcissus papyraceus, flowers (Unsplash/Aravind Reddy Tarugu)

Finding signs of resurrection all around us, Easter or not

Jesus is rendered in a stained-glass window that shines bright in a dark room. (Unsplash/Paul Zoetemeijer)

Easter Sunday: Resurrection begins in darkness

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(GSR graphic/Olivia Bardo)

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Kenyan sisters safeguard children of the incarcerated

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An internally displaced woman, who said she could not return home because it was destroyed during fighting, gathers volcanic gravel to sell at a camp in the Mugunga district, near Goma, in eastern Congo, March 22, 2025. The camp was emptied after M23 rebels ordered many displaced people to leave it and other camps. (OSV photo/Reuters/Zohra Bensemra)

As Congo conflict reshapes daily life, Catholic nuns remain with the displaced

As fighting and hostilities expand in the country's east, women religious and residents in Bukavu and Goma describe a life shaped by fear, faith and the struggle to remain present among their people.

Srs. Betty Leon and Monica Stuhlreyer view artwork on display at the Prison Creative Arts Project's exhibition at the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary's Motherhouse Gallery. (Courtesy of Kameryn Gannon/IHM Sisters)

Work by incarcerated artists showcased in recent exhibit at IHM Sisters' gallery

A recent exhibit curated by the University of Michigan's Prison Creative Arts Project at the sisters' gallery spotlighted the artwork of people who are incarcerated.

Chinese priests, nuns study Xi Jinping's vision for religion

In 2021, Xi stressed developing religion in Chinese context without foreign influence.

Sr. Evangelina Canag teaches Bible lessons to children living inside a public cemetery in Manila in 2008. (Courtesy of Daughters of St. Paul)

Q&A with Sr. Evangelina Canag, accompanying children living in a Philippine cemetery

Since 2008, she has accompanied families living inside a public cemetery, teaching Bible lessons at tombs, and finding sponsors for children's school allowances and food.

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Members of the Confederation of Latin American and Caribbean Religious hold flags from various Latin American countries as they sing in a chapel during a board meeting March 21, 2026, in the Dominican Republic. CLAR affirmed its commitment to the process that Pope Francis called "walking together," or synodality. (GSR photo/Rhina Guidos)

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The Confederation of Latin American and Caribbean Religious, which gathered in the Dominican Republic in March, expressed concerns that the implementation of synodality is not moving forward in the church.

LCWR's 2025-2026 presidential team, from left to right: President-elect Sr. Debra Sciano, President Sr. Vicky Larson, and Past-President Sr. Kathy Brazda; the team and executive director Sr. Carol Zinn met with Pope Leo XIV March 26 at the Vatican. (GSR photo/Dan Stockman)

LCWR leaders meet with Pope Leo, discuss 'painful' treatment of people in the US

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"The Annunciation" (1858) by Eduard von Steinle (Artvee)

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Ministry

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Sr. Helen Mary Anthony, of the Sisters of St. Anne Bangalore, will take charge as the director of the Catholic Health Association of India in May. (Courtesy of Helen Mary Anthony)

Nun becomes first woman to lead India's Catholic Health Association

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Parents watch their children with autism play games during a beach trip organized by the Lovers of the Holy Cross sisters in Vietnam on Sept. 13, 2025. (Joachim Pham)

Vietnamese nuns offer lifeline to children with autism amid rising need

Vietnam has an estimated 1 million people with autism, with roughly one in every 100 children affected. Yet awareness and resources remain limited. Catholic sisters work to meet families' needs with care and therapy.

Sr. Flora Nirmala, second from right, the unit leader of Good Shepherd Social Services in Ruteng, Indonesia, poses with other members of her Good Shepherd community. (GSR/Chris Herlinger)

In Indonesia, nuns shelter women facing violence, and work to stop abuse

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Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word Srs. Jean Durel, Josetta Eveler, Michele O'Brien, Margaret Snyder, and Martha Ann Kirk participated in a vigil and procession to South Texas Family Residential Center on Jan. 28, 2026, in Dilley, Texas. (Courtesy of Martha Ann Kirk)
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GSR in the Classroom

Youth in a classroom raising their hands to answer questions

The project shines light on the mission and ministry of Catholic women religious around the world.

Each lesson connects articles about sisters or columns written by sisters to the good news found in scripture and church teaching. Action ideas and compelling prayer bring new learning alive. Teacher guides provide vital context and engaging activities to launch group discussions.