Sisters reflect on how their Lenten practices have changed over time

A slice of bread and glass of water are pictured in an illustration. "When I was in formation, I was taught to fast, especially from the things I love most at both the personal and community levels," writes Sr. Alice Nyazungu. (OSV News/Bob Roller)

The Life - GSR's panelists reflect on this question: "How have your Lent practices changed since you were younger or in formation? Are there new traditions, surprises or creative ways you've observed Lent over the years?"

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Illustrative photo collage shows a hand reaching down to help another hand, and thin branches against a cracked wall. (GSR graphic/Olivia Bardo)

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When leaving a religious community isn't a choice, ex-nun's organization seeks to help

After 20 years as a Discalced Carmelite in Spain, Hortensia López Almán felt abandoned after she was forced to leave. She went on to start Asociación Extramuros to accompany women and men in similar circumstances.

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Basilian Sr. Anna Andrusiv, right, who arrived in Jenkintown in September after taking final vows in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in August, speaks to Ihor Kozak, 40, a Ukrainian soldier undergoing medical treatment at the University of Pennsylvania hospitals. (GSR photo/Chris Herlinger)

'It is my duty': Amputee Ukrainian soldiers find support in US Basilian sisters

In a Philadelphia suburb, Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great walk beside wounded veterans of Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, offering food, prayer and solidarity as the war enters its fifth year.

A burned bus is seen Feb. 22, 2026, at the site of a highway in Santa Rita Tlahuapan, Mexico, that connects Mexico City with the state of Puebla. Members of organized crime in several states put up roadblocks and carried out arson attacks after a military operation in which Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," was killed in Tapalpa in Mexico's Jalisco state. (OSV News/Reuters/Paola Garcia)

Anxiety among some religious in Mexico after violence erupts following drug lord killing

Sisters in Mexico say they are praying for peace in their country after more than 60 people died during and after the Feb. 22 capture of a drug lord whose death sparked violence.

A slice of bread and glass of water are pictured in an illustration. "When I was in formation, I was taught to fast, especially from the things I love most at both the personal and community levels," writes Sr. Alice Nyazungu. (OSV News/Bob Roller)

Sisters reflect on how their Lenten practices have changed over time

The Life - GSR's panelists reflect on this question: "How have your Lent practices changed since you were younger or in formation? Are there new traditions, surprises or creative ways you've observed Lent over the years?"

A beautician trainee works at New Life Ministry, a small vocational training center Sr. Rita Samson, a "secular nun," founded in 2005 in Youhanabad, a low-income Christian neighborhood on the outskirts of Lahore, Pakistan. (Kamran Chaudhry)

'Secular nun' in Pakistan offers skills training to women in need

Sr. Rita Samson lives alone and runs New Life Ministry, a small vocational training center she founded in 2005 from her home in the outskirts of Lahore.

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A burned bus is seen Feb. 22, 2026, at the site of a highway in Santa Rita Tlahuapan, Mexico, that connects Mexico City with the state of Puebla. Members of organized crime in several states put up roadblocks and carried out arson attacks after a military operation in which Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," was killed in Tapalpa in Mexico's Jalisco state. (OSV News/Reuters/Paola Garcia)

Anxiety among some religious in Mexico after violence erupts following drug lord killing

Sisters in Mexico say they are praying for peace in their country after more than 60 people died during and after the Feb. 22 capture of a drug lord whose death sparked violence.

A slice of bread and glass of water are pictured in an illustration. "When I was in formation, I was taught to fast, especially from the things I love most at both the personal and community levels," writes Sr. Alice Nyazungu. (OSV News/Bob Roller)

Sisters reflect on how their Lenten practices have changed over time

The Life - GSR's panelists reflect on this question: "How have your Lent practices changed since you were younger or in formation? Are there new traditions, surprises or creative ways you've observed Lent over the years?"

A cross, a clay jug and a candle sit beside a note in Spanish reading, "A call…how shall I respond?" (Flight in V)
Columns

The call that remains: Vocation, encounter and journey in consecrated life

"I do not understand the call as a decision made once and for all, but as a relationship to be cultivated and renewed — a relationship that continues to unfold and transform me."

Nun says Passionist vocation a 'symphony' of many instruments creating 'one beautiful melody'

From her role as mother superior of St. Joseph Monastery in Whitesville; to being summoned to serve as a temporary superior for the Passionist community in Lucca, Italy; to being elected the very first mother president of the newly erected Congregation of the Nuns of the Passion of Jesus Christ, Sr. Catherine Marie has witnessed this contemplative vocation "lived in a beautiful multiplicity of ways."

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Basilian Sr. Anna Andrusiv, right, who arrived in Jenkintown in September after taking final vows in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in August, speaks to Ihor Kozak, 40, a Ukrainian soldier undergoing medical treatment at the University of Pennsylvania hospitals. (GSR photo/Chris Herlinger)

'It is my duty': Amputee Ukrainian soldiers find support in US Basilian sisters

In a Philadelphia suburb, Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great walk beside wounded veterans of Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, offering food, prayer and solidarity as the war enters its fifth year.

Sr. Marie Magdalene Duong Thi Nguyet of the Daughters of Mary of the Immaculate Conception listens to high-risk individuals share their struggles at Kim Long Charity Clinic in Hue, Vietnam, on Oct. 11, 2025. (GSR photo)

Sisters serve on the front lines of Vietnam's shifting HIV crisis

Catholic sisters in Vietnam volunteer as nurses, counselors and emotional anchors for HIV/AIDS patients — many of whom arrive frightened, ashamed and utterly alone.

Sr. Anthonia Ibeh, a member of the Medical Missionaries of Mary Ibeh who leads the catechism class every Wednesday for two hours to inmates, poses in front of the sisters' convent in Benin City, Nigeria. (Valentine Benjamin)

Catholic sister leads effort to deliver support and hope to inmates in Nigeria

Sr. Anthonia Ibeh of the Medical Missionaries of Mary leads the work to offer free legal aid, social support, rehabilitation and spiritual care to inmates, many of whom are legally innocent and still awaiting trial.

Apostolic Carmel Sr. Maria Nirmalini of India, the congregation's superior general, visits a person affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka. (Courtesy of Maria Ajantha)

Q&A with Sr. Maria Ajantha on the Sri Lanka cyclone

"Maybe God spared us [so that we could] reach out to the needy immediately after the disaster," Sr. Maria Ajantha said.

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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.