Kenyan nuns fill the maternal health gap in climate-stressed regions

Maternal health (GSR graphic/Olivia Bardo)

Across northern and eastern Kenya, prolonged droughts have stretched for years, and communities are forced to move constantly in search of water and pasture. For pregnant women, the consequences are severe.

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A woman looks out over a body of water. (Unsplash/Prashant)

The unwanted half: Understanding India's bias against girls

My deepest desire for every girl born in India today is simple: that they know they are wanted. Wanted, not only at birth, but also in classrooms, public spaces, leadership, and in the future of this nation.

Painted stones with colorful fish and the messages "Make the world a better place" and "Follow your heart" (Unsplash/Simon Ray)
Horizons

Through our everyday lives, we can be love and hope in a world in need

Community members in Malawi listen to a Watts of Love financial literacy training before receiving solar lights during a four-day session at Mponela Lodge in October 2025. The training focuses on saving money formerly spent on kerosene or batteries, investing in livestock and using extended hours of light to generate additional income. (Courtesy of Watts of Love)

Watts of Love brings solar lights to hundreds of households in Malawi

Editors' Choice

Sr. Jomol Kreupasanam, a member of the Order of Sacred Virgins, poses for a photo with Bishop James Raphael Anaparambil (center) and Fr. Joseph Valiyaveettil (center right), founder of the Kreupasanam center in the Alleppey Diocese in the southwestern Indian state of Kerala. Also seen is formator Canossian Sr. Margaret Peter, during Sister Jomol's consecration to perpetual virginity on Nov. 21, 2025. (Kreupasanam Media Vision)

In Focus

Late vocations bring new hope to women's congregations in India

Late vocations are especially drawn to newer congregations, many founded through charismatic renewal movements and evangelization ministries.

News

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Maternal health (GSR graphic/Olivia Bardo)

Kenyan nuns fill the maternal health gap in climate-stressed regions

Across northern and eastern Kenya, prolonged droughts have stretched for years, and communities are forced to move constantly in search of water and pasture. For pregnant women, the consequences are severe.

The Kerala Government Secretariat in the Indian state's capital city, Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala government has decided to allow pensions for unmarried women above the age of 50, including those living in religious institutions. (Wikimedia Commons/Syed Shiyaz Mirza)

Catholic Church debates nuns' new access to Indian state's social security

The Kerala government has decided to allow pensions for unmarried women over 50, including those in religious institutions. Some say the move sets an important precedent in India. Others dismiss it as a political stunt.

Sr. Ranit Pallassery, a member of the Missionaries of Jesus in the Diocese of Jalandhar, India, accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal of Jalandhar of repeated rape. He was acquitted of the charges. Ranit recently spoke about her experiences to Asianet, a Malayalam language TV channel in Kerala, southwestern India. (Courtesy of Ranit Pallassery)

Q&A with Sr. Ranit Pallassery, who is appealing a verdict acquitting a bishop of raping her

The Indian nun said she went public because of the court decision and a lack of support from the church. 

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.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

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

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

Sainthood effort begins for Mother Antonia, the nun who chose to bring Gospel behind bars

Feature Series

Sister Advocacy at UN

Global Sisters Report is covering Catholic sisters' advocacy at the United Nations.
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LCWR 2025

The Leadership Conference of Women Religious' annual assembly will take place Aug. 12-15 in Atlanta. 
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Out of the Shadows: Confronting Violence Against Women

"Out of the Shadows: Confronting Violence Against Women" is a yearlong Global Sisters Report series on the ways Catholic sisters are responding to this global phenomenon.
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Religious Life

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This undated photo shows Mercy Sr. Sheila Carney, who was honored Jan. 31 in Washington for her leadership, her formation of future generations, and lifelong commitment to dialogue. The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities honored Carney, who has been a Mercy sister for 58 years. (Courtesy of Carlow University)

Monday Starter: Mercy sister receives lifetime achievement award

Plus, women religious organizations pray against ICE; CELAM secretary general thanks consecrated life for their witness; and a fund to help sisters heat monasteries in Spain raises more than 100,000 euros.

Painted stones with colorful fish and the messages "Make the world a better place" and "Follow your heart" (Unsplash/Simon Ray)
Columns

Through our everyday lives, we can be love and hope in a world in need

What we do every day — the small insignificant things that seem like nothing — matters to somebody. We don't need to wait until our funeral to realize the impact our presence has on those around us.

The presentation of Jesus in the Temple 40 days after his birth is depicted in stained-glass windows at Our Holy Redeemer Church in Freeport, N.Y. The feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas, is celebrated Feb. 2. (OSV News/Gregory A. Shemitz)

Find joy in being called to daily witness to God's presence

On the World Day for Consecrated Life and the feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, we celebrate the men and women who are called to be of service in walking with others on this journey of transformation.

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

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.

Community News

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Ongoing Formation Circles for Women and Men Religious

March 11, April 8, May 13 6 to 7:30 pm Central
The Religious Formation Conference (RFC) announces the Spring 2026 series of

GUATEMALA: Young women from Talita Kumi centers receive healthy nutrition through Rise Against Hunger’s partnership with Salesian Missions

Feb. 9, 2026
Salesian sisters include educational content related to nutrition

SOUTH SUDAN: More than 5,000 internally displaced people receive better nutrition through partnership between Rise Against Hunger and Salesian Missions

Feb. 5, 2026
Meals distributed at various locations, including schools.
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Ministry

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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.

(Unsplash/Andrew Itaga)
Columns

'Una Caro': Why is the Vatican still getting Africa wrong on marriage?

A recent Vatican document on marriage revives troubling assumptions about Africa and polygamy. Sr. Leonida Katunge asks: Why is Africa once again being defined without Africa at the table?

Sr. Clarita Dolencio, 91, cares for guests in a shelter she fondly calls "the train" — a place within her convent in Quezon City that accommodates patients and their companions from distant provinces. (Oliver Samson)

Sisters in Philippines offer space and healing to sick patients far from home

"It was born out of necessity," Sr. Clarita Dolencio said. "People needed a place. So we opened the door."

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.