The leaders at the Spirit of Humanity Forum gathered for many reasons; what was central was that we work in a world in crisis, and know that we must respond in new ways to heal the systems tearing us apart.
Today, new religious acquaintances express amazement and curiosity about my vocation in the Ordo virginum, often requesting more information and exchanging numbers so we could become friends. Is the Spirit inspiring us?
To bring healing to South Sudan, Sacred Heart Sr. Mary Atimango and other sisters have gone out to provide training in nonviolence to different groups of people, including gang members.
This is a world crying out for the wisdom and values that need to be the legacy we women and men religious, as well as aging continuing care residents, leave to that world.
The last time the church said it was going to make changes was in 1965, but all the changes to be seen were basically meaningless ones. This time, though, the faithful themselves are part of the agenda-making process.
Canada's destructive wildfires remind me I must continue to be in a relationship with my neighbors and God's creation. I can continue my accountability to the care of God's creation by taking small steps.
The religious women, men and lay partners of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines are a paragon of service to the rural poor. Hence, the group is closely watched and vilified by the powers that be.
A workshop in Nairobi brought together African women religious who live and work in different parts of the continent, to engage in a down-to-earth discussion on accompanying victims of sexual and spiritual harm.
A Conrad Hilton Sisters Initiative program in Ghana is helping communities recognize the physical, economic, social and emotional harm that early marriage brings to individuals, families and communities.
Nothing new is created without love, creativity and courage. When we refuse by staying in our comfortable space, we lose the opportunity to expand our spirituality and experience newness.
Horizons - What could our society look like if everyone had access to resources to put food on the table, live in decent housing, and have the security to work toward their dreams? There is enough to go around.
As the waves of feminism evolve, let the changes to which we aspire not be equivalent to male dominance; rather let it focus on the innate power and strength of woman herself.
Sometimes, in religious life, we feel discouragement, fear, and insecurity about the future. But Sarah, Elizabeth and the prophetess Anna, old women with barren "wombs," are signs of hope for religious life today, centuries later.
Although unspoken, all of us in religious life live an "extra vow" of care. Look around — there are so many needs, and we've done well meeting them. That led me to this question: How do I take care of myself?
At times, we find these worries intruding on our prayer and community life and we do not give either the time we need. But, in spite of these struggles — in the end — it is our spirituality that gives us courage to keep going and trying new things.
I was totally aware that my yes to religious life would have both beautiful and painful implications beyond my imagining. And as I recited the vows, there was a deep peace and longing in me to live that out. I wanted it all.
Contemplate This - The capacity to see things in new ways and the openness to try to understand those who are different, or the viewpoints that challenge my current beliefs — this doesn't just happen.
This is the spirit of the moment: a strong spirit, a wind, and a force that transforms the cowardly into courageous, the mute into preachers, and the discouraged into faithful followers committed to the cause of Jesus.
Shopping for food in a large market on Saturday requires nerves of steel. I could not walk well due to a foot condition, and I decided to drive a motorized cart. The question was: How do I operate it?