by Donna Marie Gould

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St. Katharine Drexel forged a connection between Xavier University of Louisiana and the Pueblos of New Mexico. As a Sister of the Blessed Sacrament, I have often said that my soul has taken root with the people and the land of New Mexico; however, my heart is at home at Xavier where I have worked for 30 years

by Joachim Pham

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In Vietnam, people living with physical disabilities are dependent on their families, who are often unable to do things like afford $400 wheelchairs. For the past two years, the Daughters of Mary Immaculate sisters in Hue city have focused on getting mobility equipment donated from abroad so that people who otherwise could not leave their houses to interact with neighbors, visit family and, importantly, do things like sell lottery tickets to support themselves, can have a fuller life.

Mary Deborah Giles is a Sister of Notre Dame of the Toledo Province, who taught at both the elementary and secondary levels. Her graduate work included a degree in Christian spirituality with certification in retreat and spiritual direction, and a master's degree in Community Counseling. A mental health and addictions therapist licensed in the state of Ohio, she currently ministers at Desert House of Prayer in Tucson, Arizona as a spiritual director. 

Benedictine sisters, discerning about their future, chose to build a monastery on the outskirts of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Today, the Sisters of Benet Hill Monastery combine monastic community with an active role in civic life. They advocate against human trafficking and promote education, planting Benedictine values in Colorado's second largest city.

For the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, the canonization of their foundress, also known as Mother Mary Catherine Kasper, is a confirmation of what they knew and believed. Their gratitude stemmed from the universal church recognizing God's goodness as manifested in her and sharing Kasper with the world.

This story appears in the Notes from the Field feature series. View the full series.

Notes from the Field - For as long as I can remember, I have always enjoyed volunteering. When I went to college at Tulane University, I did not waste any time and promptly became the service chair for my freshman residence hall. It was not until my sophomore year, however, that it dawned upon me to consider international service work.

Donna Gould is a Sister of the Blessed Sacrament from Los Angeles, California. She spent many years ministering in the Southwest among the Pueblo and Navajo peoples. Her doctoral studies are in American literature, folklore and cultural studies, and she is currently an associate professor of English at the Xavier University of Louisiana.

Sheila Carney is a member of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. With degrees in English and ministry, she served in education at the elementary, secondary, baccalaureate and seminary levels, and in elementary administration. Community service positions have included regional presidency, initial formation, retreat direction and membership on the Institute Leadership Team.