Alice McDermott's latest novel describes the life of Annie, an Irish-Catholic widow, and her daughter, Sally, who are taken in by an order of religious sisters in early 20th-century Brooklyn, New York.

Hanoi - In a communist country that does not recognize religion or church rights, a group of St. Paul de Chartres sisters protested construction of a house on their former land May 8. As a result, workers on the site verbally and physically attacked the nuns, injuring several and leaving one unconscious, according to the sisters' provincial superior.

"Conversations about social, political, economic and racial issues need to be had in communities. So often, we are unaware of just how different our own community members are from us. Don't shy away from these conversations."

See for Yourself - It was an eye-opening lunch conversation. The manager of environmental services at a manufacturing plant was looking somewhat frazzled. "Sister Nancy, this ain't no picnic job. It's hard! I'm looking around for something else. I can't do this no more."

I believe kindness can learn something from me and my fumbling ways — how to be bolder, more daring and more spontaneous. Kindness need not be relegated to soft smiles and warm sentiments; kindness can be fierce.

"I am aware that we are fighting against a machine that is investing resources in a rhetoric to create fear, to create more uncertainty. ... But again, I do believe that collective voices are speaking on a more positive outcome, elevating the contributions that TPS holders give to the United States."

Through Operation Restore retreats, Franciscan Sr. Anne Dougherty and her retreat partners provide post-trauma training to firefighters and law enforcement officers. At their Franciscan Center in Tampa, they offer first responders a safe, confidential environment where they can work through critical incidents and process the daily stress of their jobs.

As members of a contemplative community people often ask us, "What is contemplative prayer?" They say things like, "I have tried doing centering prayer, but it's not for me." Perhaps it will be helpful if I tell you about the practice I do.