When our group of 12 teachers and pastoral workers from the Cincinnati Archdiocese traveled to a parish in Huispache, Guatemala, we became a bridge between loved ones who had not seen one another in too many years. With each encounter, the globe seemed to shrink un poquito.

See for Yourself - The larger cities in China have many things in common, especially traffic congestion and vehicles everywhere. This causes a lot of pollution.

"God dares us to believe that the raw ingredients of our lives contain the seeds of the kingdom of God."

Rome - Two Syrian families have been easing their way into life in Italy at Casa della Speranza on quiet, shaded grounds owned by the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit. Now in their second year at the house, the Syrians' time with the sisters has "been beautiful — like one family." But ahead is the next challenging step in resettlement: finding permanent housing and work.

• Also in this series: Controversy over migration continues to upend European politics

Seeking Refuge - A new EU agreement calls for greater shared responsibility for rescuing migrants on the sea, but critics say it falls short on devising a common European policy. Meanwhile, Germany's Merkel tightens restrictions, and an Italian right-wing politician has said next year's European Parliament elections should be a referendum on migration.

"We as a church have to hear where the reality is, we have to be the ones to say, 'There's a human face and that human face always points us to Christ.' If we don't say it, who will?"

When I received my mission assignment letter for Outer Mongolia in 1998, I felt darkness had covered me. I was full of grief and anger, and I wondered, "Why Mongolia?" which was my second choice, and not Guatemala, my first choice. I had even started taking Spanish lessons in Cameroon!

In April 1968, dozens of black priests met in Detroit in April in the first meeting of the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus. Mercy Sister Martin de Porres Grey, the only woman to attend, orgaized a similar meeting of black sisters in August later that year in Pittsburgh, marking the founding of the National Black Sisters' Conference. 

"While getting sick was not our fault, getting well and healing together is our responsibility."

The Adorers of the Blood of Christ held a prayer service and reflection July 8 to mark the first anniversary of the opening of a chapel in a cornfield that symbolizes their opposition to the building of a natural gas pipeline on their property in Lancaster County.