by Joachim Pham

Correspondent

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Women religious congregations in Vietnam are giving emergency aid to those affected by deadly hurricanes and floods in the country's northern and central provinces, responding to a call by the nation's bishops. Two tropical storms, along with landslides and floods caused by driving rain, have severely damaged 14 provinces in the region since August, leaving thousands of people homeless and destroying agriculture in the region.

Sr. Kenise Marie Neill of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart has worked in child protection and social welfare in Australia for many years. She has a number of degrees and certificates related to her ministry, which has included a variety of child care programs at both the delivery level — from an orphanage to statuatory child protection — and senior management in policy and program development with Aboriginal Family Support Services. Kenise is currently serving in leadership for her congregation. 

GSR Today - For many at the recent delegates' meeting of International Union of Superiors General, this was a new encounter with the worldwide scope of sisterhood. What was remarkable to me about the gathering was the true sense of shared purpose.

Missionary Sister of the Sacred Heart Catherine Garry is from New York City. With degrees in education and religious education, she has also participated in the Practicum in Spiritual Direction at Loyola House Retreat and Training Center in Guelph, Ontario. She has taught at the elementary and high school levels in New York and New Orleans. Her service in administration includes high school principal in New Orleans, Cabrini Retreat Center in Des Plaines, Illinois, and as Provincial and Provincial Councilor of her congregation.