Roman Catholic sisters in the Democratic Republic of Congo are coming under increased attacks as vandals destroy churches and convents in an attempt to frustrate the church's efforts to act as mediator in an election dispute.

"As a cosmic sentry, when you become a lightning rod for divine compassion you draw down the energy and send it around the planet."

GSR Today - Sisters and co-members of Loretto issued a statement on welcoming the stranger, urging officials to "reject immigration laws and policies at odds with the Gospel value of welcoming the stranger into the United States of America. Meanwhile, U.S. immigration policy is affecting aid workers negatively.

In the midst of human suffering, spirituality seems to be the best means to cope with trauma and difficult situations. It is a dynamic and fundamental way for us to connect with something bigger than ourselves, helping us to have meaning and purpose in life, as well as hope for a tomorrow.

For sisters and organizations helping resettle Syrian refugees in Ontario, reaching out to help the families means relying on others in the community and forging new paths toward interfaith cooperation. 

"You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."

Faith in Public Life hosted a recent telephone town hall with Jesuit Fr. James Martin, Missionaries of Jesus Sr. Norma Pimentel, and Julieta Garibay offering calls to action about immigration.

See for Yourself - "For vacation time in the summer I'm going to have some body sculpting done," a confident dining companion tells me over lunch.

Lent is about to start, and I'm thinking about what I'll be getting this year. Yes, I know I sound more like a child on Christmas Eve than an adult preparing for a season of repentance and conversion. And while conventional wisdom tells me I should be choosing what I'll give up, I'm not. This Lent, here is what I'm getting and how I hope it'll help me encounter God.