The pomegranates on our tree cracked open while I was at the World Parliament of Religions in Salt Lake City in mid-October. Green flesh burst forth revealing multitudinous iridescent juicy ruby seeds. When they burst they are not spoiled, but very ready to be eaten and shared. This pomegranate experience for me has become a heralding of this moment beginning with the amazing Parliament of the World’s Religions experience.

GSR Today - Our media-driven world can also overwhelm us to the point of indifference, and reaching people suddenly becomes more difficult than ever.

For more than 30 years Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sr. Cyril Mooney has been extending educational opportunities to girls who do not have the care of their parents, live on the streets or who come from small villages where teachers are poorly trained. The students become part of mainstream society.

"What I want to bring out is how a pebble cast into a pond causes ripples that spread in all directions. Each one of our thoughts, words and deeds is like that."

An Italian nun who shot to global fame by winning "The Voice of Italy" talent show is set to star in a stage production of the musical "Sister Act," which opens here in time for Christmas.

"I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy."

Since launching the Global Sisters Report Africa:Connect discussion group last month on the WhatsApp platform, we've reached almost 40 sisters in six countries. Every week, we discuss an article from Global Sisters Report or a question. Ahead of Pope Francis' first trip to Africa Nov. 25-30, the sisters shared their hopes and dreams for the visit.

GSR Today - Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and the feast of Mary being presented in the Temple is celebrated November 21, within the same week. Of course the feast is special to the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, but it is a feast that has iconic implications for all of us.