GSR Today - Most people would probably be surprised to learn that there are more than 70 congregations of women and men religious with Non-governmental Organizations at the United Nations.

Sr. Nirmala Joshi, who succeeded Blessed Teresa of Kolkata as superior general of the Missionaries of Charity and led the order for 12 years until retiring in 2009, died early June 23 in Kolkota at age 81. Church and political leaders paid tribute to Joshi for her devotion to serving poor, sick and hungry people.

Released last week, the encyclical "Laudato Si', on Care for our Common Home" by Pope Francis is a forceful and integrated teaching on environmentalism. Global Sisters Report interviewed a number of sisters and academics around the world who have long worked on environmental issues, and overwhelmingly, they talked about feeling excited, optimistic and also grateful. They also were realistic. They know setbacks and frustrations are ahead. But the clear language of the encyclical leaves no room for doubt: The world is in peril, human beings are the cause, and we can also be the solution.

"Carrying a pack -lost hopes and dreams, a labor of love. The woman sets out for new horizons; strength and faith lead the way."

As part of an international congregation at a chapter two summers ago, I wondered about our future and what new, creative vision could connect us in different continents. I was conscious of our sisters in other countries and how seldom we are in conversations with them. What if we created community, not based on geographical location, but crossed boundaries and shared faith regularly with a new community? Technology makes all this possible!

GSR Today - Though many Syrians have found refuge in Iraq, many Iraqis have had to find refuge themselves, thanks to Islamic State militants. Caritas has a collection of photos by Chris de Bode marking the anniversary of the fall of Mosul, all of which are beautiful and some of which are absolutely striking.

Commentary - “On Care for Our Common Home” is the subtitle of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’s new encyclical, and it underscores its central message – we share a small planet in many interconnected and not fully understood ways. Our common home requires our striving for the common good. This care can only become a reality in relationship: in relationship with God, with other people and with all creation.

Notes from the Field - I had hoped that perhaps here the awkward moment in a strained relationship would simply be lost in translation, and I would be free of conflict. And I admit I fell victim to an assumption that nuns always get along with each other. I should have known better though.

"St. Therese of Lisieux invites us to practice the little way of love, not to miss out on a kind word, a smile or any small gesture which sows peace and friendship."

There’s a tightness in my chest that is hard to explain. I can’t remember when it first started or on what occasion it became noticeable. In a way, it feels like it has always been there, loosening and tightening over time. Like a band wrapped tightly around my chest, it binds up my heart – not in a painful way but as a steadfast reminder of a presence deeper than myself. In simplest terms, it’s the feeling I get when I find myself deep in prayer. And for good or for ill, it’s also what I’ve come to associate with call.