"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.

Global Sisters Report is a project of National Catholic Reporter Publishing Company, which is following the pope's environment encyclical very closely. GSR will have a number of exclusive columns and commentary from sisters about the letter, and you can follow NCR's unfolding coverage here.

"I once heard something beautiful: The Earth is not an inheritance that we receive from our parents, but a loan that our children give to us, in order that we safeguard it and make it flourish and return it to them. The Earth is generous and holds back nothing from those who safeguard it."

From A Nun's Life podcasts - In addition to the sisters, who are other members of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth family?