At a recent training workshop, religious from three continents were urged to collaborate in trafficking prevention, rescue, protection and prosecutions in partnership with the government, NGOs and the church.

In Kenya, society frowns upon early pregnancy, viewing it as a result of poor upbringing by parents or of teenage promiscuity. But in this country of nearly 50 million people, almost one in five girls aged 15-19 has already had a baby or is pregnant. The Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd welcome young women at their Annunciation Home Crisis Pregnancy Center, providing shelter, food, access to education and child care, and reconciliation with their families when possible.

For what could be the first time in the 176-year history of the Diocese of Little Rock, a diocesan tribunal submitted formal documentation to the Vatican on an alleged healing miracle of a former Arkansas college student.

"Our community strives every day to live more sustainably. We want to make choices that will use our earth's resources wisely and care for the earth."

Catholic sisters were among the over 400 participants — including priests, activists and laypeople — who protested the "inhumane treatment" and detention of children and families at U.S. immigration centers, during a demonstration Wednesday in Newark, New Jersey.

Helmlinger, a Sister of St. Joseph of Orange, California, "sees the collaborative nature and the role of the laity," says Dominican Sisters of Peace associate Conni Dubick, who extended the invitation for the Ohio Pennsylvania Associate Leadership group, or OPAL.

Horizons: A little over a week from now, I will make my final vows as a Sister of Saint Joseph. This past year has been one of intensive discernment of what it means to say yes to forever.

From A Nun's Life podcasts - In this Random Nun Clip, Franciscan Sr. Eileen Ripsin discusses being in contemplation all day — including when she's running, out in the wonder of creation.