For half a century, thousands of missionaries, sisters, brothers, priests, educators and lay church members have sought education and renewal through annual programs at the Maryknoll Mission Institute.

Despair only lets the darkness win. God, the Light, is ever present in our world. If we really look, we will find that Light, the rainbow of events that reflect God's goodness.

For over 16 years I have worked on a campaign for shelter rights for the urban poor of Patna. After we had worked so long to get the administration and government of India to listen to the pleas of people on the periphery, an opportune time finally arrived. 

Sr. Redemptor Ikonga a plants an average of 10 trees every day. She and the sisters of her congregation began to work toward the need for environmental sustainability because they believe care of the environment is inherently connected to the care of the poor.

Missionaries of Charity nuns in India celebrated the birthday of their order's founder, St. Teresa of Kolkata, three years after her canonization, breaking a Catholic convention in which only a saint's feast day – normally the anniversary of death – is celebrated. But Mother Teresa's birthday was a major celebration in the house when she was alive, and the nuns continue that today.

Several women's religious orders, individual women religious and Catholic organizations such as Pax Christi and Jesuit Refugee Service were among more than 500 religious leaders and groups who signed an Aug. 23 letter to President Donald Trump urging his administration not to go through with plans to possibly end the country's refugee resettlement program.

Contemplate This - He was not what I expected from an Uber driver. It was a contemplative sitting as I opened myself to listen to this young man, to hear the voice and experience of the future.

The Life - This month, the panelists reflect on how laypeople are true partners in their ministry, advancing the mission of their congregations and teaching them useful lessons in life. For example: "Response to the needs of the times, calls of the church and our own charism has led us into different forms of association with laypeople."

Police in India's Kerala state are investigating the actions of a Catholic priest and five women religious after a complaint by a nun who was dismissed from her congregation Aug. 5 accused the six of defaming and harassing her through social media.