Orders of women and men religious received, collectively, $28 million in financial help from the National Religious Retirement Office, the umbrella group that coordinates the annual Retirement Fund for Religious campaign in parishes and dioceses nationwide.

The $28 million distribution, announced July 8, took place in June. It totals more than the amount raised in last year's collection, which was $27.7 million. The distribution also is $3 million more than last year's disbursement of $25 million.

I cherish the gift religious life has been to me and so many others, a gift kept alive in this sometimes crazy and broken institution we call "church." But as I reflect on identifying myself as Catholic, the words often catch in my throat.

Being assigned to a hill tribe in Mae Jam, Chiang Mai, a northern area of Thailand, changed the life of Sr. Marie Agnes Buasap, a Sister of St. Paul de Chartres. Her congregation has been in Thailand for 120 years and has 22 schools for students from kindergarten to high school. 

Sr. Teena Menomparampil has rescued hundreds of young village girls from the cultural realities of early marriage, female genital mutilation, child trafficking and child labor that plague so many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. After offering them care and education, she finds many of the girls gravitate toward sisterhood. 

In his "Salute to America" speech July 4 at the Lincoln Memorial, President Donald Trump praised the work and dedication of a woman religious and the Catholic man who was the flight director of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing.

Trump highlighted significant events in American history, starting with the heroes of the American Revolution, and said the same American spirit "that emboldened our founders has kept us strong throughout our history."

Pope Francis named six superiors of women's religious orders and a consecrated laywoman to be full members of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. Previously, the members had all been men.

GSR Today - Amid a stalemate in the civil war, many South Sudanese "want to be hopeful, but underlying issues are not being addressed," says Sr. Joan Mumaw. "They are afraid to put too much stock on current leaders."

Stop and think about what makes a person "authentic." Now, do the same with "spiritual." Finally, think of what characterizes a good "leader." Are there any traits in common? Keep them in mind as we explore scriptural passages about Mary.

Horizons - It's only natural for us to rejoice together, too. It's an element of our vocation. Francis tells us, "Wherever consecrated people are, there is always joy!" After the Giving Voice gathering ended and I reflected on the joy I experienced with other sisters, I was reminded of a game of catch.