A Global Sisters Report and Catholic News Service contributor in Caracas, Venezuela, was taken by military counterintelligence officials after his home was raided early March 6.

Notes from the Field - My housemate Lindsey and I set out to pursue the promise of a free buffet dinner at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. On account of a modest stipend, we often go out of our way for free food, but what I found there became much more than that.

Human trafficking has been worsened by Zimbabwe's dire economic situation. Longtime Zimbabwe resident Sr. Janice McLaughlin works with fellow Maryknollers on the issue, through awareness and education, research and advocacy, and trauma counseling.

Contemplate This - We compare and contrast; we see things as either/or; we operate out of a sense of scarcity rather than abundance. This consciousness will not bring us into a new future.

GSR Today - There is reason aplenty to be pessimistic about the situation in war-torn South Sudan. But is there any reason to be hopeful?

The Purgatorio is a lens to explore leadership in a time of chaos, as Dante the pilgrim observed how others remained faithful even as they struggled to climb one more circle of self-knowledge, hoping to grow in compassion.

When it comes out that vowed religious have committed a crime and brought scandal to themselves, their order and the Catholic Church, not only do community members at issue need healing, but the relationships within the community do, as well. Issues can even become a call for renewal and commitment to the value of religious life for the whole community.

The Lenten season is as much about repentance as it is about renewal. It is more about light than darkness, about lightening our load and reprioritizing our lives. Lent is about being real. And perhaps, that is exactly where we need to be.

From A Nun's Life podcasts - In this Random Nun Clip, the sisters talk about the Felicians' new ministry in Detroit. They are starting with listening to what people's needs are — and starting with hospitality and food.