Inside a Benedictine monastery, nuns raise lambs whose wool is for the pope

The new Italian documentary film "Agnus Dei" follows the Benedictine sisters in Rome who care for two lambs whose wool becomes part of a papal vestment — a centuries-old tradition. The lambs' principal caretaker is Sr. Vincenza Portaluri, shown here with the animals. (Riccardo Ghilardi)

A new Italian documentary, "Agnus Dei," follows the Benedictine sisters who care for two lambs whose wool becomes part of a vestment for the pope and archbishops — a centuries-old tradition.

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The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sisters' convent shares food and resources for poor and marginalized families in Dedza, Malawi. (Courtesy of Jacinta Chiwayu)

From village to village, we share food and pray with suffering Malawians

In Malawi, families have been left without food after recent years of drought and cyclones. Responding with a traveling feeding program, Presentation Sisters have become more deeply aware of communities' struggles.

Sr. Susan Rose Francois of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace poses next to the sign outside the family and detainee support tent in front of Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey. (Courtesy of Eyes on ICE NJ/Joseph O'Leary)

Magnificent humanity and shared responsibility at Delaney Hall

Three tree trunks illuminated by the sun in the woods (Unsplash/Intricate Explorer)

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity: God is relationship

Editors' Choice

Silhouette of a woman (GSR graphic/Olivia Bardo)

In Focus

Inside South Africa's femicide crisis, nuns step in to protect vulnerable girls

Catholic sisters in South Africa are protecting girls, accompanying survivors and challenging the culture of violence that turns homes into danger zones.

News

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Catholic sisters push Palantir on human rights as faith leaders rally in New York

The proposal came as immigrant community members and faith leaders rallied outside the company's New York office.

A nun distributes Communion during Mass outside the Cathedral of Our Lady of Graces in Ituri, Congo, May 24, 2026, amid a resurgence of Ebola involving the Bundibugyo strain, a rarer variant of the virus with no approved vaccine currently available. (OSV News/Reuters)

Faith under siege: Religious sisters confront Ebola in eastern Congo's war zone

As Ebola spreads through eastern Congo's war-ravaged communities, religious sisters confront fear and deepening suffering while struggling to protect displaced families living in overcrowded churches and camps.

The new Italian documentary film "Agnus Dei" follows the Benedictine sisters in Rome who care for two lambs whose wool becomes part of a papal vestment — a centuries-old tradition. The lambs' principal caretaker is Sr. Vincenza Portaluri, shown here with the animals. (Riccardo Ghilardi)

Inside a Benedictine monastery, nuns raise lambs whose wool is for the pope

A new Italian documentary, "Agnus Dei," follows the Benedictine sisters who care for two lambs whose wool becomes part of a vestment for the pope and archbishops — a centuries-old tradition.

Relics of French nun who experienced visions of Jesus will come to the U.S. in June

The relics of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, the French Visitation sister who experienced visions of Jesus revealing his Sacred Heart, will be present with the U.S. bishops in Orlando, Florida, when they consecrate the United States to Jesus' Sacred Heart June 11.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Relics of French nun who experienced visions of Jesus will come to the U.S. in June

Q&A with Sr. Dr. Uzoma Maria-Joannes, caring for vulnerable pregnant teens in Nigeria

'We are new women': Abuse survivors in Indonesia find hope with Catholic sisters

Feature Series

Theologians' Corner

Welcome to Theologians' Corner, where each week a different woman theologian from around the world offers a fresh reflection on the Sunday readings. Because these reflections come from diverse voices and rich perspectives, they invite readers to see the Gospel in new and deeper ways.
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Sister Advocacy at UN

Global Sisters Report is covering Catholic sisters' advocacy at the United Nations.
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LCWR 2025

The Leadership Conference of Women Religious' annual assembly will take place Aug. 12-15 in Atlanta. 
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Religious Life

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The new Italian documentary film "Agnus Dei" follows the Benedictine sisters in Rome who care for two lambs whose wool becomes part of a papal vestment — a centuries-old tradition. The lambs' principal caretaker is Sr. Vincenza Portaluri, shown here with the animals. (Riccardo Ghilardi)

Inside a Benedictine monastery, nuns raise lambs whose wool is for the pope

A new Italian documentary, "Agnus Dei," follows the Benedictine sisters who care for two lambs whose wool becomes part of a vestment for the pope and archbishops — a centuries-old tradition.

A painting on the ceiling of St. Catherine Church in Spring Lake, New Jersey, depicts the Holy Spirit descending upon the apostles. (CNS/Octavio Duran)
Columns

Monastic life carries the genetic code of Pentecost

Horizons - Monasticism is an attempt to embody in the most radical way the ideal that was manifested in the first Jerusalem community immediately after the descent of the Holy Spirit.

Attendees at the Women's Ordination Conference's 50th anniversary celebration wave multi-colored stoles May 22 in Detroit. (GSR photo/Dan Stockman)

Nuns gather in support of 50th anniversary of Women's Ordination Conference

"We're seeing more religious communities publicly stand true to their values," said executive director Kate McElwee. "We're grateful for those who have been bold and support the conference publicly, and we know many others are praying for us."

Sisters pray in the chapel at the Monastery of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. (Justin Gomes)

Dwindling vocations strain Bangladesh's cloistered convents

Two decades ago, the Monastery of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration in Mymensingh, northern Bangladesh, had about 50 nuns. Today, only 20 remain.

Community News

Ministry

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A nun distributes Communion during Mass outside the Cathedral of Our Lady of Graces in Ituri, Congo, May 24, 2026, amid a resurgence of Ebola involving the Bundibugyo strain, a rarer variant of the virus with no approved vaccine currently available. (OSV News/Reuters)

Faith under siege: Religious sisters confront Ebola in eastern Congo's war zone

As Ebola spreads through eastern Congo's war-ravaged communities, religious sisters confront fear and deepening suffering while struggling to protect displaced families living in overcrowded churches and camps.

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sisters' convent shares food and resources for poor and marginalized families in Dedza, Malawi. (Courtesy of Jacinta Chiwayu)
Columns

From village to village, we share food and pray with suffering Malawians

In Malawi, families have been left without food after recent years of drought and cyclones. Responding with a traveling feeding program, Presentation Sisters have become more deeply aware of communities' struggles.

Sr. Mary Monica Amollo Owuor provides therapy support to a child at Sigomere Small Home in Siaya County, western Kenya. Many residents have living parents, but were abandoned due to poverty and stigma. (GSR photo/Doreen Ajiambo)

Kenyan sisters care for disabled children abandoned due to poverty and stigma

At a Catholic-run home in western Kenya, sisters take in children with severe disabilities who have living parents, meeting needs that persist even as Kenyan care reforms aim to prioritize family-based support.

Daughter of the Eucharistic Covenant Sister Agnes (right) handles paperwork, hospital visits and conversations with local officials for Paramprasad Ashram, a shelter home for abandoned women in Akhnoor, India. (Umar Manzoor Shah)

Indian nuns shelter abandoned women in India's northern region

At Paramprasad Ashram, most of the women are elderly. Some were abandoned at hospitals, and some were rescued from abusers and traffickers. "We are here to give them dignity," says Sister Jonamma, who serves at the home.

GSR in the Classroom

Youth in a classroom raising their hands to answer questions

The project shines light on the mission and ministry of Catholic women religious around the world.

Each lesson connects articles about sisters or columns written by sisters to the good news found in scripture and church teaching. Action ideas and compelling prayer bring new learning alive. Teacher guides provide vital context and engaging activities to launch group discussions.