Sisters support defense of Apache sacred site, 'religious freedom for Native Americans'

Diné elder and adviser to the delegation, Pat McCabe, center, and Providence Sr. Barbara Battista grab hands in celebration and solidarity at the gathering, held July 18-20, in defense of Oak Flat in southeastern Arizona's Tonto National Forest. (Courtesy of Steve Pavey)

Activists are fighting a copper mine planned for a site sacred to Apache people. "Religious freedom for Christians looks one way right now, and religious freedom for Native Americans another," said a Loretto Community co-member.

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A group of women hold torches as they protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, July 14, 2021. People from all walks of life in Myanmar observed a "silent strike" in defiance of the ruling junta Feb. 1, 2022, the anniversary of the military coup. (CNS photo/Reuters)

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People are pictured who reside at the Kaya Godoma Rescue Centre in Kilifi, a coastal town in Kenya. Some elderly individuals at Kaya Godoma have been accused of witchcraft by members of their community and even their relatives. This has led to them being violently driven from their homes. (GSR photo/Doreen Ajiambo)

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Witchcraft accusations drive elders in Kenya from homes, seeking refuge with sisters

Catholic sisters in Kenya offer support to elder men and women who have been driven from their homes —  if not killed —  following accusations of witchcraft from those eager to take their land.

News

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Human rights lawyer Ruth Eleonora Lopez, handcuffed, holds a bible as police escort her out of her court hearing in San Salvador, El Salvador, June 4, 2025. (AP/Salvador Melendez)

Nicaraguan-style law used to expel religious groups stokes fears in El Salvador

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Diné elder and adviser to the delegation, Pat McCabe, center, and Providence Sr. Barbara Battista grab hands in celebration and solidarity at the gathering, held July 18-20, in defense of Oak Flat in southeastern Arizona's Tonto National Forest. (Courtesy of Steve Pavey)

Sisters support defense of Apache sacred site, 'religious freedom for Native Americans'

Activists are fighting a copper mine planned for a site sacred to Apache people. "Religious freedom for Christians looks one way right now, and religious freedom for Native Americans another," said a Loretto Community co-member.

Fr. Aime Lokana Dhego sprinkles holy water on caskets during a funeral Mass in Komanda, in Congo's province of Ituri, July 28, for victims of a horrific attack on the Catholic church in Komanda. At least 40 faithful were shot or killed with machetes during an overnight vigil in the church July 27. (OSV News/Courtesy of Fr. Justin Zanamuzi)

Catholics plead for aid as Congo violence continues despite peace deals

"We cannot preach peace while people are bleeding and starving," an Oblate sister in Goma told Global Sisters Report. Congolese Catholics pleaded for help amid ongoing violence.

Durg railway station in Chhattisgarh, India

Nuns' arrest in alleged human trafficking case in India spurs national uproar

"We do not do anything wrong," said Sr. Nitya Francis. "We work for the underprivileged or downtrodden, but still get targeted."

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Religious Life

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This illustration, provided by the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, announces an upcoming celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of her canonization. (Courtesy of the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton)

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Plus, advocacy group offers an educational webinar ahead of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, and a California sister wins a medal in a weight lifting competition.

Good Shepherd Sr. Jean Fernandez, left, takes a walk with a friend to enjoy a bit of nature. (Courtesy of Jean Fernandez)

'Sweet friendships refresh the soul': Friends draw sisters closer to God's heart

The Life - Whether through encouragement, laughter or simply walking beside us, some friends sustain our faith and remind us we are never alone. Our sister panelists reflect on encountering the presence of God in friendship.

Nearly 200 sisters under 65 gathered at Fraterna Domus Sacrofano in Rome for Hope 2025, with over 100 more participating virtually despite time zone differences. (Courtesy of the Leadership Collaborative)
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Sisters find healing, connection, celebration, deep communion at Hope 2025

Almost 200 religious sisters attended the in-person convocation of the Leadership Collaborative in Rome, with hearts full of joy, seeking inspiration to connect, celebrate and lead as part of the Jubilee of Hope.

A Latin-English edition of the Catholic Church's Code of Canon Law is pictured on a bookshelf.
Columns

My work as a sister canon lawyer integrates faith and analytical thinking

One cleric insisted that even if someone consulted a woman religious who was a canon lawyer, they would still seek confirmation with a priest because they wouldn't be satisfied with a woman's view.

 

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WORLD DAY AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS: Salesian Missions highlights education and social support for youth at risk

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Ministry

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Pictured are worshippers holding candles in this 2012 photo. Church leaders have a crucial role and duty in rebuilding trust after the sexual abuse scandals involving clerics and other church representatives, writes Sr. Matilda Owolagba. (CNS file/Gregory A. Shemitz)
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After abuse scandals, church leaders must take action to rebuild trust

We can still talk about trust after the abuse scandals — but only if church leadership puts in place measures to ensure that trust is never again betrayed as it was in the past.

Inmates at Nairobi West Prison, listen to a presentation by legal advocates during Legal Awareness Week on Oct. 30, 2024. The annual initiative, organized by the Law Society of Kenya, promotes access to justice, legal education, and seeks to address prison congestion across the country. (Courtesy of Hedwig Muse)
Columns

Legal Awareness Week brings hope, support to people in Nairobi prison

Sr. Hedwig Muse joined fellow legal advocates with the Law Society of Kenya to provide community service at a Nairobi prison. The society's Legal Awareness Week offers legal support to vulnerable people in prisons.

Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Sr. Maria Rosa (far left) is pictured with her Indian colleagues (left to right) Srs. Sagaya Rani, Marneni Jayamma and Sindhuja before serving lunch to the residents of Sumanahalli in Bengaluru, southern India. (Thomas Scaria)

Spanish nun leaves India after training sisters to serve people with leprosy

Sr. Maria Rosa served as a formator and trainer for Franciscan nuns and a missionary among people living with leprosy in India. She returned to Spain two days after the golden jubilee of her congregation's presence in India.

Ethan Clark, a parishioner and volunteer with the Notre Dame Parish relief distribution center in Kerrville, Texas, unloads buckets from a truck of donations that will be used to store the items for emergency cleanup kits. (GSR photo/Gregg Brekke)

In aftermath of deadly Texas floods, local Catholics offer rapid response

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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.