German nun's legacy continues transforming the lives of disabled Indonesians

Founded six decades ago, the St. Damian Rehabilitation Center for Leprosy and Disability has empowered thousands of disabled Indonesians to improve their lives.

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In Focus

Formation lessons continue unfolding in sisters' lives

"God meets us in different ways at different times and what once seemed ordinary can become extraordinary when embraced with sincerity," writes one sister.

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German nun's legacy continues transforming the lives of disabled Indonesians

Founded six decades ago, the St. Damian Rehabilitation Center for Leprosy and Disability has empowered thousands of disabled Indonesians to improve their lives.

Sr. Shila Teresa Gomes of Bangladesh, second from left, and another member of the Catechist Sisters of the Immaculate Conception celebrate with Sisters of St. Francis de Sales in Florence, Italy. (Courtesy of Shila Teresa Gomes)

Missionary roles reverse as Bangladeshi nun cares for elderly Catholic sisters in Italy

As many religious congregations in Europe face declining vocations and aging membership, sisters from countries such as Bangladesh are increasingly helping care for elderly religious women who dedicated their lives to mission work around the world.

Sr. Dr. Mary Lembo, a psychotherapist from Togo, delivers her presentation on safeguarding in contemporary institutes of consecrated life during the inaugural African Conference for Catholic Sisters in Canon and Civil Law in Nairobi, Kenya. (Wycliff Peter Oundo)

Across Africa, Catholic nuns are building legal networks to protect vulnerable people

What began as a WhatsApp group has evolved into a movement connecting sisters trained in canon and civil law to support safeguarding, governance and accountability across Africa.

Q&A with Sr. Elite Mattappillil, champion of people with intellectual disabilities

For over five decades, Congregation of the Mother of Carmel Sr. Elite Mattappillil has served people with intellectual disabilities through education, vocational training and caretaking.

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Feature Series

LCWR 2026

The Leadership Council of Women Religious, or LCWR, will meet Aug. 11-14 in Orlando, Florida, with the theme, "Many Charisms, One Spirit, One Call" as the organization celebrates its 70th anniversary.
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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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Religious Life

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Scrabble tiles spell "friend."

Sisters share how unexpected friendships reveal God's love

Unexpected friendships, writes one panelist, "have expanded my heart, strengthened my faith and reminded me that the Gospel comes alive whenever we cross boundaries with love."

Catholic sisters in Kenya shape a sustainable future at AOSK 2026 general meeting

As the association prioritizes long-term sustainability, sisters reflected on strengthening the prophetic voice of Catholic sisters, formation for mission in the 21st century and synodal leadership.

Members of a panel on pontifical commissaries speak Oct. 2, 2025, at the Resource Center for Religious Institutes annual conference in Dallas. (GSR/Dan Stockman)

As US Catholic nuns age, more congregations turn to outside leaders

As more congregations face declining numbers, they turn to commissaries for leadership, changing how communities preserve their charism and care for one another.

Sr. Catherine Lucia Phoebe Addington of the Daughters of St. Paul in Alexandria, Virginia, is pictured kneeling in prayer during her profession of vows in Boston Feb. 14, 2026. (OSV News/Courtesy of Daughters of St. Paul)

Meet 4 religious sisters dedicating their lives to God in 2026

Four religious sisters professing vows in 2026 spoke with OSV News about their vocation stories and what led them to dedicate their lives to God.

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Ministry

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German nun's legacy continues transforming the lives of disabled Indonesians

Founded six decades ago, the St. Damian Rehabilitation Center for Leprosy and Disability has empowered thousands of disabled Indonesians to improve their lives.

Nuns coordinate to rebuild hope after double earthquake in Venezuela

Religious sisters are working with Venezuela's religious conference, Caritas and others to provide food, supplies and support.

Sister Danielle Lussier, left, and Sister Theresa Aletheia pose for a portrait on the front porch of their home on April 27, 2026, in Mt. Sterling, Ky

These Catholic sisters want to start a new order with a difficult mission: Helping clergy abuse survivors

Sister Theresa Aletheia and Sister Danielle Lussier are the only community of religious sisters in the Catholic Church fully dedicated to serving abuse victims.

Sr. Tasiana Eni Susilawati facilitates social mapping on the livelihoods of women and children in the coastal community of Teluk Nipah, Indonesia, in July 2025. The session, conducted with the Good Shepherd program team in Batam and the MDO Indonesia team, gathered data on the community's economic realities and challenges. (Maria Anggelina)
Columns

In Indonesia, Good Shepherd Sisters accompany children across an archipelago

Good Shepherd Sisters have ministered in Indonesia since 1927. One of their most unique ministries is in Batam City, an archipelago of 329 large and small islands in the Riau Islands Province.

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.