Chris Herlinger

The recent flooding caused by a collapsed dam in southeastern Ukraine has demoralized residents who live close to the front lines of the Russo-Ukrainian war, says a Ukrainian sister who has been helping coordinate humanitarian efforts during the last 16 months and calls the situation "desperate."

The Sisters Anti-Trafficking Awards aim to highlight the work of Catholic sisters on the front lines against trafficking and to broaden and deepen the protection of communities vulnerable to trafficking worldwide.

Sr. Lydia Timkova has committed to regular trips across Ukraine to shepherd food and medical supplies to civilians living near the Russian front. Twice in 2023, Timkova has journeyed to where battles are raging.

A Georgetown University forum was part of the two-week program that included lectures and seminars for sisters from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda.

The Sisters of Charity of New York continue to "believe in the future of religious life" and will "continue to promote vocations, and redirect inquiries" to other Sisters of Charity congregations.

Four religious communities with ministries in Kentucky have issued a joint statement following the April 10 mass shooting in Louisville calling for tougher enforcement of gun regulations and "sensible gun regulations."

GSR Today - During my assignment in Ukraine, war was evident. Damage to towns and survivors' sober observations framed our time there. Yet reminders of war were almost always offset by the Ukrainians' resolve and humanity.

'Christ will rise, and Ukraine will rise': In the 14 months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Catholic sisters have struggled to keep the spirit, promise and vision of Easter and Resurrection alive day-to-day.

In a Fordham lecture, Xavière Sr. Nathalie Becquart spoke of the importance of women and young people in the church. And yes, she will be voting in the Synod of Bishops on synodality later this year and in 2024.

Water is connected to hope, peace and unity, say attendees of the 2023 U.N. conference, which brought together governments, businesses, scientists, environmentalists and civil society groups like sister congregations.

GSR Today - One of the rewards of covering the work of Catholic sisters is having the chance to step back occasionally and reflect on both the progress women have made worldwide and the ongoing challenges they face.

At the 67th Commission on the Status of Women this March, dozens of Catholic sisters and thousands of female activists focused on innovation and education in the digital age as a means to promote gender equality.

Trying, exhausting and at times surreal — all are common descriptions of life in the last 12 months in Ukraine and neighboring Poland, say those displaced by the yearlong war and the religious who have assisted them.

Catholic sisters representing their congregations at the United Nations will participate in events March 6-17 during the U.N.'s annual forum promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women.

A year of war has transformed Ukraine into one big conflict zone. The new reality is one of displacement, confusion, loss and death. Yet Ukrainians — and religious based in the country — speak of renewed unity and hope.

A $250,000 Hilton Foundation grant will help the National Religious Vocation Conference's strategy "of increasing awareness of cultural patterns and to encourage cultural humility and harmony in religious communities."

Sr. Nadia Coppa, an Adorer of the Blood of Christ and new president of the International Union for Superiors General, provided GSR with extended reflections on questions about the legacy of the late Pope Benedict XVI.

The officers of the International Union of Superiors General spoke to the staff of Global Sisters Report on multiple topics, including synodality, spiritual journeys, and ministries to help heal a broken world.

The Catholic missionaries killed in 2022 — including three women religious — were not carrying out high-risk work, according to the news agency of the Pontifical Mission Societies.

Prominent sisters, some affiliated with U.S.-based organizations subject to Vatican investigations during Benedict XVI's papacy, mourn his death and praise his life of scholarship, spirituality and service.