Helga Leija

Spain's Conference of Religious seeks to reconcile with survivors of the Patronato de Proteccion a la Mujer. But the women refuse, prompting a reflection on the nature of forgiveness.

"The spirit continues to blow where she wills," writes Sr. Helga Leija. "And this time, she has done so through a multicultural pope with a missionary soul and a universal heart."

Sisters in Latin America reflect on the fertile seed Francis planted along the paths of religious life in Latin America.

The monastic life may seem predictable, safe and structured, but in reality, it can be just as challenging as a barren wasteland. When we remain in one place long enough, we cannot hide from ourselves or from others.

The Global Jubilee Conference with Religious Sisters in Rome, Italy, provided the opportunity to share experiences and discuss important topics affecting the world of communications today.

Consecrated women are entrusted with the stories of faith, loss, hope and transformation of the people we serve. And we are called to be witnesses like Simeon, who recognized and proclaimed God's promise fulfilled in Jesus. 

GSR columns editor Sr. Helga Leija reflects on the V Latin American and Caribbean Congress of Religious Life, held Nov. 22-24 in Argentina.

Global Sisters Report shares excerpts from the Advent section of our first book, Wisdom from the Global Sisterhood, published earlier this year.

I had never met anyone who had transferred institutes until God called me to transfer. I now realize how important accompaniment is through this journey of intense listening to God throughout this vocational process.

GSR is looking for women religious to participate in the 2024-25 panels for The Life and La Vida. If you are interested in writing about your experiences in religious life, we would love to hear from you.

"Miriam is a foremother and an example to women, to teach us how to sing joyfully, and to nurture others when our wells run dry, when we are most vulnerable and fragile," writes Sr. Helga Leija.

At the LCWR annual assembly, we sisters were reminded that we often struggle to find balance between work and prayer, letting go and welcoming the new. 

GSR Today - Often, after a sister publishes a column, columns editor Sr. Helga Leija receives emails from readers who are deeply moved by the messages. Here, she shares a particularly beautiful one.

I have recently been questioning God deeply about things that seem beyond what I can understand or even control. I, too, have felt like I am capable of torching everything I touch. What do I do when I know I'm fire?

GSR Today - Global Sisters Report is launching "Wisdom Wednesday," a new video series to highlight the pieces of wisdom that are passed on in religious life and that sustain us on the journey.

As my community ages and discusses the future, waiting for God's promise, this reading reminds us to stay faithful, to keep doing what we were called to do, even if the promise isn't fulfilled in our lifetime.

With "Hope Amid Turmoil," the most ambitious and challenging project we have undertaken at GSR, we've been inspired by the incredible courage and deep faith of sisters serving in conflict areas throughout the world.

GSR Today - After attending the IV Latin American and Caribbean Congress of Religious Life, Sr. Helga Leija is encouraged by the spirit of synodality and determined to transcend dynamics that deny what is human.

GSR Today - A session on intercultural leadership at the LCWR assembly in Dallas offered a profound exploration of the diverse experiences and perspectives that shape leadership within many religious communities today.

Our darkness is only one part of who we are, not the whole. We must be willing to see ourselves the way God sees us. We must be willing to embrace our identity as beloved.