The Life Panelists

The Life - In their first installment, new The Life panelists describe the anticipation, hope and darkness that accompany the season of Advent. 

The Life: For the final question to the current panel of Catholic sisters, Global Sisters Report asked: How has the synodal process affected you, your parish, or your community? What hopes do you have for the synod?

The Life - This month, the sister panelists share personal experiences of faith as they reflect on this question: What is a piece of wisdom that you received in religious life that continues to sustain you today?

The Life - Panelists reflect on the struggles, doubts and experiences that shaped the certainty of their calling. 

The Life - Our sister panelists reflect on the question: What are you learning/have you learned from the people with whom you minister? Their responses highlight the importance of humility, trust and faith.

The Life: July 30 is the United Nations' World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Our sister panelists shared what their congregations are doing to eliminate this grave offense against human dignity.

The Life - Sister panelists reflected on the following question, and their responses were personal, poetic and moving: What is your favorite time/place to pray? How has your prayer "evolved" in your lifetime?

The Life - Our sister panelists delved deep this month as they pondered this question: How has my image of God or Jesus changed throughout my spiritual life?

The Life - In honor of Earth Day on April 22, our sister panelists share what they and their congregations are doing in response to the climate crisis.

The Life – Darkness and despair can overjoy the hope, love and beauty that God creates, sisters say.

The Life - Panelists say that seeking healing and forgiveness requires humility and compassion. And it can lead to empowerment and liberation.

The Life - Some consider the vow of obedience the most difficult in religious life. Our sister panelists reflect on how they and their communities balance communal discernment with personal preferences.

The Life: "In December," one sister writes, "there is a magic that makes our hearts beat differently. We experience a joy not felt at any other time of the year, and it touches the most sensitive fibers of our being."

The Life: As a child, "waiting for Christmas was not irksome but a magical time filled with anticipation," one sister writes. " Waiting was possible because I trusted in God's promise of something wonderful."

The Life - Why do sisters stay in religious life? Our panelists reflect on how their initial choice to enter still resonates. "Even till now, every day and every hour, I receive a fresh call from God."

The Life - Why do you stay in religious life? What gives you hope? More responses from our panelists give insight into faith and the interconnections that weave the fabric of religious life.

"We are thriving in countries where we U.S. sisters began missions," one sister said. " … As for us Americans, although we are graying, we continue to impact society."

Sisters say they stay in religious life for many reasons: the community, the mission, the ministry, the connection to God. “Our stumbling attempts to remain faithful give me hope,” says one.

The Life - Meaningful and joyful community living does not happen automatically. Our panelists reflect on the work and the gifts of belonging to a community of women religious.

The Life - The scope of the panelists' suggestions was very wide when we asked them this question: What is a book you have read lately that is shaping your response in ministry or in religious life?