The Life Panelists

"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?

The Life - The panelists for The Life consider this question: Has your congregation or have you personally come face-to-face with your own internalized racist/caste superiority or internalized racist/caste oppression?

The Life - Catholic sisters serving on GSR's panel look back on their days in religious life to consider this question: How has your prayer life grown in religious life? What makes it grow?

The Life - Panelists share global insights as they answer this question ahead of Easter, celebrated this year on April 17: Does your congregation or your culture have any special customs around Holy Week and Easter?

The Life - We ask our sister panelists: What was the most surprising thing to you about religious life? Some of their answers will be very familiar to other women religious, and some may surprise you!

The Life - This month, our sister panelists participate in the upcoming World Day for Consecrated Life by reflecting on the unique scriptural basis of their personal commitment to religious life.

The Life - Sister panelists reflect on the gifts that women religious can bring to the synod on synodality and its journey to become a community that reaches beyond itself to those whose voices have not been heard.

The Life - GSR's newest sister panelists meditate on Advent — a balm for an overwrought soul — in light of the realities they encounter in their congregations, neighborhoods, regions, countries and the world.

The Life - In a "journey with sisters from all over the world," the 2020-21 panel formed community as they shared their diverse lives as women religious with readers and with each other.

The Life - This month, sister panelists look at vowed life from other perspectives. They speculate about the purpose of vows, how the concept of a vow might be broadened, and what new vows might be needed today.

The Life - Social media "has allowed us to be radically relational" with people worldwide, but it comes with dangers of addiction and physical disconnection. Our panelists look at religious life in the virtual world.

The Life - Sister panelists describe how the modern idea of chastity contrasts with the old "renunciation" emphasis, explain how chastity reflects their congregational charism, and consider the gifts chastity brings.

Who pushes you to succeed? Sisters talk about how they answered various calls to grow, with the help of other sisters who shared opportunities — or God's plan — or were there at key vocation points. In retrospect, these mentorship moments have made all the difference.

The Life - Caring for our common home includes an eco farm in the Philippines, biodiversity in New Zealand, gardening for the cycle of life, a one-minute act to make a difference, and a religious community founded to heal and protect the planet's life systems

The Life - As we enter Holy Week, the sisters reflect on the promise of everlasting life. During this time, this past year, of great individual and collective loss, how does one maintain faith?

The Life - Sister panelists consider how religious formation that emphasizes developing oneself incorporates Jesus' words, "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."

The Life - The panelists this month have lived in Ireland, India, Kenya, Pakistan, South Sudan, Uganda, Zimbabwe and the United States and have plenty of examples of ministering among those who are not Christians.