Sr. Marlene Quispe Tenorio reflects on the inner journey and the experience of encountering the divine presence in everyday life. It's a journey of freedom that profoundly changes her life and impacts the lives of those she encounters. "This Lenten season has been incredibly moving for me," she shares, "as I truly feel like a child of God, liberated and free."
Sr. Helen Prejean accompanied Ivan Cantu through his Feb. 28 execution. Her act "mirrors that of the many courageous women who stayed with another man executed for a capital crime," writes Christin Schenk.
We understand God's love better in our time because of the many good Samaritans around us. It is in helping the needy, poor and marginalized that we can lead a holy life, imitating the acts of Jesus' love.
Spirituality is not "some kind of formula or algorithm," writes Stephanie Peirolo. "Even the holiest have periods of desolation, and even the most profane can feel spiritual consolation."
Horizons - "Many gave false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree." Doesn't this passage sound like a summary of a current news story and not a Gospel scene that unfolded millennia ago?
In today's reality, the traditional model of consecrated life tied to an institution is obsolete," writes Sr. Magda Bennásar. "The ministry model of the past is in urgent need of updating."
How do congregations cope with the changes and the decline in vocations? Sr. Dora Tupil shares her experience of the closure of houses and projects of her congregation, the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
I am an Assumption Sister of Nairobi, Kenya, working in Jamaica. I never dreamed I would be a missionary, but it is a wonderful vocation. Working with the community here continues to bring me much joy.
Horizons - In society some people willingly lose their identities to give dignity to those in their care. They wear the face of God. Among many such good Samaritans, the role of a priest or nun is highly distinguishable.
Sr. Carmen Notario compares the desecration that some individuals have done today of the body, mind and spirit of so many women, men, girls and boys, and the desecration of the temple of Jerusalem in the time of Jesus.
In San Antonio we held our city's first "Festival of Faiths." It was a time of hearing each other's stories, taking comfort in each other's music, and experiencing the joy of each other's dance. We learned and we laughed.
I have been thinking, reading, listening to YouTube talks and searching for connections and understandings: intergenerational, intercultural, interracial — the range of diversity in our nation and world.
Scripture for Life: If we believe that God works through us, instead of asking "Why does God let it happen?," the prophetic question is, "How can people who believe in God and the power of love let it happen?"
Equality will not be given to us on a platter. We will have to demand it with prudence. Collective action is the only way forward. International Women's Day is an opportunity to remind ourselves that the future is ours.
My congregation sent me to Maryland Vocational High School in Lesotho, South Africa, to assist as the bursar, and I love my work because it has opened my eyes to many things.
Women have not been recognized nearly enough for our role in serving and saving civilization. We are every age, every color, every ethnicity, every religion. Our praises will only be sung if we do it ourselves. Together.