Sr. Maria E. Mendez Ochoa shares the experience of Sr. Oliva Olivares as she leaves water for migrants crossing the desert through Sásabe, Arizona, the border between Mexico and the U.S.
It's 150 years later, and the School Sisters of St. Francis are still here. We are still meeting the needs of the times, what we refer to as the will of God. A lot has changed, but the heart of who we are remains the same.
Sometimes it's hard to gain perspective. But wisdom is all around me if only I take that long, loving look at the real. Take time during spring, whenever it arrives where you live, to watch the emergence of life.
I encountered God in the movie theater watching "Manjummel Boys." The true story behind it illustrates Jesus' words: "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends."
Sr. Annie Killian organized a rally in Columbus, Ohio, calling for an immediate and lasting cease-fire in Gaza.. "Our love of truth impels us not to stand idly by," she writes.
For Sr. Florence Anyabuonwu, a Feb. 5-9 border pilgrimage was "more than just a physical journey," she write. It was "a profound transformation of heart and soul."
I am blessed to have a number of dear friends who "get me." I could not navigate the slings and arrows without them, it's that simple. Jesus was someone who knew slings and arrows well — and also relied on friends.
Sr. Bernardette Healy, who works with Irish Travellers, Gypsy and Roma groups in Nottingham, England, said her faith "has been strengthened and enriched by living and working among these people."
The feast of the Annunciation reminds us that God sent his son to join humanity fully to be a model for us in every circumstance of our lives, and to introduce us to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Scripture for Life: The invitation to believe in the Resurrection asks for a leap of faith that starts with our heart, our hands and our feet, not our intellect.
Sr. Magdalena works with children with disabilities in Outer Mongolia. But she came to understand that God brought her to the ministry "to test my capacity to love through my service with them," she writes.
As I read how the pope aims to create "a new style of leadership," I thought of women leaders I've met, servant leaders who did not surrender. The world needs a greater feminine voice, vision and leadership on a global level.
I feel disheartened seeing our vocations being manipulated by patriarchal, misogynist and sexist elements. Isn't consecrated life meant to raise our spirits to heaven and expand the horizons of our mission?
The inspiration of Jesus' life is usually attributed to his presence, his miracles, his preaching, his message and his followers. And of course, the empty tomb. But I think the marvel of his life was in his one-on-one encounters.
Scripture for Life: To be an Easter people means to do the work of Easter: to work against injustices, to shake up the status quo, to welcome the marginalized and to embrace all creation with healing love.
Horizons - At Jamaica Mustard Seed, the residents and their caregivers can laugh, dance and sing with the hope of God's love. And we, on our Good Friday journey through Jerusalem, can find joy as well.
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."