George Kommattam

As one Carmelite Sister recalls: "Our congregation began the forum as a small initiative to help grieving women, but soon it became a rare collaborative ministry of women congregations to offer compassion and support."

Nuns manage an adoption center that has placed more than 1,000 orphans with families since its inception in 1974. "Our mission is to promote and protect life," Sr. Jain Augustine Adackkanattu, the center's president, told GSR.

 "We combine scientific counseling with a deeply human approach. We walk with them, step by step, toward healing," said Sr. Rincy Augustine, Hrudayaram's director.

"We did not realize then that our home was shaping our vocation," said Sr. Philo Kallidukkil, the ninth member of the family and a member of the Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Sr. Paulina Melite has been active since 2016 in pro-life ministry in India. Melite played a central role in organizing India's first national march for life in 2021.

"We realized that loneliness was a way of life for many," Nazareth Sr. Sheela Palamoottil said.

Her participation in the Kochi-Muziris Biennale "allows my life as a nun to enter into dialogue with the global art community," she said.

The Kerala government has decided to allow pensions for unmarried women over 50, including those in religious institutions. Some say the move sets an important precedent in India. Others dismiss it as a political stunt.

What began in 2011 as Facebook posts and homemade PowerPoint videos has grown into an online ministry with thousands of followers across social media platforms.

Late vocations are especially drawn to newer congregations, many founded through charismatic renewal movements and evangelization ministries.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Sr. Sabina Joseph has trained hundreds of students in athletics, helping many young people from rural families in India find confidence and opportunities.

The Medical Sisters of St. Joseph have helped hundreds of women trapped in "love jihads," a controversial term used to refer to Muslim men feigning love to marry girls from other religions and convert them to Islam.

Cherpanath is known for her programs on Shalom Television, especially Youth Cafe, a weekly program for youth, and Vocare, a program that shares the inspiring vocation stories of nuns and priests.

Plus, pilgrimage to El Salvador to remember martyred sisters, laywoman; and Salesian nun wins top education award in India

Kripalaya Special School is celebrating 25 years of providing education and life skills to children and adults with disabilities. GSR spoke with Sr. Anseena Memadathil, the school headmistress since 2008.

Sr. Innocent Joseph Ayyankanal has spent over 40 years promoting Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) and other forms of traditional medicine among rural and tribal communities.

The Santhwana De-Addiction Centre offers a 23-day residential program that combines medical detoxification, psychological counseling and spiritual formation. "We want them to feel human again," says Sr. Vimala Jose.

The member of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth says her work is "human rights-based and upholds the constitutional rights that treat everyone equal."

One of Thombrakudy's major services is to ensure migrants receive proper documentation, fair wages and spiritual support in their work places.

"My life was shattered when I came to know my son Kashi was unable to walk or talk. Now, I have hope because of Sister Mareena [Mathew]," Keerthi Ramakrishnan said. Mathew's congregation manages a school for children with disabilities in Kerala, India.