A rule finalizing the religious exemption to the contraceptive mandate should be "the end of a long cultural war fight" over the issue and confirm that the U.S. government "never needed nuns to give out contraceptives" to women, said the president of the Becket law firm.

St. Katharine Drexel forged a connection between Xavier University of Louisiana and the Pueblos of New Mexico. As a Sister of the Blessed Sacrament, I have often said that my soul has taken root with the people and the land of New Mexico; however, my heart is at home at Xavier where I have worked for 30 years

In Vietnam, people living with physical disabilities are dependent on their families, who are often unable to do things like afford $400 wheelchairs. For the past two years, the Daughters of Mary Immaculate sisters in Hue city have focused on getting mobility equipment donated from abroad so that people who otherwise could not leave their houses to interact with neighbors, visit family and, importantly, do things like sell lottery tickets to support themselves, can have a fuller life.

Horizons - The last two years, for all the turmoil they have contained, have been clarifying in many ways. While the election results have sure implications for the future, so do the lessons learned during this election season.

Benedictine sisters, discerning about their future, chose to build a monastery on the outskirts of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Today, the Sisters of Benet Hill Monastery combine monastic community with an active role in civic life. They advocate against human trafficking and promote education, planting Benedictine values in Colorado's second largest city.

Sometimes people ask me about the experience of serving as the vice postulator for the Cause for the Canonization of Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy. My response is that it is like standing in the path of a great wave of hope.

For the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, the canonization of their foundress, also known as Mother Mary Catherine Kasper, is a confirmation of what they knew and believed. Their gratitude stemmed from the universal church recognizing God's goodness as manifested in her and sharing Kasper with the world.

Notes from the Field - For as long as I can remember, I have always enjoyed volunteering. When I went to college at Tulane University, I did not waste any time and promptly became the service chair for my freshman residence hall. It was not until my sophomore year, however, that it dawned upon me to consider international service work.