See for Yourself - I learned that in China men must retire at age 60 and women must retire at age 55. This is mandatory. Because persons are living longer and being healthier, that gives many years between retirement and going to heaven.

In a 10-page resolution released July 19, the Immigration Bureau found Sr. Patricia Fox "in violation of the limitations and conditions of her missionary visa" for reportedly joining partisan political activities.

"The greatest figures of prophecy and sanctity step forth out of the darkest night. But for the most part, the formative stream of the mystical life remains invisible. Certainly, the most decisive turning points in world history are substantially co-determined by souls whom no history book ever mentions."

A federal ministry in India has ordered inspections of all child care homes run by the Missionaries of Charity, the congregation founded by Mother Teresa, after a lay employee reportedly confessed to selling babies for adoption, reported ucanews.com.

America has long been known as a melting pot, but those who work with refugees say that idea misses the point. In a melting pot, the ingredients lose their individuality and become one with the whole. Rather than assimilation, they say, the goal should be integration — to be part of the whole without losing cultural, ethnic and religious identity. The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ in Fort Wayne, Indiana, have helped thousands of Burmese refugees make their way in this midwestern city of 266,000.

• Also in this series: Painful memories, new cultures confront resettled families

"I can't unlearn that there is truth within me. I can't forget that the words I say — or don't say — have an impact on my sense of self, other marginalized individuals and future generations. I can't apathetically accept that status quo within the church where I work and the community in which I live."

GSR Today - Eight female-identifying Catholics in their 20s and 30s, all of them students or recent graduates of programs in theology or divinity, gathered June 17-30 at Mount St. Benedict Monastery for the inaugural Joan Chittister Institute for Contemporary Spirituality: A Feminist Benedictine Option, a two-week intensive course as part of an ongoing effort to support young female Catholic theologians, who are often shut out of the church. It was inspiring.

Care can be wrapped in a little note that says, "You are important to me." A smile of acknowledgement, an embrace, the tender gesture of placing my hand on another's shoulders — all signals that someone is there to lift them up.

"To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."

Facing child trafficking allegations at one of its homes for unmarried mothers in India, the Missionaries of Charity said the order condemns the actions of individuals involved and stressed that these are unrelated to the order.