"Science has discovered some of the secrets of nature, but we do not yet know the secret of our own lives. We have mapped the genome and measured the planets, but we are ignorant about our own interior universe."

Women religious exist to seek justice as the light of Christ in a world of darkness, Sr. Anita Baird told those gathered for the Leadership Conference of Women Religious' annual assembly Aug. 10 as she received their 2018 Outstanding Leadership Award. "As the first African-American to receive this leadership award, you honor not only me, but every African-American woman religious as you bear witness to the fact that black religious life matters," she said. "It took until 1979 until the bishops finally acknowledged racism as a sin," Baird told GSR. "You've got to address systems and processes and policies." 

GSR Today - The Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary was founded in between periods of war in Sudan. The diocesan congregation ministers to those in need through communities in Uganda and South Sudan. The threat of danger is a constant, but so is the sisters' faith in God.

As I celebrate my 60th year as a sister, I watch what seems a breaking of what was: convent living, common habit, rote prayers at fixed times, predictable ministry as nurse or teacher, and a sheltered, comfortable future.

"To act is what allows for hope and the possibility of growing in compassion, mercy and forgiveness."

In both the novel The Secret Life of Bees and the story of Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger, Mary had a role in inspiring hope among African Americans. On the feast of the Assumption I wonder about her power among the margins.

"While an image of wholeness emerges, it does so from brokenness, from the sharp and irregular edges of glass, when they are illuminated, reflected and acted upon through structures that promote interaction and engagement."

On the final day of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious assembly Aug. 10, sisters explored the diversity within the image of God and lessons for religious life, marched to the Old Courthouse in St. Louis and bore witness against systemic racism, and honored Daughter of the Heart of Mary Sr. Anita Baird, the first black recipient of LCWR's Outstanding Leadership Award.

"Those still burdened by the legacy of slavery know in a deep and visceral way what it feels like to be aliens in their own city, to see their lives given little account. Yes, we need to pray today for the gift of peace, a gift that God yearns to give us. But we must heed to God's challenge to build justice."

Sisters from the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament came to Pleiku City, Vietnam, in 2000 to serve ethnic minority villagers. Today, they provide care at their convent for children with physical disabilities from poor families. "We believe they are sent to us by God."