GSR Today - At the gathering of the Confederation of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar, or COMSAM, more than 400 brightly habited women and men religious from some of the most troubled areas of Africa reflected on their roles in the future of their countries and the continent.

Sister for Christian Community Alison McCrary, the executive director of the National Police Accountability Project, laughs when she explains how she came to be a lawyer and a Catholic sister. "It's really just listening to the Spirit's invitation," she said. "None of it was ever planned."

Comboni Missionary Sr. Azezet Kidane thought the worst part of the trauma for the Eritrean asylum seekers she counsels in Israel was already past. But the Eritreans in Tel Aviv, already struggling with poverty, isolation and discrimination, and some healing from torture, now face yet another hurdle: Netanyahu's aggressive and controversial plan to deport African asylum seekers. Deportation is set to begin within weeks.

"The little virtues may seem simple. Cultivating them is a life's work."

Participants in the Together program will engage in theological reflection, spiritual direction and experiences that foster interpersonal skills for community living, intercultural capacities and effective communication.

"I could hear the quiet reassurance of an inner voice, saying, 'Stand up for righteousness, stand up for truth. God will be at your side forever.' "

Notes from the Field - Attending the United Nations' 62nd Commission on the Status of Women with my Dominican colleagues taught me more about systemic injustice — including the too-often hidden issues affecting Native Americans — and about empowerment that comes from mutual sharing, from relationship.

Sr. Constance Fonju helps at a school in Massea, Cameroon, for children from the area's Pygmy tribes. She considers it her favorite ministry, and spoke to GSR about how the school came to be.

From A Nun's Life podcasts - In this Random Nun Clip, Sr. Maxine and her guest Sr. Michele Denton talk about surprises along the way to entering religious life.

I enter a photographer's darkroom, not unlike John of the Cross' la noche oscura, the dark night. I fumble in the dark, lit only with a small safelight, a reminder of God's ever-present love in dark places. I breathe in fumes and gently rock the tray; it's never easy to change negative into positive.