GSR Today - In observance of the World Day of Peace January 1, we at Global Sisters Report join in prayer for peace in all regions, for all victims of war and for women religious around the world who dedicate their lives to helping them and to build peace.

Sr. Elizabeth Thoman, a member of the Congregation of the Humility of Mary and a longtime media literacy leader, died December 22 at Bishop Drumm Retirement Center in Johnston. She was 73. A funeral Mass was celebrated December 28 at the retirement center's Our Lady of Peace Chapel followed by burial at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

"If power is shared equally, then there is no room for control."

Before the School Sisters of St. Francis welcomed her, order after order had rejected Sandra Smithson because of the color of her skin. Her father had told her that following her vocation would not be easy. "But don't think that means you don't belong," he said. "Jesus Christ came unto his own, and even his own did not receive him. So don't expect people who think you don't belong to embrace you with open arms."

Notes from the Field - Now that my year of service is over and I'm home with my family for Christmas, I've had a lot of time to think about my time as the staff writer for Franciscan Mission Service.

In late September, I joined 48 other women and men from across India who had gathered together for a consultation on the impact of religion and culture, namely the impact of religion and culture on the empowerment of women.

"Into this darkness, the Light shines. In a brokenness where anything and everything that defines us seems now to divide us — be it race or creed, sexual orientation or immigration status, political party or socio-economic standing — God steps in."

GSR Today - Sometimes I am asked if I think there is hope for Haiti. I have heard this question more and more as we approach the end of 2016, a year that has not been kind to Haiti. While I am no expert, I can say that on day one of my most recent assignment for Global Sisters Report, I felt hopeful.

Catholic faith tradition teaches that God continues to reveal the God-self as mercy in the face of Jesus Christ and this same Jesus Christ is made manifest in the lives of Christians. Thus, conforming and configuring to the image of Christ has been the call as well as the challenge before Christians, especially during the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.

"At the river’s edge we sometimes wonder what is up and what is down. Winter reminds us of the depth of our everyday. Can you see it?"