Leaders of the United Nations say the global body's ambitious agenda to eliminate global poverty and other ills is off to a good start but are reiterating the need for common efforts involving governments, non-governmental groups, business and others — including religious bodies in which Catholic sisters play a prominent role.

See for Yourself - "Do you really like this stuff?" I remarked to the person next to me at a national conference for medical devices as I pointed at the program. "Do I like it? No. I don't like it. I love it!" crowed the young process engineer.

Anne E. Patrick, 75, a feminist theologian and Sister of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, is remembered for quiet activism and scholarship on behalf of women in the church.

"Regardless of age, it's impossible to argue that women religious are behind on the times."

A project in Uganda supported by Microfinancing Partners in Africa (MPA) provides an excellent example of the interconnectedness of the SDGs. MPA was started by Precious Blood Sr. Toni Temporiti in 2006. Following a sabbatical traveling through multiple countries in East Africa where she had the opportunity to talk with many local people, she realized that the people she met were not looking for hand-outs, but simply the opportunity to improve their own lives.

Nuns on the Bus Blog - We need to do things differently, to act to shift the conversation in our local communities, in our nation. We even need to ask ourselves, "Who's controlling the conversations?"

"When the earth is sick and dying, there will come a tribe of people from all races who will put their faith in deeds, not words, and make the planet green again."

In 1956, when she was 16 years old, Sr. Dominga Zapata followed her mother and brother to the United States from Lajas, Puerto Rico, which she described as a religious farm town. Now, the Helper of the Holy Ghost in Purgatory sister lives in Chicago, where she primarily leads retreats and runs leadership courses and is best known for her work in Hispanic ministry.

GSR Today - Could the withdrawal of the UK possibly affect funding for EU-supported humanitarian work — the kind of anti-poverty initiatives supported by sisters and their many Catholic networks?

As the sun creeped patiently above the horizon solid darkness melted and light formed day. The sweet smell of perennials sailed through the morning breeze, dusting away the staleness of night. Sacred prayers rose from hearts, churches and temples around the world. Have you ever wondered how God can be in so many places at one time; hear a multitude of prayers; love every single person unconditionally at the same time?