"All is prepared in welcome. Will you come and celebrate the fountain of all life?"

Recently I had an opportunity to lead the discussion following the screening of the film, "Band of Sisters," which I am in. It tells the story of how we women religious became involved with various ministries following the Second Vatican Council. It focuses on the emerging works of social justice, political advocacy, the movement toward sustainability and ecological centers and the transformation of consciousness rooted in contemplation. Woven within the film is the challenge women religious faced with the investigations initiated from two different Vatican Congregations.

GSR Today - Earlier this year we reported that an uneasy peace seemed to have come to South Sudan, though the war-torn country’s troubles were many and both the government and rebels were rumored to be re-arming. Now comes word that fighting has, indeed, again erupted.

Notes from the Field - As a Dominican Volunteer this year, I have had the chance to live in community with 14 Mission San Jose Dominican sisters in their convent in the Mission District of San Francisco. Observing and participating in their prayer, communal lifestyle, and community conversation, I have grown in ways that were unexpected but invaluable. Lately, I have been thinking especially of the way that contemplative living allows a person and a community to be more adaptable in times of change.

When Society of the Sacred Heart Sr. Betty Nakyanzi left her native Uganda to get a master’s degree in Intercultural Ministry in the United States, she knew it would be a challenge. But she never imagined it would result in her – even temporarily – being in a wheelchair. But the experience has also given her deeper insight into what so many people go through, and a new appreciation for those who help others.

GSR Today - We launched the online survey ahead of Global Sisters Report’s first anniversary in April, curious about what you liked and what you wanted us to do better or differently. Nearly 1,100 of you answered, representing 34 countries.

For the past three months, I have been happily preparing for the party of my life. This party will include a beautiful Mass, a locally-sourced dinner and a lively reception. The party of my life will celebrate my perpetual profession of vows with my community. Preparation for my final vows has been busy and enjoyable. But, not everything has been simple and easy.

"And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting."

GSR Today - Faith leaders met with White House staff May 21 and presented a letter signed by nearly 1,500 faith leaders from across the country. Among those in the meeting were Sr. Patricia McDermott, president of the Sister of Mercy of the Americas, Lawrence Couch, Director of the National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, and Fr. Timothy P. Kesicki, President of the Jesuit Conference of the United States and Canada.