Sheila Flynn wanted to join the Dominican sisters as soon as she completed high school in Essex, England, but her mother would have none of it. She insisted that her daughter work for at least one year, thinking that a job in London would bring financial independence and the freedom to date – and drive away thoughts of a religious life.

FGM - In the 2014 update of its data sheet on female genital mutilation, the Population Reference Bureau found that FGM appears to be on the decline. The practice, however, still affects millions of girls both around the world and across religions. An estimated 100 million to 140 million women and girls have already undergone FGM, and in Africa alone, another 3 million girls are at risk. 

GSR Today - “Sexual and reproductive health is an important aspect of women and girls’ empowerment,” wrote Sr. Ephigenia Gachiri, SL, who is a doctor in Kenya. But she noted that “discussion of matters of sexuality remain a taboo in most African societies” – and without this discussion thousands of women’s health will remain at risk. How can women who are not healthy become leaders?

More than 500 adults have been served at the Brunner Literacy Center since it opened in July 2011 in Trotwood, an area in greater Dayton, Ohio, of high unemployment, crime and poverty, where businesses are dying. Here, a team of Precious Blood sisters share their patience, compassion and teaching skills to help people achieve independence and pride.

Sr. Emma Kulombe’s call to serve deaf and blind children dates back more than a decade when she was a special-needs education student. As part of her studies, she was asked to complete an assessment for a child unable to see, hear or speak.

"Humankind, full of all creative possibilities, is God’s work . . . ."

Sr. Priscilla Yein Wulaiwimia helps keep the wheels turning at the provincial office of her order, the Tertiary Sisters of St. Francis, in Cameroon’s Northwest Region. Since 2007 she has served as provincial secretary.

GSR Today - Over the past month many friends have shared links on my Facebook page of Ursuline Sr. Cristina Scuccia, the singing nun featured on Italy’s “The Voice.” I have to be honest in saying that up to this past weekend I have resisted watching any of the clips, silently objecting to the stereotypical image of a Catholic sister in popular media.

As more Central American migrants cross into the Southwest United States, the Department of Homeland Security wants community organizations to help care for detained families. Churches and nonprofit organizations are working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to ensure that the families have access to food and services upon their release, said Ruben Garcia, director of Annunciation House, at a press conference Monday.