The Vatican has appointed a new bishop for India’s Jalandhar Diocese in Punjab, years after Bishop Franco Mulakkal stepped down despite a court clearing him of charges of raping a nun.
The annual Martyrs Day event is one of the largest religious gatherings in Africa. But this year, with a new pontiff, celebrations took on renewed urgency and global resonance.
On May 31 in Braniewo, Poland, 15 nuns from the Congregation of St. Catherine Virgin and Martyr were beatified — recognized as martyrs who gave their lives during the final, brutal months of World War II.
In 1978, Good Shepherd Sr. Louise Horgan founded the Fatima Self-Help Centre in Bangkok, dedicated to helping women and girls break the cycle of poverty through skills training, enabling them to secure livelihoods.
The Uganda Martyrs Shrine at Namugongo, where 22 Catholic converts were executed in the 1800s, has become a living sanctuary of intercession for pilgrims.
This month Global Sisters Report invited panelists to reflect on the question: When have you had an Ascension or Pentecost "moment" when you had to stop clinging and let go? How did the Holy Spirit show up for you?
"It's a sacrifice — just like the one Jesus made for us," said Sr. Stella Aketch "The Ugandan martyrs also gave their lives for their faith. Walking like this is my way of honoring their courage."
