Religious Life

At the UISG general assembly, held May 5-9 in Rome, keynote speaker Sr. Simona Brambilla highlighted the quiet power of Gospel living.

Sister participants at the triennial UISG assembly celebrated a new pope, found community in open dialogue and contemplated a transformative synodal church.

Many of us, religious women and men, are still living in ivory towers, unaffected by the world around us. 

"The losses are hard to embrace, but there are choices," writes Sr. Margaret Cessna. "There are memories to count. Blessings to hold on to."

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.

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?

Also, two pilgrimages will lead to the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland, as part of the shrine's yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of the canonization of Seton.

The New Jersey native and former university administrator has been a member of the Oblates, the nation's oldest Black Catholic order, since 1998.