Archive
Change Is Happening in the Catholic Church, Just Not on Holy Thursday
This post originally appeared on On Being with Krista Tippett. Even when I feel disconnected from my faith, Holy Thursday draws me to church. The call to follow Jesus’ example and wash …
Educating the Educators: Equipping Catholic Sisters to Educate in Africa
Catholic schools educate more than 19 million children across Africa, and many of these schools are run by women religious. In this video, Holy Cross Sister Prisca Muthoni describes her school in …
Meet Your Local Catholic Sister
I grew up in suburban Philadelphia where Catholic sisters were a visible and integral part of our churches, schools and hospitals. Sister Immaculata, Sister Dolores, Sister Marcille and countless others educated, nurtured …
Will a Thriving Singles Scene Renew American Catholicism?
This post originally appeared on Religion Dispatches. As the choir rehearses before St. Monica’s Sunday evening Mass, two blond women in skinny jeans slide into a pew in the rear of the …
A Crisis of Integrity in Seoul, the Megachurch Capital of the World
Seoul, South Korea is the “Megachurch Capital of the World.” Not only is Seoul home to the largest known Protestant church in the universe, Yoido Full Gospel Church, the city has more …
American Christianity Is Changing Fast: Five Stories to Watch in 2016
This post originally appeared on Religion Dispatches. While LGBT evangelicals cheered on the SCOTUS decision on gay marriage, evangelical institutions lobbied for the passage of “religious freedom” laws that would allow them …
The Top Five Religion Trends to Watch in 2016
From the rise of evangelical hipsters to the rise of religious “nones,” religion is in a period of flux as we end one year and look forward to the next. Here at …
Excel for Sisters: Financial Literacy Training for African Religious Leaders
Catholic sisters run schools, hospitals and large charitable organizations across Africa, often without a lot of training in accounting and finances. Sisters Leadership Development Initiative (SLDI) finance workshops teach sisters how to …
Praying for Rain in California
This piece originally appeared in the Yale ISM Review. “As an American Indian, all my life I have been cursed with the myth of the ‘Indian rain dance,’” Johnny P. Flynn wrote …
College-bound Sisters: Higher Education for Sisters in Africa
Earning an advanced degree can allow Catholic sisters in Africa to become administrators at schools, nurses and health workers and other professionals that serve their communities. Catholic sisters provide crucial services in …
Catholic Sisters Lead the Way in Africa
In Kenya, 27 percent of women and girls undergo Female Genital Mutilation. Catholic sisters have played a significant role in changing the culture and helping girls who are running away from FGM …
9/11 and Pope Francis: Bringing New York City’s Faith Communities Together
Timothy Cardinal Dolan welcomed Pope Francis to “A Witness to Peace,” a multi-religious gathering at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, by telling him, “We in New York are sinners.” “But,” …
Is the Pope’s Concern for Immigration Just a “Numbers Game”?
This post originally appeared on Religion Dispatches. Pope Francis may differ greatly in tone from Pope Benedict, but on many social issues Francis can expect the same pushback his predecessor received in …
With Young Adult Catholics in Decline, Who’s Going to See Pope Francis?
This article originally appeared on Religion News Service: LOS ANGELES (RNS) When Regina Bunye catches sight of Pope Francis in Philadelphia on Saturday (Sept. 26), it won’t be her first glimpse of the …
Pope Francis Visits the United States
(Updated throughout the week.) Pope Francis makes his first visit to the United States this week, following his trip to Cuba. He’ll be meeting with President Barack Obama, addressing Congress and the …
Pope Francis Loves Nuns, But Can the Divide Between Sisters and Vatican Be Healed?
This post originally appeared on Religion Dispatches. Pope Francis confessed his love for a woman—for many women, actually—on national television this month. After talking with immigrant families in McAllen, Texas on the …
Katy Perry’s Not the Only One Who Wants to Live in a Convent
This post originally appeared on Zocalo Public Square. TIME.com also published the piece. I moved into a convent 10 years ago this summer. My roommates were not Catholic sisters, but other recent …
With Religious Affiliation on the Decline, What Should Happen to Hallowed Buildings?
This post originally appeared on Washington Post’s Acts of Faith blog. Katy Perry wants to live in a convent. No, she is not among the young women who want to become a …
Pope Francis Has Spoken on Climate Change – Here’s What Catholic Sisters Are Doing About It
Pope Francis says climate change is real and human activity plays a role in rising temperatures. Neither the content of his encyclical, “Laudato Si’: On the Care of Our Common Home,” nor …
Could Pope Francis Change Hearts and Minds on Immigration on a Global Scale?
This article originally appeared on Washington Post’s Acts of Faith blog. A few months into his papacy, Pope Francis took his first trip out of Rome to Lampedusa, the Italian island through …