Sisters around the Globe

Until the National Catholic Reporter began publishing Global Sisters Report, very few people knew what Sisters in other parts of the world were doing. Even most Sisters were focused on their own ministries and did not realize what Sisters in Africa, Central and South America, China, and other places were doing. Most of us weren’t aware there were so many Sisters doing such important work for the Church and the world in distant lands.

Global Sisters Report, an on-line news site, is published daily and brings these important stories to our IPads with the touch of a finger. It recently published an E-Book “Hope Amid Turmoil” containing some of their amazing stories. Many of us were astounded at the impact Sisters around the world are making in situations of poverty, war, violence, and danger. Their contributions in education, medicine, women’s rights, prison ministry, and care of orphans and homeless children are immeasurable.

During the siege and bombardment in Ukraine, Sisters opened their doors to families who had lost their homes, fleeing with only the clothes they were wearing. Even as taking in families disrupted their daily schedule, Sisters welcomed these desperate people and gave them a place of refuge.

Global Sisters Report, which celebrated its tenth anniversary this year, is highlighting the lives of religious Sisters so that the world will know about their contributions.  Last year they added a Spanish version so that it would be more accessible to Spanish-speaking people. Our own Sister Helga Leija from Mount St. Scholastica in Atchison, KS, is the translator and editor of this new addition.

With this news source, Sisters are being recognized for their outstanding service to the Church and society that has been hidden for so long. More bishops and even the Pope have taken notice and are beginning to acknowledge and appreciate the quiet work of so many women. The Sisters are truly modern-day saints.

Barbara Mayer, OSB