The Life Panelists

The Life - Sister panelists describe how the modern idea of chastity contrasts with the old "renunciation" emphasis, explain how chastity reflects their congregational charism, and consider the gifts chastity brings.

Who pushes you to succeed? Sisters talk about how they answered various calls to grow, with the help of other sisters who shared opportunities — or God's plan — or were there at key vocation points. In retrospect, these mentorship moments have made all the difference.

The Life - Caring for our common home includes an eco farm in the Philippines, biodiversity in New Zealand, gardening for the cycle of life, a one-minute act to make a difference, and a religious community founded to heal and protect the planet's life systems

The Life - As we enter Holy Week, the sisters reflect on the promise of everlasting life. During this time, this past year, of great individual and collective loss, how does one maintain faith?

The Life - Sister panelists consider how religious formation that emphasizes developing oneself incorporates Jesus' words, "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."

The Life - The panelists this month have lived in Ireland, India, Kenya, Pakistan, South Sudan, Uganda, Zimbabwe and the United States and have plenty of examples of ministering among those who are not Christians.

The Life - With the comfort of evergreens, children's laughter, bayanihan and good memories — grief and fear giving way to trust — what could 2021 bring?

The Life - A procession to the humble stable, works of mercy, celebrations with families, seeking unclouded vision, waiting through the darkness — 10 sisters from around the world share their Advent and Christmas reflections.

The Life - Women religious are in a particular position to be near those on the margins on society. They even are surprised at the turns their own lives sometimes take.

The Life - This month, the sisters describe an instance when they have revisited a past experiences and seen in them how God's loving designs were made known.

The Life - Panelists reflect on how community stances evolve in chapters and general assemblies and how practical applications flow from them, whether that's with vows, social justice, or spirituality and charism.

The Life - For May, the 2019-20 panelists were invited to submit a short reflection on COVID-19 and its effect on them, on their congregation, their country, or on the world.

The Life - In honor of the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day, celebrated April 22, 1970, our panelists shared many of the strategies and concrete steps their congregations are using to promote sustainability, preserve a healthy environment and combat climate change

The Life - Panelists shared their experience and wisdom from their own personal experiences of hurt, from that of former members, at the level of their communities, the church, and of the broader society. They also suggested strategies for dealing with brokenness.

The Life - Sisters have found ways to give women a hand up in a way that makes them financially independent. Panelists share best practices, including economic empowerment, donations and education.

The Life - Questions of finding leaders, continuing ministries and living in community are all raised as panelists consider differences between elder and younger women religious in their congregations.

The panelists share glimpses of what it is like to celebrate the new year in their convents and cultures, giving us global flavors from Lithuania, Vietnam, Brazil, South Africa, Zimbabwe and the United States.

Funeral customs around the world share certain features, but each culture and each religious congregation puts its unique stamp on the rituals around death and dying.

The Life - This month, panelists reflected in a personal way about their prayer life and its effect on the rest of their lives, especially their ministries, such as retreat direction, political activism, teaching, public speaking and catechesis.

The Life - This month, panelists reflected on ways they or their institutions work for reconciliation and understanding among disparate groups, whether amid border communities, marginalized groups, sparring political rivals or amid their own intercultural communities.