A look at 21st century discernment to the religious life

Dominican Sister Mary Bendyna is the former executive director and senior research associate at the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University. Her work with CARA and the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious has led her to

Pilgrim teens pray for those with mental illness

Eight Catholic teens ages 15-18 discerning vocations to the priesthood and religious life took a 70-mile pilgrimage through the Diocese of Portland, Maine, to pray for and raise awareness about teens struggling with addiction, depression or contemplating suicide. Although it was a

Living consecrated virginity in the 21st century

Since the fourth century, consecrated virginity has been recognized by the Church as a spousal union between a woman and Christ. The ancient tradition is coming back into focus after Pope Francis approved a new instruction, Ecclesiae Sponsae Imago, on June 8,

Out of the ashes: Franciscans bring rebirth

The Mission of Our Lady of the Angels occupies a well-kept city block in the West Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago. Bright flowers line clean sidewalks, and the street that runs between the church, rectory, convent and former school buildings is often

A re-conversion and the power of Divine Mercy

In the early 2000s, Chris Alar was enjoying the good life. He was living in the Lake Norman area of North Carolina and had a nice home on the water, a successful consulting business and was engaged to “the most beautiful girl

Opus Dei’s call to be leaven

At age 30, New York native Michael Almonte was a Catholic searching for more. He grew up in a very devout family where the Rosary was prayed every day, and he had been going to daily Mass for years. “I knew my