Religious Life

The Latest

A young religious sister prays at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, Jan. 17, 2105.

Pope shakes up cloisters with new norms focused on prayer, centralization

Jul 22, 2016

By Elise Harris

Amid modern challenges emerging from a culture which provides increasingly easier access to outside distractions, Pope Francis has issued new... Read more

Sister Cecilia Maria in her final days.

These photos of a dying nun went viral – and here's why

Jun 27, 2016

By Ursula Murua

Pictures of a young Argentinian nun – smiling and serene though dying from a devastating battle with cancer – have... Read more

Young nuns? It's a trend.

Jun 9, 2016

There is a young and vital presence of religious sisters, novices and postulants in U.S. Catholic life, a new survey... Read more

Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square during the General Audience, April 20, 2016.

Pope Francis met with Orionines today. Who are they?

May 27, 2016

When Pope Francis met with the Sons of Divine Providence – also known as the Orionine Fathers – on Friday,... Read more

  Pope Francis at the Divine Mercy Vigil in St. Peter's Square, April 2, 2016.

Pope Francis clarifies question on diocesan religious institutes

May 20, 2016

Pope Francis issued a binding clarification of a question regarding Canon Law and the establishment of new diocesan Institutes of... Read more

These pop-singing nuns rocked Pope Francis' Juarez Mass

Feb 19, 2016

By Elise Harris

After taking the Internet by storm last fall with their hit “Confia en Dios,” this group of singing sisters was... Read more

Pope Francis says Mass at St. Peter's Basilica for the Presentation of the Lord, closing the Year for Consecrated Life, Feb. 2, 2016.

Be thankful – Pope Francis' message at end of Year for Consecrated Life

Feb 2, 2016

By Ann Schneible

Pope Francis presided over Mass on Tuesday for the conclusion of the Year for Consecrated Life, reminding religious men and... Read more

Pope Francis meets with consecrated men and women at the Vatican's Paul VI Hall, Feb. 1, 2016.

The 'terrorism of gossip' destroys communities, Pope warns religious

Feb 1, 2016

By Ann Schneible

Christ-like obedience, the “terrorism of gossip”, and hope for future vocations were some of the themes Pope Francis addressed during... Read more

Three religious sisters attend Mass for the martyrs of Uganda on Nov. 28.

Pope Francis’ three words for Ugandan religious: Memory, fidelity and prayer

Nov 28, 2015

Pope Francis wrapped up his public appearances in Uganda with an address to the priests, religious and seminarians of the... Read more

Pope Francis speaks to priests, religious and seminarians at St. Mary's school in Nairobi Nov. 26, 2015.

Pope off-the-cuff to priests, religious: indifference makes God vomit

Nov 26, 2015

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis tossed his prepared remarks aside for a meeting with Kenyan priests, religious and seminarians, telling them that if... Read more

Pope Francis greets the crowds at the airport of La Paz, Bolivia, July 8, 2015.

Let us be grateful witnesses of God's mercy, Pope says

Jul 9, 2015

Christ gave sight to a blind beggar whom others ignored. For Pope Francis, this bears an important lesson for Christians... Read more

Pope Francis blesses the crowds gathered at the Quito Cathedral in Ecuador on July 6, 2015.

'Remember your roots': Pope goes off-the-cuff to priests, religious

Jul 8, 2015

In his last encounter during his visit to Ecuador, Pope Francis on Wednesday warned priests and religious against career ambitions... Read more

Sacred Heart Cathedral in Sarajevo, where Pope Francis met with priests, religious, and seminarians, June 6, 2015.

Pope Francis: A consecrated person who doesn't forgive isn't needed

Jun 6, 2015

Moved by the testimony of two priests and a religious sister who endured atrocities during the Bosnian War, Pope Francis... Read more

Want more religious vocations? Improve your family life, nun says

May 18, 2015

By Ann Schneible

As the Church brings the needs of the family to the forefront with the upcoming Synod this fall, one Dominican... Read more

Religious sisters attend the enthronement of Our Lady of Charity in the Vatican Gardens August 28, 2014.

American Sisters accept Vatican reforms on doctrine, theology

Apr 16, 2015

By Elise Harris

In a joint report marking the conclusion of a multi-year mandate for reform, members of the LCWR have agreed to ... Read more

A religious sister at the Beatification of Sister Miriam Teresa Demjanovich at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Newark, N.J. on Oct. 4, 2014.

Pope Francis: Vocations are about quality, not quantity

Apr 13, 2015

By Ann Schneible

Well-formed vocations are more important than numerous vocations Pope Francis said in address to religious formators on Saturday at the... Read more

A young religious sister prays at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, Jan. 17, 2105.

Power of prayer: Contemplative cloisters coming to Crimea?

Mar 14, 2015

By Kate Veik

It’s been one year since fighting broke out in Ukraine. The death toll has surpassed 6,000. Almost 1 million people... Read more

Chart-topping Benedictine nuns to release new album for Easter

Feb 28, 2015

By Carl Bunderson

Together with the joys of the Resurrection and feasting, this Easter will have an added delight: listening to the new... Read more

Who's entering religious life these days?

Jan 28, 2015

U.S. Catholics are being encouraged to get to know local religious communities, as a new study offers insight into the... Read more

Pope Francis.

Want Christian unity? Deepen your own conversion, Pope says

Jan 24, 2015

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis told a group of religious men and women that they are the forerunners in working towards Christian unity,... Read more