Pope Francis has delivered a strong message to contemplative religious orders, saying nostalgia won’t save monasteries from closure or shifts in vocations. Addressing superiors and delegates from Discalced Carmelite monasteries in Rome, the pontiff stressed the need for adaptation to modern times. “Defensive strategies are the fruit of a nostalgic return to the past; this Read more
Pope Francis has promised to pray for a nun and the transgender women the nun is helping. Discalced Carmelite nun Mónica Astorga Cremona wrote to Pope Francis telling him about the inauguration of a new housing complex she has established to help transgender women living in poverty. The new 12-studio apartment complex in Neuquén, Argentina, Read more
Carmelite nuns are refusing to abandon the embattled Syrian city of Aleppo, preferring to stay and relieve suffering. This is despite intense bombing from both Syrian and Russian forces and severe food shortages. Only 40,000 Christians are left in Aleppo, according to reports. “The bombs are falling all around us, but we are not going to Read more