Celebrating Black History Month and Story Corps
By Sr Melannie Svoboda, SND
Today we’re going to celebrate Black History Month by using a special love of mine: an organization called Story Corps. Let’s begin with a few words about Black History month.
The celebration of Black History month can be traced back to a historian named Carter…
Read More
Leading With Love: The Notre Dame Sisters’ Legacy at Fr. Flanagan’s Boys’ Home
In December 1917, Father Edward Flanagan opened his heart and his home to five homeless boys, providing them with care, comfort, and the love they desperately needed. As his mission grew, he recognized the need for compassionate caregivers who could offer the warmth of a mother’s presence. Turning…
Read More
Redefining the Narrative: Championing the Fight Against Sex Trafficking in Nebraska
Human trafficking is one of the most significant, and tragically growing, crimes of our time. It is a high-profit, low-risk business where human beings—often children and women—are bought, sold, and exploited for the benefit of others. With sex trafficking being the most prevalent form in the United States,…
Read More
Pioneering Courage: The Notre Dame Sisters’ Legacy Through Nazi Germany and Beyond
In the darkest days of World War II, Notre Dame Sister, Mother Fabiola Ditek, as well as many of her fellow Sisters, faced unimaginable turmoil amidst the chaos of war and oppression. Her journey through German concentration camps was one of extraordinary courage and faith.
Mother Fabiola’s ordeal began…
Read More
Introducing the #LikeaCatholicSister Campaign: Celebrating Catholic Sisters Week
As we kick off Catholic Sisters Week, we are excited to launch the #LikeaCatholicSister campaign—a national initiative that highlights the incredible work of Catholic Sisters across the country. This campaign is more than just a celebration; it is a movement to challenge outdated stereotypes and shift perceptions of…
Read More
A Story of Justice: From Ancient Wisdom to Modern Action
by Mikaela VanMoorleghem, MPA
Imagine walking through a bustling village in ancient Israel during a Jubilee Year. The air buzzes with anticipation as people prepare for a year unlike any other. Debts are forgiven. Land, once lost to misfortune, is restored to its rightful owners. Families separated by servitude…
Read More
A Jubilee Call to Healing: Embracing Forgiveness and Reconciliation
by Sr. Rita Ostry, ND
An important focus of this jubilee year calls us to healing and forgiveness. These two experiences go hand in hand very intimately. After living 28 years on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation my life has been deeply impacted by the Lakota people. I have…
Read More
Presidential Life Lessons from George Washington: Wisdom for Today
by Mikaela A. VanMoorleghem, MPA
Did you know that Presidents’ Day is still officially called Washington’s Birthday on all official Federal Government calendars and writings? While the name “Presidents’ Day” was proposed for this Monday holiday in 1951, the U.S. government never officially changed the name.
I thought it would…
Read More
Pilgrims of Hope: Embracing the Jubilee Year as a Journey of Hope
Pope Francis has declared 2025 a Jubilee Year, a Catholic tradition first observed in the Church in 1300 but having its roots in book of Leviticus in the Hebrew Bible. The Catholic version has traditionally emphasized pilgrimage, ceremony, and indulgences-more on indulgences another day. Unless one has a…
Read More
Ushering in the New Year: Finding Hope in Uncertain Times
by Mikaela VanMoorleghem, MPA
As we step into a new year, it’s natural to look for hope and fresh beginnings. Yet, for some, the challenges of the past may linger, making it hard to see the light ahead. Issues such as environmental changes, economic uncertainty, social inequities, and divisions…