The Elders (see the ‘Featured video’ below) are an independent group of eminent global leaders, brought together by Nelson Mandela, who offer their collective influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity.

Catholic Relief Services personnel in Haiti are struggling to ensure that it’s 300 staff members are safe and accounted for.  They are also beginning the work of bringing relief supplies to the millions affected by this week's earthquake.
You may like to join in the following Reflection and Prayers which come from CRS via the Justice Desk of the Sisters of St Joseph of Orange, California.

This wave was special though, it was created by people attempting to draw attention to Climate Change prior to the Copenhagen meeting. 50,000 campaigners from over 100 different organisations marched as part of The Wave on 5 December. It was the biggest ever UK climate change march.
To read more about it go to the RSC English/Scottish Province website.

The National Catholic Reporter has published a five-part essay by Immaculate Heart of Mary Sr. Sandra Schneiders, Professor of New Testament Studies and Christian Spirituality at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley.   The essay, titled “Religious Life as Prophetic Life Form” explores the meaning of religious life today and comes during a controversial three-year Vatican study of U.S. women religious congregations.

The Religious Sisters of Charity have written the following letter to the Minister for Education and Science in regard to the congregation’s commitment to make a further voluntary contribution in light of the Ryan report:

Like most Americans, our sisters in California celebrated the traditional feast of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26th with turkey, pumpkin pies, squashes and endless dishes shared with family and friends. 
However, in these times of global recession it is wonderful to see some Americans celebrating Thanksgiving by feeding those who are truly hungry.  

Karen Armstrong, author of “The Case for God” joins with a multi-national Council of Religious Leaders to bring Compassion back to the Heart of Society.
Karen Armstrong, winner of the 2008 TED prize, along with religious leaders from around the world, gathered on November 12, 2009, to unveil the Charter for Compassion.

The United Nations has declared today, 25 November 2009, as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Gender-based violence is devastating the lives of millions of women at home and throughout the world, as their rights and dignity are denied and violated in horrific ways that include rape and sexual violence, domestic violence and the denial of their freedom and right to participate in society.  

Sr. Kayula Lesa RSC reflects on two great celebrations in the Zambian Region in September.
“The 5th and 12th of September, 2009, were not ordinary days in the lives of the Sisters of Charity in the Zambian Religion. On 5th of September Sr. Liness Banda made her Final Vows in Kabwata Parish in Lusaka; while on the 12th, Sr. Anne Clare Salamo celebrated her Silver Jubilee in Sacred Heart Parish in Kabwe.

September 12th, 2009 was an historic day in the life of the Nigerian Region.  Six sisters took Final Vows as Sisters of Charity in the parish church of Christ the King, Port Harcourt – Sisters Laeticia Amadi, Mary Balogun, Eucharia Eya, Gloria Ozuluoke, Francisca Ahumibe and Prisca Acholonu.  Sr. Mary Christian, the Superior General, was present to receive their vows.