Dating while discerning religious vocations was just one topic discussed at an event that also included conversations about the best place to meet other single Catholics and today’s gender dynamics.

Jesuit brothers of the world, unite!

Pope Francis warned against contemplative orders using defensive, nostalgic strategies “when it comes to reflecting on a whether a monastery should be saved or abandoned, on community life or about vocations.”

The Christmas fair in Madrid was the work of Fundación Contemplare, a nonprofit set up to help Spain’s monasteries continue a legacy of gourmet baked goods and handmade candies but also, more importantly, to support contemplative life and reconnect monasteries with the world around them.

Pope Francis has invited a community of nuns to move into the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, renewing the building’s purpose as home to cloistered women dedicated to supporting the pope’s ministry with their prayer.

The Synod on Synodality looks toward the church’s great religious institutes for what synodality within the universal church may look like. But are those the right models?