New Documentary Highlights U.S. Catholic Nuns۪ Work to Promote Social Justice Over Last 50 Years

A new documentary called Band of Sisters follows several Catholic nuns in the U.S. over the last 50 years, tracing their shifting roles from sheltered convent life to the forefront of social justice advocacy. The film, which spans the periods from Vatican II in 1962 to present day, could not come at a more opportune time. Last month, the newly appointed Pope Francis called on his international congregation to serve “the poorest and the weakest.”

 

In 1962, Pope John XXIII convened Vatican II, bringing together the world’s Catholic bishops to renew the Church۪s core teachings around compassion and justice. Band of Sistersdepicts several American nuns who embraced this message and shifted their attention to serving those most in need, beginning with the social movements of the 1960s through today. This includes testifying before Congress, participating in protest marches and engaging in civil disobedience. The nuns also formed organizations such as NETWORK, a national Catholic social justice lobby, which played a key role in last summer۪s “Nuns on the Bus” tour to protest the impact federal budget cuts on poor Americans.

 

Band of Sisters is being shown at independent screenings across the country, with plans for a widespread theatrical release.

 

To find out more about similar events, check out our Culture and Poverty resource page, which highlights short television series, documentaries and films that focus an artistic lens on poverty in America.

 

 

Posted by Tamanna
____________________________________________

Here at Out of the Spotlight, we offer a behind-the-scenes look at the latest news and information essential to anyone working to fight poverty. From key political appointees to clashes over policy, we cover the news that doesn’t always make the evening news. Check out Out of the Spotlight for our take on the twists and turns of the latest political developments and their impact on poverty reduction. Topics and ideas are welcome! Just contact mlaracy@aecf.org or watersboots@hotmail.com.