In a recent article for Global Sisters Report, Sr. Judith Gomila, M.S.C., reflects on her experience participating in the Flourishing Sisterhood podcast project, describing it as a new kind of "border crossing"—a recurring theme throughout her life and ministry. At 84, Sr. Judith embraced the unfamiliar format of being interviewed by Loyola University New Orleans undergraduates, an encounter that echoed her lifelong openness to challenge, transformation, and mutual growth. As she shared her vocational and faith journey, she found herself once again crossing into new territory—shaped by those she encountered and, in turn, shaping them through her witness.

Sister Judith serves with the Marianite Sisters of Holy Cross in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, where she is on the board of Project Lazarus, which works to heal and empower persons living with HIV/AIDS, and on the board of the Clarion Herald. The Flourishing Sisterhood Project represents a commitment to the well-being of religious sisters by offering participants the opportunity to earn Loyola's Certificate in Spirituality with a specialized focus on spirituality and the aging process. Through carefully structured gatherings and shared experiences, religious sisters from across the Gulf South region come together to explore their faith journeys in community. This cross-pollination of traditions and perspectives creates rich opportunities for personal and spiritual growth that might not occur within the confines of individual congregations.

Participants in the Flourishing Sisterhood program also contribute to a broader conversation about religious life through podcasts where they share personal stories about God's call to religious life and the lived experience of their vocations. These intimate narratives provide listeners with authentic glimpses into the diverse paths that lead to consecrated life and the ongoing journey of living out one's religious commitment.