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Documentary Explores Decline of Catholic Sisters in America

9/25/2025

50 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The documentary In the Company of Change premiered September 14, 2025, examining Sister Martha Buser's life and the decline of Catholic religious life in America.
Sister Martha Buser (died 2023) was a leader in the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville, now with 33 members and a median age of 85.
The film notes shifts after the Second Vatican Council toward modernization.

History

Historical Context

The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) marked a pivotal shift in the Catholic Church's engagement with modern society. Following this, the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville experienced a steep decline in membership, falling to 33 by 2025, reflecting broader trends in religious participation in the U.S. Sister Martha Buser, a key figure who died in 2023, highlighted the challenges faced by religious communities today.

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Story summary

The documentary In the Company of Change premiered September 14, 2025, examining Sister Martha Buser's life and the decline of Catholic religious life in America.
Sister Martha Buser (died 2023) was a leader in the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville, now with 33 members and a median age of 85.
The film notes shifts after the Second Vatican Council toward modernization.

1 / 2