A group of Roman Catholic nuns are taking an unusual bus ride across America: they are protesting against government budget cuts, which they say are harming low-income families.

A recent Vatican report criticised some nuns for focusing too much on economic injustice. The nuns, stung by the criticism from Rome, say the firestorm has given them a platform.

In their latest trip they are in Janesville, Wisconsin, to deliver an alternative budget to the Republican congress member Paul Ryan. Their plan favours a safety net for the worst off instead of tax cuts for the rich.

There is every sign they will continue to take their gospel on the road, with or without the Vatican's blessing.

Al Jazeera's Kristen Saloomey reports from Janesville, Wisconsin.