The culmination of five days plenary of International Union of women Superiors General of different religious congregations from all over the world concluded on May 6, 2022. There were 520 sisters attending the plenary in person and another 200 by online. The theme: Embracing Vulnerability on the Synodal journey, as well as various theological inputs affirm the commitment of the leaders to the process of synodality and to embrace a journey of vulnerability which is vital for the renewal of the church, religious life, and our own congregations.
photo: Sr. Josephina D’Souza SAC
Sr. Josephina D’ Souza, our superior General took part in this event at the Hotel Ergife in Rome. This plenary brought a strong sense of communion and bond among the leaders of the congregations. All the participants expressed that they need more time to study this theme in detail. However, there was a clear call for a paradigm shift in the approach to leadership — for transformation, not just change. The shift is to be more respectful, more inclusive, and less hierarchical.
photo: Sr. Josephina D’Souza SAC
The women leaders met Pope Francis at Paul VI Hall for a table conversation. He called the attention of the congregational leaders to the process of synodality which is a way to affirm the original intentions of the founders of religious congregations while meeting the needs of a rapidly changing world. At the end all the participants joined together to make a UISG plenary commitment which reads ‘I commit myself to live vulnerable synodality through service as a leader, animating it within the community, together with the people of God’.
photo: Pallottine Superiors General – Sr. Josephina D’Souza SAC and Sr. Ivete Garlet CSAC
We also CONGRATULATE Sr. Josephina, our Superior General who is elected to be in the Executive Board of UISG for three years.
