In a letter sent on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the International Union of Superiors General, Pope Leo XIV urges women religious to be “pilgrims and missionary disciples of hope” to heal the wounds of those they encounter. Source: Vatican News.
Recalling “the vision of St Paul VI,” who promoted the renewal of consecrated life in the modern world in the wake of the Second Vatican Council, the Pope expressed his gratitude to all members of the UISG for carrying out their mission “with fidelity and courage”.
The letter was addressed to Australian Sr Oonah O’Shea NDS, UISG President, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the union’s foundation, on December 8, 1965.
”I join you in gratitude for the many ways in which the UISG has carried forward this mission,” the Pope writes.
He recalls how over its 60 years, the UISG has fostered a space for dialogue among Superiors from all six continents, sharing “the richness of their charisms” and the gifts of the Holy Spirit “for the good of the Church and of the world.”
The Pope notes that the present time is marked “by rapid change and many urgent needs” and that the commitment of women religious in cooperation and mission at the frontiers is a “a powerful testimony to the Gospel”.
The fact “that this anniversary coincides with the Jubilee Year of Hope,” he adds, “is a particular grace”.
In a statement, Sr O’Shea said: “Sixty years ago, the UISG was founded to unite, listen and build communion. Today we celebrate a history that is constantly evolving, looking towards the future and open to new horizons.”
She announced that on the occasion of its 60th anniversary, the UISG presents a new documentary, Consecrated Life, a Hope that Transforms, which traces the path of a worldwide network of women’s religious congregations and shows the contemporary face of consecrated life through stories, cultures and continents.
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Pope thanks UISG for bearing testimony to Gospel at frontiers of mission (By Benedetta Capelli, Vatican News)
