The XXIII UISG Plenary Assembly
The XXIII Plenary Assembly of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) was held from 5 – 9 May 2025 at the Ergife Palace Hotel in Rome. Together with 950 Superiors General from around the world, Sr. Josephina D’Souza, SAC the Superior General of Pallottine Missionary Sisters took part in it. The theme of the Plenary, “Consecrated Life: A Hope That Transforms” invited them to reflect on their mission as a sign of hope and transformation in today’s world.
This event took place at a crucial moment for the Church, marked by the recent passing of Pope Francis and election of a new Pontiff. Sr. Mary Barron, President of the UISG, inaugurated the Assembly and implored women religious to be “pilgrims of hope” in a wounded and fragmented world. She recalled the pillars of Pope Francis’ pontificate, such as personal encounter with Christ, synodality, authority as service, and vulnerability as a path to renewal. Since this year is also marked by the 60th anniversary of the UISG, it makes the Jubilee Year journey of reflection and discernment even more profound.
During these days, the participants reflected on different themes presented by the women resource persons among them was Sister Simona Brambilla, Missionary of Consolata, former Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, who shared her thoughts and experience on the theme: “How does consecrated life represent transforming hope?” Further listening to the living testimony of women religious who serve in Myanmar, the Amazon and on the American / Mexican border sowing hope at the frontiers of pain and exclusion gave a sense of pride to women religious who are a light of concrete sign of hope.
In all reflections and discussions, the Plenary was focusing on synodality. The methodology of Conversation in the Spirit was the center as a tool for discernment. This approach helped to promote deep listening, shared reflection and global communion among the participants. This assembly provided a sacred space for diverse voices and embraced collective action.
The Assembly officially concluded today, 9 May, with a Eucharistic celebration at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major — a particularly meaningful moment for the participants, who were able to pray for the new Pope Leo XIV and pay tribute at the tomb of Pope Francis, acknowledging his important contribution to consecrated life and the synodal Church.
This assembly motivated the participants to place themselves “under the gaze of Jesus” and to recognize, in the words of poet Pedro Casaldáliga, that “It is late, but it is our time, the time we have at hand to shape the future.”
Sr. Josephina D’ Souza, SAC
Superior General
Photos : UISG media and communication, Sr. Josephina
