The XXIII Plenary Assembly of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) reaches its penultimate day today, after an intense journey of work, prayer, and shared discernment under the theme “Consecrated life: a hope that transforms.”

The day began with a morning prayer focused on gratitude, inviting participants to recognize the fruits of these days of encounter. During the reflection, the testimonies of sisters who bring hope to difficult situations were remembered, and the role of women religious in the synodal Church was considered.

“In you, Superiors General, many sisters are made present—many women who express something of God through their lives,” was expressed during the prayer, which continued with a video showing various biblical images of women that reflect aspects of God: tenderness, compassion, and merciful love.

A Day of Synthesis and Conclusions

The day’s agenda was marked by key moments:
• Following the morning prayer, participants engaged in personal reflection and table sharing.
• They then gathered in their “constellations”—territorial groupings—to work in groups and later offer feedback in the afternoon session.
• The final session included the presentation of the Plenary Assembly Declaration and words of thanks.
• Sr. Mary Barron, OLA, delivered the closing message.
• The day ended with the celebration of the Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Mauro-Giuseppe Lepori, O.Cist.

Tomorrow, 9 May, as the official closing of the Assembly, the participants will visit the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where they will also have the opportunity to pay tribute at the tomb of Pope Francis.

Plenary Assembly Declaration

The final document of the Assembly gathers the commitment of consecrated women in this 60th anniversary of UISG. In it, participants recognize themselves as “consecrated women, entrusted with the same call to be disciples of Christ through the service of leadership in our Congregations.”

The declaration expresses gratitude for what Pope Francis has contributed to the dynamism of Consecrated Life and emphasizes that, in this Jubilee Year, in a time of profound upheaval in our world and transition in the life of the Church, religious women desire to offer their unique contribution as consecrated women.

At the conclusion of the Assembly, the Superiors General commit to becoming more and more:
• Women of peace, resilient, who remain at the foot of the cross
• Women at the margins, who reject exclusion and discrimination
• Women who keep vigil in the night and, like the moon, reflect the light
• Synodal women who build evangelical and inclusive communities
• Prophetic women who, in old age, illness or weakness, continue to be signs of hope

“As women entrusted with the leadership of our congregations, we commit ourselves to nourish hope within us and to transmit it, because ‘we set all our hope on the grace that will be brought to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ’ (1 Pt 1:13),” concludes the declaration.

An Unexpected Sign of Grace

During the final Eucharistic celebration of the day, an unexpected and moving moment occurred: the “white smoke” appeared by surprise, filling everyone present with joy and emotion. The prayers of the Assembly’s participants had been heard: the event began with the See vacant and concluded with the announcement of the election of the new successor of Peter. A sign of grace that gave even deeper meaning to the Assembly, animating it with hope and communion with the universal Church.

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.

View the photo album of the fourth day