“We are becoming fewer in number and it is important to strengthen our small flock a little more and to go deeper. We were busy with activities and the Spirit was running away from us.”
This is the observation of Sr. Irena Kopanicová, Superior General of the Sisters of Mercy of St. Vincent de Paul, the so-called “Satmárky” sisters. As she explains, until now they have been very much focused on activity and work:
“Today we realize how important small things are. We are learning to talk together about our, vocational’ path.”
We try to express ourselves freely and respectfully accept different opinions. Likewise, we want to go deeper by reflecting on the truth of our lives and the motivations that drive us to enter the congregation, says the Slovak religious woman.
When it comes to the UISG Plenary Assembly, Sr. Irena expects an exchange of experiences and discussions on the future of religious life:
“It is a journey together in the service of others and at the same time it is a personal moment of spiritual renewal and deepening of my vocation and my ministry.”
Regarding the Jubilee: Pilgrims of Hope, the Superior General considers the image of the pilgrim to be very important:
“It teaches us to perceive my strengths, my limitations and fragilities, without forgetting the destination of the journey. It is also about guidance to the sisters following the suggestions that the UISG provides us.”
Finally, Sr. Irena tells us how the “Satmárky” sisters put synodality into practice:
“We are committed to deepening the spirit of dialogue and shared discernment in relationships and daily decisions. Together we reread the Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025: Spes non confundit (Hope does not disappoint).”
Thus, the Sisters of Mercy of St. Vincent de Paul reflect on how to apply the Pope’s words to their lives and how to make them visible in their community.