Growing into Global Sisterhood

As I reflect on my time at HOPE 2025 in Rome, a smile rises naturally, and with it, a refreshing breeze moves through my heart. Italy always holds a special place for me: it is the land of gelato, yes, but more personally, it is where my nuclear family lives. This year, the profound joy of being with them was accompanied by the energizing joy of being with my global sisters in religious life.
 
Many have already shared beautiful reflections on our time together, and I feel deeply connected to all that has been said. Perhaps someone else has shared this detail too, but I want to add what especially touched me: every single day of our gathering honored the richness of our diverse cultures. The event embraced five languages for communication and liturgy, but what moved me most was the intentional space created for non-dominant languages to be heard. During prayers, liturgies, and other communal moments, sisters were invited to speak, sing, and pray in the languages of their local territories. So, we had moments that were carefully planned and others that emerged spontaneously, and all were welcomed and cherished. That combination of intentionality and spontaneity spoke volumes. It affirmed that all our voices belong, and that our languages, no matter how often overlooked, carry wisdom. It reminded me that our identities are shaped not only by what is ‘officially’ recognized, but also by the words and rhythms that connect us to our people, our struggles, and our hopes.
 
Our tea or coffee times became sacred in their own right. They were not just pauses in the schedule; they were intentional spaces for sharing what was on our hearts. Around the group tables, I was reminded again and again that leadership does not belong to a few. It is shared, embodied, and expressed by all. I was truly inspired by the sisters at my table who are doing so much good in the world. They are Good News for many!
 
It was also a joy to encounter my dear sisters from Peru, from across Latin America, and, of course, my own Giving Voice sisters from the United States. We laughed, we sang, we hugged, and we listened. Most of all, we created a space to reflect on how we connect, how we journey together, and how we lead together.
 
And yes, the group photo moments… chaotic, hilarious, and beautiful! I believe many of us (if not all) found ourselves asking: Which group do I belong to? Where should I go first? In those moments, it felt a bit messy, as if we had to choose just one. But then it became clear: I didn’t have to choose. I belong to all of them. All of them speak to who I am. I am a young woman religious whose identity intersects with many geographies, many histories, and many communities. That beautiful complexity is what I call global sisterhood.
 
HOPE 2025 reminded me that global sisterhood is not a label, it is a practice. It is the daily, intentional work of creating belonging, connection, and community. And I carry that hope forward.

Reflection by Sr. Katty Huanuco. CCVI (seen in photo – center in yellow)

Katty was one of 5 Giving Voice Sisters who received scholarships to help offset the the expenses incurred to attend this event.