Excitement and Energy at Hope 2025

My heart was filled with a profound sense of excitement as I embarked on the journey to Hope 2025 in Rome. Before the event, a dear friend, Jane, and I seized the opportunity to visit the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. The final resting place for Pope Francis and home to the Salus Populi Romani icon. 

Kneeling before the Salus Populi Romani icon, I imagined Pope Francis, a beacon of hope and compassion in our modern world, offering his fervent prayers within these very walls. In that hallowed space, I envisioned their collective prayers for the world. A profound sense of gratitude washed over me – gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this spiritual legacy, and an immense openness to the transformative experiences that the upcoming gathering promised.

Upon entering the vibrant gathering space of Hope 2025, I was immediately enveloped by an palpable energy. The air buzzed with joyful reunions as I met up with familiar faces; Yet, there was also the exhilarating prospect of meeting new individuals. It became clear very quickly that a powerful, unifying theme underpinned our discussions: we are not merely the future of religious life, but indeed, its vibrant present. Many attendees were community leaders, reflecting the active nature of modern religious life.

Throughout the week, we shared our hopes and dreams, finding a common yearning for global women religious to achieve profound unity within their diverse mosaic. This was expressed through presentations, conversations, and shared prayer. We actively embraced our differences, recognizing that even when communication presented challenges these very differences held the potential for deeper understanding and richer connection. We learned that vulnerability, the willingness to be open and authentic, was not a weakness but a pathway to profound connection and leadership.

I am profoundly grateful to the Leadership Collaborative for their bold and visionary decision to hold this pivotal conference outside the confines of the United States. It was a tangible experience of unity in diversity, a powerful testament to the enduring strength and collective spirit of women religious worldwide.

Reflection by Sr. Audra Turnbull, IHM
seen below in center with Sr. Grace Akunna John-Emezi, HHCJ (left) and Sr. Thuy Tran, CSJ (right)

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