Hope as a Springboard: Rising to Meet the Moment

The Leadership Collaborative HOPE gathering was a time of grounding and momentum. The nearly 300 sisters who attended became more rooted in sisterhood and better able to rise in response to the times.

Both the purpose of the Leadership Collaborative and the main topics of the gathering helped us become more rooted and then rise. One of the major components of the Leadership Collaborative’s purpose is connecting. We had time to enjoy each other’s company. During break, we spent time getting to know each other. Through the synodal process, we shared on a deeper level.

During the weekend, we reflected on the initial call to religious life. Remembering our roots reminded us of the graces of our vocations. We connected to the abundant life God gives us! We also took time to lament our losses and to celebrate the positive, finding blessings in both. We were reminded that Reality can be as blessed as idealism.

We connected through the common experiences of being a young sister, understanding the realities and inspiration of current religious life. We shared the joys and challenges of service as well.

The sisters experienced their unity and diversity. We came from communities with different charisms and a variety of family backgrounds. We were genuine with one another, feeling a sense of belonging because of both our similarities and our differences. In the program, individual sisters shared, followed by small group discussion. Each shared from her personal wisdom and experienced the collective wisdom of the group.

We connected to the larger Church, nurturing ourselves through those roots. We enjoyed being part of the global sisterhood and the “larger” religious life. This goes beyond home convent, province, or community. We experienced how all the parts of the Church are living the mission together.

Being rooted leads to rising. Global sisterhood has so much potential energy, becoming contacts for community and ministry. Also, vision and hope are springboards for action, inspiration to act on. As we walk in compassion with others, we come to understand their needs – and are given opportunities to help.

It’s important to respond to the needs of the times. We meet what’s rising in the world; we also need to be aware of what’s rising within us. We can then bring our vision and gifts to the world.

We were empowered to rise to meet the needs of the world. We emerged refreshed and nourished by our time together, ready to bring that energy and clarity forward. Our witness of hope and compassion is needed in a polarized, divided world. Community itself is a form of rising; our unity and diversity is powerful! Hope propels us into action, into bold choices for good. As an international sisterhood, we do this together, praying, discerning and ministering side by side. The Leadership Collaborative provides the resources and opportunities to make that possible. At the HOPE gathering, the sisters were also invited to an upcoming reunion, to continue nurturing these relationships and the spirit we shared.

 We emerged more deeply rooted in faith, ready for the present moment. We face the world together, with hearts full of compassion.

Reflection by Sr. Grace Marie del Priore, CSSF
seen below (right) with Sr. Maria Louise Edwards, CSSF (left)

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