Rome, 16 December 2025 – On the occasion of its 60th anniversary, the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) presents a new documentary entitled Consecrated Life, a Hope that Transforms. This documentary traces the path of a worldwide network of women's religious congregations and shows the contemporary face of consecrated life through stories, cultures and continents.

To celebrate this anniversary, Pope Leo XIV sent a letter to the UISG, praising its role in serving the communion and mission of the Church. ‘Your commitment to cooperation and your willingness to remain at the forefront of the mission are an eloquent witness to the Gospel,’ wrote the Holy Father.

Founded on 8 December 1965, the last day of the Second Vatican Council, the UISG celebrates sixty years of listening, dialogue and collaboration among women's religious congregations around the world.

“Sixty years ago, the UISG was founded to unite, listen and build communion. Today we celebrate a history that is constantly evolving, looking towards the future and open to new horizons,” emphasises Sr. Oonah O'Shea, NDS, UISG President.

For Sr. Roxanne Schares, SSND, UISG Executive Secretary, this anniversary is also a time for discernment in the face of changes in the contemporary world:
«Congregations are facing new and complex challenges. Our mission is to accompany them, strengthen networks, promote collaboration, and support processes of discernment that bring hope».

The documentary highlights the commitment of religious women in geographical and existential peripheries. It shows their presence alongside migrants and refugees, their fight against human trafficking, their defence of human dignity and their commitment to the protection of creation.

For six decades, UISG has accompanied women's congregations engaged in apostolic mission through formation programmes, international projects and important global justice initiatives. It continues to promote interculturality, support forms of participatory governance and create essential spaces for dialogue between congregations, the Church and civil society.

Notes for the editor
Online distribution: the documentary will be available from 16 December 2025 on this link: HERE
Duration: 22 min 39 s

Press contact
Sr. Thérèse Raad, SDC
Communications Office – UISG
comunicazione@uisg.org