The last video of our series with a few religious women who are taking part in the Program for the Preparation of Formators. Sr. Vanessa Paola Villalobos de León of Dominican Sisters of Charity of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin shares her feelings and notions: 

“In the course, reflecting and learning about our humanity, humanness, helped us to be closer to God. I learned more about myself and I have grown in love of myself.”

Workshops and sharing together was an opportunity to be closer to God, admits Sr. Vanessa. She would like to share these experiences with her congregation to help others, mainly new members, “to know and love themselves, love Jesus more, and participate in the mission of the church.”

Furthermore, the Colombian sister identifies a moment which inspired her to live her
vocation with a renewed commitment: a retreat in Italian town Nemi close to Rome before Holy Week. It happened a few months after the beginning of the formation program. There were a lot of insights, says Sr. Vanessa and goes on:

“I could place myself in front of God. I reviewed what I had experienced so far. I felt God was there with me and with the priest who accompanied me. It was a special time of prayer, silence, going into the deep, enjoying nature and life with other sisters. All of us together enjoyed this beautiful moment.”

Formation is an integral process, Sr. Vanessa observes. It is not about separate parts: humanity, spiritual and prayer life, preparation to vows, and so on, as formation “tends to wholeness”.

Programme for the Preparation of Formators runs from January 13 to July 4, 2025. It is in English and takes place on-site at the UISG seat in Rome.

We accept applications for 2026. For more information and registration check: uisg.org/en/news/Formators-Program-2026/
 
The programme offers various ways to help the participant integrate the content of the programme including personal reflection, group work and interaction, and mentoring. Each participant assumes the responsibility for her own human and spiritual growth and commits herself to active and engaged participation.